Is HiPP formula a good choice for your baby?

HiPP is one of the oldest formula and baby food brands in Europe, with a history stretching all the way back to Germany in 1899.

Today, it’s an all-organic brand that you’ll find in countless kitchen cabinets (and baby bottles) across Europe. It has Dutch, German and U.K versions, and makes several popular specialist formulas for babies with intolerances or colic. They also make baby weaning foods.

If you’ve ever bought or thought about buying European formula, you’ve almost certainly come across HiPP. But is HiPP the right choice for your baby? Because it’s such a big brand with so many different options, it can feel tricky to work out whether it’s right, or which HiPP product to choose.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about HiPP, including:

HiPP’s history and organic pedigree
Reasons moms and dads love HiPP
HiPP German, Dutch and UK – what’s the difference?
Specialist HiPP formulas

1) HiPP’s history and organic pedigree

HiPP has a 120 year history that makes them the oldest European formula brand we’re aware of. Founded in Germany in 1899, HiPP began when baker Joseph Hipp and his wife Maria were struggling to feed their newborn twins. Back then, there was no formula available, and babies who couldn’t get enough breastmilk often struggled to survive.

Joseph used his knowledge of food and nutrition to create his own, rusk-based baby food that gave his twins the fuel they needed to grow. The family began to sell their new food, and it became popular across Europe.

In 1956, HiPP became an all-organic company, and a pioneer of organic farming. At firs,t they were still focused on baby food, but started selling formula in 1964.

Today, HiPP is still owned by the descendants of Joseph and Maria, and they still make their formula using milk from organic, small family farms in Germany. They’re one of the most trusted names in infant nutrition, and were setting high standards for nutrition long before the EU did.

2) Reasons moms and dads love HiPP

There are several reasons why HiPP stands out among European baby formulas. These include:

All-organic products made using milk, grains, fruit and vegetables from family farms in Germany. If you want to know where your baby’s milk comes from, HiPP are a great choice.

A wide range of products, including multiple types of formula, specialist formula and baby food. With HiPP, you can switch formulas as you baby’s needs change, without changing brands – so you don’t have to research a new brand all over again.

Especially good for gut health, with natural prebiotics cultured from breastmilk in some HiPP formulas.

A selection of ready-to-feed formulas. These liquid formulas are hugely convenient for night feeds or travel, since there’s no mixing required. And choosing HiPP means that you can switch between powdered and ready-to-feed formula without switching brands.

Then, there are the general nutritional benefits you’ll get with any European formula, including:

Lactose as the primary carbohydrate, similar to breast milk.
Carefully balanced fats, proteins, and nutrients designed to support healthy growth.
No corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives.
No GMOs, pesticides or hormones.
DHA included for healthy brain and eye development.

3) HiPP German, Dutch and UK – what’s the difference?

You might have noticed that HiPP comes in German, Dutch and UK versions. So what’s the difference?

Actually, not all that much, as all HiPP formulas conform to the same high nutritional standards. But there are some small differences that might be important to you. For example:

Prebiotics and probiotics. Both HiPP German and Dutch formulas include natural prebiotics and probiotics. These help support babies’ digestion, and provide the good bacteria they need to set them up for long-term gut health. HiPP UK includes prebiotics, but not probiotics. This may not make a huge difference to most babies, but it is worth bearing in mind if you know your baby might need some extra support with digestion.

Starch. HiPP UK and Dutch formulas are all starch-free. Since some babies find starch hard to digest, these could be the better choice. Some HiPP German formulas do include starch, which can mean they’re creamier and more filling. If your baby often seems hungry or they’re particularly active, this could make HiPP German a better choice for them.

Packaging. HiPP German mostly comes in 600 g boxes, and HiPP UK in 600g or 800g boxes. HiPP Dutch comes in 800 g cans, which some parents prefer, since the larger pack size lasts longer, and cans can be easier to store safely.

4) Specialist HiPP formulas

HiPP is one of the few brands that offers a range of specialist formulas in addition to its mainstream products.

These formulas are intended for babies who struggle to digest standard formula for various reasons, or who show symptoms that might indicate that they do. This can include:

Babies that show signs of a possible intolerance or allergy
Babies who suffer from constipation and colic
Babies who suffer from reflux

These aren’t the same as the prescription-only formulas that babies with a diagnosed allergy might be prescribed, but they do provide a valuable option for parents with babies who aren’t settled on standard formula.

There are 3 specialist formulas on offer: HiPP Hypoallergenic, HiPP Comfort and HiPP Anti-Reflux.

HiPP Hypoallergenic (HA) formula

HiPP HA uses partially hydrolyzed milk proteins, meaning the proteins are broken down into smaller pieces. This can make it easier to digest and less likely to trigger an allergy or sensitivity.

It’s often used for babies with a family history of allergies or those showing mild signs of sensitivity to cow’s milk, such as excessive gas or fussiness.

It’s not suitable for babies with a diagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy.

HiPP Comfort Formula

HiPP Comfort is designed as an easier-to-digest option for babies who show signs of discomfort after feeds. It has reduced lactose and partially hydrolyzed proteins to make it especially easy to digest.

It’s best for babies with colic or who are generally unsettled after feeds, and those with excess gas or constipation.

HiPP Anti-Reflux formula

HiPP Anti-Reflux is designed for babies who struggle with frequent spit-up or reflux. It is thickened with natural carob bean to help it stay down more easily.

Is HiPP the right choice for your baby?

HiPP is a great choice for any baby. The large range of HiPP formulas means that you’ll pretty much always find one that works for you and your baby. And you’ll know that you’re always guaranteed organic formula made to HiPP’s high standards, using milk from family farms.

You can check out the full HiPP range here to compare your options.

Not sure if HiPP is right for you? Try our Formula Finder to get 3 personalized recommendations.