HiPP Organic Baby Formula

HiPP is a trustworthy manufacturer of high quality, organic baby formula.  Their ingredients are sourced from farms that prioritize animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

Additionally, their extensive formula product line is made to mimic breast milk and contains many of the same beneficial properties to help support your baby’s growth and development.

Founded over 100 years ago in Germany, HiPP is a well-known European manufacturer of organic baby formulas.

The company was founded by Joseph HiPP, a confectioner from Güntsburg Germany. Joseph’s wife, like many women, struggled with breastfeeding and Joseph used his confectionary background to find a solution. He created a homemade baby formula by making his own rusk flour which he then mixed with milk.

HiPP’s product line grew from there and now encompasses 260 different products ranging from baby formulas to baby bath wash.

All of HiPP’s formulas are European Union certified-organic which means that the formula is ethically-sourced and free of GMOs, artificial colors, and preservatives.

Many of their formulas also contain a unique blend of prebiotics and probiotics that are similar to those found in natural human breast milk.

HiPP Baby formula is available in many different varieties. You’ll find HiPP formulas made from different base ingredients, such as cow or goat’s milk, and formulas designed for various stages of your baby’s development. HiPP also has a hypoallergenic line of formulas designed for babies with intolerances and allergies.

HiPP offers a diverse, organic, high-quality product line that can support your baby’s growth and development all while protecting the environment.

How is HiPP Baby Formula Made?

HiPP is committed to producing organic, high-quality products while maintaining ethical farming practices.

The company has also introduced its very own HiPP organic seal to its products which exceeds some of the conventional European Union organic standards. 

While HiPP baby formulas are available in a wide range of stages and varieties, they all share some common ingredients.

For example, HiPP uses either organic cow’s milk, or organic goat’s milk as a base ingredient. Additionally, the main protein in HiPP formulas is whey powder. Whey protein is a nice addition to their products as it contains all nine essential amino acids which are fundamental for growth and can only be obtained through food. Furthermore, their formulas have a protein ratio that mimics that of breastmilk as approximately 60 to 80% of all protein in breast milk is whey protein.

If your baby has a milk protein allergy or has struggled with digestive issues, skin reactions, or hay fever symptoms from traditional cow’s milk-based formulas, HiPP offers hypoallergenic allergenic (HA) formulas. Their HA stage PRE, stage 1, and stage 2 all contain protein hydrolysates which are completely broken down and are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

The carbohydrate source in HiPP formulas comes mainly from lactose. The added lactose makes HiPP formulas resemble breast milk more closely. If your baby has trouble digesting lactose, they may not tolerate HiPP formulas well. However, HiPP does offer an anti-reflux formula which contains maltodextrin rather than lactose. This addition can help ease digestion for babies with sensitive tummies and can help prevent reflux.

The fat source in HiPP formulas comes from a blend of organic vegetable oils including sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, and palm oil. There is an older research study suggesting that calcium and fat absorption may be reduced in babies given formula with palm oil. However, since HiPP uses a blend of different oils, it’s unlikely that this poses a big problem with respect to nutrient absorption.

All HiPP formulas are fortified with omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and omega-6 ARA (arachidonic acid) derived from fish oil and vegetable oils. These nutrients are especially important for brain and visual development.

In addition to the essential vitamins and minerals that your baby needs for growth and development, all HiPP formulas contain prebiotics for improved digestibility. Some of HiPP’s hypoallergenic and specialty formulas contain both prebiotics and probiotics.

It’s important to note that the FDA requires that baby formula should have at least 1 mg of iron for every 100 calories. They also require that infant formulas containing less than 1 mg of iron per 100 calories display a statement on the label indicating that supplemental iron may be necessary.

While some of the HiPP formulas meet this FDA standard, some may fall short. The infant formulas that fall short include some of the stage PRE formulations which are designed for babies from birth to 3 months.

Babies are typically born with all the iron they need. However, that iron supply will generally run out after 4 to 6 months. Therefore, the additional iron in baby formula could be considered more critical for babies around 4 to 6 months old.

