HiPP Dutch vs German Formula: Key Differences Explained

HiPP Dutch and HiPP German come from the same family company, use the same organic farming standards, and share the same core recipe: organic skimmed milk, the probiotic culture L. fermentum (originally found in breast milk), prebiotic GOS, and DHA. So why do parents spend so much time comparing them? Because there are a few real differences, and one of them, starch, matters a lot to some families.

Here's a clear, side-by-side look at HiPP Dutch vs HiPP German, so you can pick the one that fits your baby.

The short answer

• Choose HiPP Dutch if you want a formula with lactose as the only carbohydrate (no added starch) through stages 1, 2 and 3.
• Choose HiPP German if you like having more options: a lactose-only PRE for newborns, then stages 1–3 that contain a small amount of starch, plus a No Starch Stage 2, Comfort and AR (anti-reflux) versions.
• Nutritionally, both meet the same strict EU infant formula rules. Neither is "better"; the right one is the one your baby does well on.

HiPP Dutch vs German at a glance

Ingredients are based on current European packaging. Recipes are updated from time to time, so always check the label on your tin or box.

The big difference: starch

This is the question we get most often. HiPP Dutch stages 1, 2 and 3 use lactose (the natural sugar in milk) as their only carbohydrate. That's the closest match to breast milk, where lactose is the main carbohydrate too.

HiPP German stages 1, 2 and 3 add a small amount of organic starch (around 1.2g per 100ml in Stage 1). Starch makes the bottle slightly thicker and is digested a little more slowly, which is why some parents feel German Stage 1 keeps a hungry baby satisfied a bit longer. Other parents prefer to avoid starch, especially in the early months.

If you like HiPP German but want to skip starch, you still can:

• HiPP German PRE: lactose only, suitable from birth.
• HiPP German Stage 2 No Starch: a starch-free follow-on option from 6 months.

Stages and ages: they don't line up exactly

Stage numbers can be confusing when you compare the two:

• Newborns: Dutch has one first-stage formula (Stage 1). German has two: PRE (lactose only) and Stage 1 (with starch).
• From 6 months: Dutch Stage 2 or German Stage 2.
• From 10 months: Dutch Stage 3 or German Stage 3.
• Toddlers: German Kindermilch 1+ is for 12 months and up, while Dutch Stage 4 is labeled from 2 years.

What's the same in both

• Organic: both are EU-certified organic.
• Probiotic + prebiotic: both contain Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).
• DHA: both include DHA, which EU rules require in every infant and follow-on formula.
• Palm oil: both use sustainably certified organic palm oil as part of the fat blend. If you'd prefer a palm-oil-free formula, take a look at Kendamil.
• Special needs: both offer HA (hypoallergenic) and goat milk versions.

Which one should you choose?

• You want lactose only, start to finish: HiPP Dutch stages 1–3, or German PRE.
• Your baby seems hungry again soon after a bottle: some parents find German Stage 1 more filling. Talk to your pediatrician before switching.
• Your baby spits up a lot: HiPP German AR is made for reflux and should be used with medical advice.
• Fussiness, gas or colic: HiPP German Comfort is designed for this; ask your pediatrician first.
• Cow's milk allergy risk in the family: look at the HA range and speak to your pediatrician.
• You prefer a tin you can scoop from: Dutch (800g tin). German comes in a 600g box with sealed inner bags.

Can I switch between HiPP Dutch and German?

Many babies switch between the two without trouble because the base recipe is so similar. Just keep these in mind:

• Match the stage to your baby's age.
• Use the scoop and water amounts printed on the new pack. They can differ between versions.
• Give your baby a few days to adjust, and check with your pediatrician if your baby has allergies, reflux or was born early.

Frequently asked questions

Is HiPP Dutch or German closer to breast milk?

No formula is the same as breast milk. HiPP Dutch stages 1–3 and HiPP German PRE use lactose as the only carbohydrate, like breast milk does, which is why many parents see them as the most "natural" choice.

Does HiPP Dutch have starch?

No. HiPP Dutch Stage 1, 2 and 3 list lactose as their only carbohydrate.

Which HiPP German formula has no starch?

HiPP German PRE and HiPP German Stage 2 No Starch.

Are HiPP Dutch and German formulas organic?

Yes. Both are made with EU-certified organic ingredients.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Breastfeeding is best for babies. Infant formula should be used on the advice of a doctor or other healthcare professional, and always prepared exactly as the label says.