All HiPP formulas are justifiably popular with both moms and babies: 100% organic, nutritionally balanced, and suitable from newborn to toddler.
But why does HiPP come in German, Dutch and UK forms, and what’s the difference? Is it just the same formula in different packaging for each country?
Short answer: no. While all HiPP formulas provide natural, healthy food for growing babies, there are differences in ingredients. Many babies will thrive equally well on any HiPP formula, while others might do better with a balance of nutrients that you’ll only find in one.
What are the main differences between different HiPP formulas?
The main differences in ingredients between HiPP German, Dutch and UK are in the addition (or not) of starch and probiotics.
Probiotics
HiPP German and some Dutch formulas include probiotics cultured from real breastmilk. These support gut health, making your baby less prone to tummy upsets, diarrhea and colic. There are even some indications that probiotics can reduce the risk of allergies and asthma, though the evidence isn’t yet conclusive.
All HiPP formulas also include prebiotics – vital to gut health. The prebiotics used by HiPP are galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), derived from natural lactose, just as in breastmilk.
If you want a formula that includes probiotics as well as prebiotics: Choose any HiPP German formula, or HiPP Dutch Stage 1 or 2.
Starch
Starch is included in some HiPP German formulas, but not in HiPP Dutch or UK. Many parents want to avoid starch, as it can be hard for some babies to digest.
But starch isn’t always bad – it can be a useful addition for hungrier babies, helping them feel satisfied faster and stay fuller for longer.
Starch is a complex carb, so it doesn’t spike blood sugar as simple carbs like corn syrup can. You’ll find starch in many common foods, including potatoes, grains and legumes, so babies who are eating solids will usually be used to digesting starch.
Parents often choose to avoid starch for their newborn, but find that active crawlers and walkers do better with a formula that includes starch to fuel their play and growth.
If you want a formula that includes starch: Choose HiPP German Stage 1, 2 or 3.
If you’d rather avoid starch: Choose any HiPP Dutch or HiPP UK formula, or HiPP German Stage Pre, Stage 2 (No Starch) or Stage 4.
Compare all HiPP formulas at a glance
Probiotics and starch aren’t the only differences between HiPP formulas. There are also differences in:
- Container size and type (box or can)
- Whey (whey-based formulas can be easier to digest)
- Soy lecithin (used to stabilize and thicken formula, but not tolerated by all babies)
Take a look at this table to see which HiPP formula is right for your little one:
|
Formula |
Age |
Weight and Packaging |
Whey? |
Prebiotics? |
Probiotics? |
Soy Lecithin? |
Starch? |
|
0-3 months |
600g box |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
|
0-6 months |
800g box |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
|
0-6 months |
600g box |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
|
0-6 months |
900g can |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
|
6-12 months |
800g box |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
|
|
6-10 months |
600g box |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
6-10 months |
600g box |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
|
6-12 months |
900g can |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
|
12 months+ |
600g box |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
|
|
10-12 months |
600g box |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
12 months+ |
900g can |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
|
|
DE Stage 4 |
12 months+ |
600g box |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Why are there these differences between HiPP formulas?
Partly because regulations vary, and some ingredients are expected as standard in different European countries, and not in others. HiPP have adapted their formula to suit each market.
And partly it’s down to HiPP’s own rigorous research-based approach. HiPP have been researching breastmilk for over 50 years, testing ingredients to see what works best.
They know that what works for one baby won’t always work for another, so you can choose the perfect combination of nutrients for your little one’s needs. If your baby has allergies or reflux, take a look at HiPP speciality formulas.
Whichever HiPP formula you choose, it’ll come with a personal guarantee (after 260 quality checks) from Stefan Hipp – the fourth generation of the HiPP family of organic farming pioneers.