Pros and Cons of HiPP Formula

While HiPP offers an excellent product, there are potential drawbacks to be mindful of. It’s important to consult your health care provider to ensure you’re selecting a product that will meet your baby’s unique nutritional needs.

Pros:

• Certified Organic by the European Union and also has its own HiPP organic seal which exceeds some of the conventional European Union organic standards.
• Their products are free from starch, soy, gluten, added sugar, added coloring, corn syrup, GMOs, and preservatives.
• HiPP’s formulas contain DHA and ARA along with gut-friendly probiotics

Cons:

• Some formulations may not contain iron levels that meet current FDA standards.
• Some of HiPP’s products may be more expensive than products made in the US.
• HiPP’s wide range of different stages and product variations may be confusing.

HiPP Product Line

HiPP offers a wide range of baby formulas for different ages and preferences. Their formula line also offers hypoallergenic and specialty formulas designed for babies with intolerances or allergies.

Their formulations are staged by age with ingredients that vary slightly depending on the age range it was designed for.

Additionally, HiPP formulas are categorized by the type of milk they contain, for example, cow’s milk versus goat’s milk. HiPP’s goat milk line is designed for babies that may not tolerate traditional cow’s milk formulas.

In order to suit different markets in Europe, HiPP slightly adapted its formulas and now has both a Dutch category and a German category in its cow’s milk line of formulas. The main differences in ingredients between the HiPP German and the HiPP Dutch are the addition (or not) of starch and probiotics. 

Stage PRE formulas 

Stage PRE formulas are designed for babies from birth to six months. The product is intended to be used by infants as either their sole source of nutrition or as a supplement to breast milk. Stage PRE formulas provide lactose, the same carbohydrate found in breast milk

Stage 1 formula

Stage 1 formula is also designed for babies from birth to six months. This stage of the formula is intended to be used by babies as either their sole source of nutrition or as a supplement to breast milk. The main difference between Stage PRE and Stage 1 formulas is the addition of organic starch. Stage 1 formula includes organic starch which can boost the calorie content while helping your baby feel fuller for longer.

Stage 2 formulas 

Stage 2 formulas are designed for babies 6 to 12 month and are intended to be used with the introduction of complementary finger foods. HiPP’s stage 2 formulas have a higher iron content as your baby’s iron stores are likely depleted by 6 months.

Hypoallergenic and Specialty Formulas 

HiPP also offers hypoallergenic and specialty formulas including HiPP anti-reflux and HiPP comfort formulas.

• HiPP hypoallergenic (HA) Formula is designed for babies with a milk protein allergy. It contains hydrolyzed cow milk proteins, which are already broken down and will not trigger an allergic reaction. The formula is enriched with both probiotics and prebiotics to further promote healthy digestion.

• HiPP Anti-Reflux formula is designed for babies that are struggling with excessive spit up and, or those with reflux. Their anti-reflux formula contains a natural thickening agent designed to keep food in your baby’s stomach to help prevent reflux. The product is also enriched with both probiotics and prebiotics to help improve digestion.

HiPP Comfort formula is designed for babies of any age that are experiencing GI discomfort in the form of gas, bloating, constipation, or reflux. The formula contains allergy-friendly hydrolyzed cow’s milk protein with a reduced lactose load for babies that may be sensitive. The formula also contains a combination of probiotics and prebiotics to help reduce GI symptoms and improve digestion.

Bottom Line

HiPP is a trustworthy company that produces high-quality baby formula. All of their formulas are certified organic by the European Union, and are free of GMOs, refined sugars such as corn syrup, artificial preservatives, pesticides, and hormones.

HiPP takes organic to a new level by introducing its very own HiPP organic seal which exceeds some of the conventional European Union organic standards. Their ingredients are sourced from farms that prioritize animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

Their formulas are designed to mimic breast milk and contain many of the same beneficial properties like whey protein and lactose. Their products also contain DHA & ALA to support optimal visual and brain development. Many of their baby formulas also provide probiotics for improved digestion.

When selecting a baby formula, it is best to speak to your pediatrician about which formula will meet your baby’s unique nutritional needs.