HiPP Dutch vs German vs UK: Which Formula is Best?

HiPP Dutch is the most popular of the HiPP range. The table below compares the differences between the HiPP Dutch, German and UK formulas.

HiPP Dutch contains prebiotics, probiotics, naturally sourced folate derived from Metafolin for better bioavailability and does not contain starch or soy lecithin in any stages.

HiPP German contains prebiotics, probiotics, naturally sourced folate derived from Metafolin for better bioavailability, however it does contain starch (except PRE and Stage 2 no-starch) and soy lecithin in stage 2 and 3.

HiPP UK contains prebiotics, however not probiotics, has folate sourced synthetically from folic acid making it less bioavailable and does not contain starch or soy lecithin in any stages.

In summary HiPP Dutch has the superior ingredients and is better for babies with sensitive tummies as it digests better, and has a slightly less sweet taste which babies enjoy.

HiPP International is a pioneer in organic farming and infant nutrition, recognized as the largest processor of organic-biological raw materials worldwide.

The company’s origins date back to the late 19th century, when Joseph Hipp, a baker, created a rusk-based flour to help his wife nourish their twins. His nutritious innovation gained popularity, leading to the production of infant food that remained in the German market until the 1970s.

Joseph’s son, Georg Hipp, expanded the family business into infant nutrition, launching baby food products in the 1950s. HiPP transitioned from tins to hygienically safer jars in 1959/60, rapidly expanding its product range to include juices, junior meals, and whole-grain fruit blends.

HiPP embraced organic farming early on, inspired by the Swiss pioneer Dr. Hans Müller. The company set the standard for chemical-free agriculture, cultivating fruits and vegetables on natural soils. Claus Hipp, a key figure in HiPP’s growth, traveled extensively to promote organic farming, building a vast network of over 8,000 organic farms that supply HiPP with ingredients today.

HiPP Organic Seal – A proprietary certification ensuring higher purity standards than standard EU organic regulations. HiPP tests for over 1,000 harmful substances, far exceeding legal requirements.

EU Organic Certification – Guarantees that HiPP products are free from synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and artificial additives.

Metafolin® (Bioactive Folate) – A unique form of folate that mimics the natural folate found in breast milk, ensuring better absorption than synthetic folic acid.

Prebiotics & Probiotics – HiPP formulas contain galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and L. fermentum, supporting gut health and immunity.

Optimized Whey-to-Casein Ratio – Designed to mimic breast milk, making digestion easier for infants.

Palm Oil-Free Options – Some HiPP formulas avoid palm oil, using organic vegetable oils for a healthier fat profile.

Metafolin® is a bioactive form of folate used in HiPP Organic Combiotic® formulas to mimic the natural folate found in human breast milk. Unlike synthetic folic acid, which requires conversion in the body, Metafolin® (L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) is immediately available and easier to absorb.

Why is Metafolin® Important?

• Supports DNA & RNA synthesis – Essential for cell growth, division, and brain development.
• More bioavailable than folic acid – Some individuals struggle to convert synthetic folic acid into its active form, but Metafolin® is ready for use.
• Promotes healthy blood formation – Crucial for red blood cell production and immune function.

Safer for infants – Studies show that babies fed Metafolin®-fortified formula have folate levels comparable to breastfed infants

HiPP offers a wide range of organic infant formulas, tailored to different nutritional needs. We carry the following categories:

• HiPP Combiotic® Formula – This is a cow milk based formula range that contains prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health and digestion.
• HiPP HA (Hypoallergenic) Formula – Uses hydrolyzed protein to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
• HiPP Anti-Reflux (AR) Formula – Designed for babies with acid reflux, containing natural locust bean gum to thicken the formula.
• HiPP Comfort Formula – Helps with colic, gas, and constipation, featuring reduced lactose and hydrolyzed protein.
• HiPP Organic Goat’s Milk Formula – A gentler alternative to cow’s milk, rich in natural prebiotics.

HiPP Growing-Up Milk (Junior Milk) – For toddlers 12+ months, providing extra nutrients for continued development.

There are two main reasons for EU and Australian manufactured formula being healthier and safer for your baby.

1. Higher standards for formula ingredients

 EU and Australia regularly update and constantly enforce formula ingredient regulation compliance to ensure the latest food tech standards for infant health and safety are met. The FDA has not reviewed and updated baby formula ingredient requirements since 1998. 

Many common ingredients found in US formulas are banned in Australia and the EU, such as GMO’s, corn syrup, rice/glucose syrup, fructose, or table sugars.

 Due to the high prevalence of heavy metal contamination of soil and water across the US, most US produced baby formula is found to have potentially harmful levels of contaminants, including heavy metals like lead and arsenic

2.      Higher and stricter qualification criteria to meet the organic certification standards

The farming standards required for organic certification are higher in the EU and Australia.

The organic standards in the EU and Australia guarantee that the formula is free of hormones, GMOs, added sugars, artificial preservatives, antibiotics and pesticides.

HiPP and Holle meet even higher standards, such as Demeter and Biodynamic standards respectively.  

Table Summarizing the Differences between EU and US Baby Formula