Short answer: HiPP and Kendamil are both organic European formulas that meet EU infant formula standards. The main differences are the milk base and the fats: Kendamil is made with whole milk and contains no palm oil or fish oil, while HiPP's classic Combiotik formulas are made with skimmed milk and a vegetable oil blend that includes palm oil, with DHA from fish oil. HiPP also makes a palm-oil-free line, HiPP PUR. Which one suits your baby depends on what matters most to you.
HiPP vs Kendamil at a glance
| Kendamil Organic | HiPP UK Organic | HiPP Dutch / German Combiotik | HiPP PUR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Made in | United Kingdom (English Lake District) | Germany | Germany | Germany |
| Milk base | Organic whole milk | Organic skimmed milk | Organic skimmed milk | Organic whey + organic whole milk powder |
| Palm oil | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| DHA (omega-3) source | Algae | Fish oil | Fish oil | Fish oil |
| Prebiotics | GOS + 3'-GL | GOS | GOS | None listed |
| Probiotic culture | No | No | Yes (L. fermentum) | No |
| Organic | Yes (Soil Association) | Yes | Yes (EU organic) | Yes (EU organic) |
| Can size | 800 g | 800 g | 800 g (Dutch) / 600 g (German) | 500 g |
Based on current manufacturer ingredient lists for Stage 1. Recipes change from time to time, so always check the label on your tin.
The milk base: whole milk vs skimmed milk
Kendamil uses organic whole milk, so part of the fat in the formula comes from milk fat. HiPP's Combiotik formulas (UK, Dutch and German) start from skimmed milk and add a blend of vegetable oils for the fat content. Both approaches meet EU requirements; whole milk is mainly a preference for parents who want more of the fat to come from dairy.
Palm oil
This is the question parents ask most. Kendamil contains no palm oil; its oils are sunflower, coconut and rapeseed. HiPP UK, Dutch and German Combiotik formulas do contain organic palm oil, alongside rapeseed and sunflower oil. If you want a HiPP formula without palm oil, HiPP PUR uses sunflower and rapeseed oil instead. You can read more in our article on palm oil in baby formula.
DHA: algae vs fish oil
All infant formula sold in the EU must contain DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid). Kendamil sources its DHA from algae, which some vegetarian families prefer. HiPP sources DHA from fish oil.
Prebiotics and probiotics
Kendamil and HiPP Combiotik both add GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), a prebiotic fibre; HiPP PUR keeps a shorter ingredient list without added GOS. Kendamil Organic also contains 3'-GL, an oligosaccharide also found in breast milk. HiPP's Dutch and German Combiotik formulas contain a probiotic lactic acid culture (Limosilactobacillus fermentum); HiPP UK does not.
Which HiPP version is which?
HiPP makes slightly different recipes for different countries. In short: HiPP UK has no probiotic, HiPP Dutch Stage 1 uses lactose as its only carbohydrate, and HiPP German offers a PRE stage (lactose only) and a Stage 1 that contains a small amount of starch. Our HiPP Dutch vs German vs UK guide covers every difference.
Which should you choose?
- You want no palm oil and whole milk: Kendamil, or HiPP PUR.
- You want a formula with a probiotic culture: HiPP Dutch or HiPP German Combiotik.
- You want DHA that isn't from fish: Kendamil.
- Your baby has a sensitive tummy or reflux: both brands make specialist formulas (Kendamil Comfort, HiPP Comfort and HiPP Anti-Reflux). Talk to your pediatrician first.
- Your baby is already settled on one: there's no need to switch if your baby is feeding and growing well.
Frequently asked questions
Is HiPP or Kendamil better?
Neither is "better" for every baby. Both are organic, both meet EU infant formula standards, and both are well tolerated by most babies. The differences are in the ingredients described above, so the right choice depends on your priorities.
Does Kendamil contain palm oil?
No. Kendamil's formulas use sunflower, coconut and rapeseed oils, and whole milk fat.
Does HiPP contain palm oil?
HiPP's UK, Dutch and German Combiotik formulas contain organic palm oil. HiPP PUR does not.
Can I switch from HiPP to Kendamil (or the other way round)?
Most babies can switch between formulas of the same stage. Many parents switch gradually over a few days, replacing one feed at a time with the new formula. Always follow the preparation instructions on the tin you are using, and talk to your pediatrician if you are unsure.
Where are HiPP and Kendamil made?
Kendamil is made in the United Kingdom. HiPP is a German family company, and its formulas are made in Germany.
Shop HiPP and Kendamil
Browse our full Kendamil range and HiPP range, including HiPP Dutch, HiPP German and HiPP UK. Every order ships fresh from the EU.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Breastfeeding is recommended where possible. Always talk to your pediatrician before starting or changing infant formula, especially if your baby was born early, has a medical condition or has a suspected allergy.