If there’s one thing parents want for their babies, it’s to provide appropriate nutrition to assist in growth and development. While many mothers stick to breast milk for their newborns, not all babies are the same. There are many reasons why parents often switch to baby formula, whether the baby needs to ween off breast milk, has digestive sensitivities, or falls in the underweight category.
There are many kinds of baby formula to choose from that fit your baby’s needs, from cow milk protein-based formulas to specialized formulas for easier digestion and decreased allergic reactions. That’s where HiPP International comes in: they provide 100 percent organic baby formula recipes that don’t include hormones, steroids, or GMOs. But what are the differences between the German, Dutch, and UK HiPP baby formulas? Let’s find out.
What Is the HiPP International Company?
HiPP baby formula stems from the late 1890s, created by German confectioner Joseph Hipp. When his family began to grow, his wife struggled with breastfeeding and quickly realized that breastfeeding was no longer a viable option for their newborns. So, Joseph Hipp introduced the first HiPP baby formula in a world where organic baby formula was a luxury.
Joseph Hipp experimented with combing milk and hand-grated rusk flour together in his Pfaffenhoden pastry shop, becoming one of the most reputable formula manufacturers in the market. Jumping into the 1950s, the HiPP company began naturally sourcing raw ingredients from organically farmed soil, creating more than 6,000 organic farms today. The company follows strict organic standards, including using preventive measures to protect plants, using untreated seeds, prohibiting mineral nitrogen fertilizers, and more.
Does HiPP Formula Differ Between Countries?
The difference between German, Dutch, and UK baby formulas is how each country manufactures them. While maintaining sustainability and organic quality, each production facility must meet strict European Union standards to manufacture nutritionally complete formulas. As such, ingredients must come from organic farms that practice biodynamic agriculture. Additionally, different manufacturing locations must meet and deliver specific country marketing needs.
For example, HiPP UK baby formula strives for complete nutrition for strong baby development, including a Combiotic Line that helps lactose intolerant babies—the HiPP Dutch line comes in cans while HiPP German comes in boxes. Additionally, there are size differences between packaging for German and Dutch Stage 1 & 2 baby formula products. There are specific needs that manufacturers must meet for each country’s demographic, but all strive toward maintaining baby nutrition.
Lactose in HiPP Formulas
One similarity shared by all HiPP baby formulas is that they include lactose, no matter which country the formula originates from. Because lactose is natural milk sugar, it also occurs in breast milk and provides natural energy sources for growing babies while promoting healthy gut bacteria.
Whey Protein Differences
In human breast milk, casein production changes throughout lactation, starting with an 80:20 whey to casein ratio, then slowly adjusting to 50:50. Because of the decline in whey production over time in breastmilk, parents often opt for higher protein baby formula. Without the necessary protein, babies have a higher risk of obesity, which can negatively impact their health.
Most HiPP baby formulas come with certified organic whey. HiPP created age-appropriate reduced protein content to suit your growing child, either reducing the amount of whey or removing whey entirely. Some whey-free HiPP products include HiPP German Stages 1+ and 2+, UK Stage 3, and Dutch Stage 3.
Prebiotics & Probiotics
HiPP formulas include pre- and probiotics in their baby formula, specifically galactooligosaccharides (GOS). This prebiotic fiber derives from organic lactose and assists in optimal gut health. When drinking HiPP formula, undigested GOS moves through the baby’s large intestine to help intestinal bacteria.
Undigested GOS helps foster healthy intestinal flora growth and develops a baby’s immune system. Developing your baby’s immune system boosts the immune response, reduces colic, and helps to prevent eczema. HiPP Bio Combiotik 2 and 3 contain both pre-and probiotics.
Folate Differences
Folate is a natural form of vitamin B9, the main contributor to a baby’s health, from pregnancy to early childhood. It promotes normal growth, development, cellular function, and part of RNA and DNA synthesis. German HiPP formula has Metafolin folate, while UK and Dutch formulations have folic acid. Moreover, HiPP Dutch also contains Metafolin in their newer formulations.
Metafolin & Lactic Acid Culture Ingredients
Metafolin is a predominant form of folate found in breast milk. It’s an active form of reduced folate circulation, which helps with red blood cell formation and healthy cell growth. As a result, it helps with the growth and development of babies during and after pregnancy. While German and Dutch HiPP formulas have Metafolin, the UK HiPP version contains folic acid.
Lactic acid is an integral part of the human body, especially in babies. It helps with glucose production, molecule signaling, and cell respiration. The German HiPP baby formula contains lactic acid cultures to aid in digestion and support healthy gut bacteria, while Dutch and UK HiPP formulas don’t contain them.
Production Site Differences
Besides HiPP UK and Dutch, all HiPP baby formulas come from Germany. Additionally, manufacturers produce HiPP Dutch and UK in Germany but package them in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, respectively. Otherwise, HiPP German baby formula products go through the manufacturing and packaging process entirely in Germany.
Bottom Line
At the end of the day, choosing the appropriate formula for your baby comes down to their specific needs. HiPP German, Dutch, and UK goals share one common goal: to ensure that your baby gets the best nutrition possible for maximum growth and development. Because Germany has higher standards of organic formulations, HiPP strives to provide the highest quality milk possible for newborns, babies, and toddlers.
Whether your child needs probiotics, prebiotics, starches, soy, or all the above, deciding between the perfect formula relies on preferences. Choose the formula that aligns with your comfort, your baby’s needs, and the formula’s dietary benefits.
Choosing the HiPP baby formula doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Formuland, we offer European baby formula that nourishes and satisfies your baby without chemicals and confusing ingredients. Our line of HiPP formula comes certified organic, providing support through each stage in your child’s growth cycle. If you have questions regarding HiPP or other European-based baby formulas, contact us today, and we’ll gladly help you.
