Hipp vs Similac: Which Formula Is Better For Your Baby?

Key differences between Hipp and Similac

Comparison Factors	HiPP Formula	Similac Formula
Brand Reputation	Organic, sustainable farming practices, positive endorsements from parents and professionals	Established brand, endorsed by healthcare professionals
Nutritional Composition	Skimmed milk, lactose, organic vegetable oils (including palm). Some contain maltodextrin or starch.	Nonfat milk, many contain Corn Syrup Solids or table sugars. Most contain Soy oil.
Probiotics and Prebiotics	Contains prebiotics (GOS and FOS) and probiotics (Lactobacillus fermentum and Bifidobacterium infantis)	Most formulas contain only prebiotics (FOS).
Cost and Availability	Higher cost, imported from Europe, available online	Lower cost, produced domestically in the US, available at major retailers and pharmacies
Formula Alternatives	Holle, Bobbie, ByHeart, Kendamil	Enfamil, Gerber, Happy Baby

Hipp vs Similac Formulas: Comparison Chart

FORMULA	RATING	LACTOSE	CORN SYRUP	MALTODEXTRIN	PALM OIL	SOY OIL	PREBIOTICS	MFGM	HMOs	HYPOALLERGENIC
HIPP DUTCH	9/10	✅	❌	❌	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌
HIPP COMFORT	9/10	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌
HIPP HA	9/10	✅	❌	❌	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	✅
HIPP AR	9/10	✅	❌	❌	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌
HIPP GERMAN	8/10	✅	❌	❌	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌
SIMILAC PURE BLISS	8/10	✅	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE	7/10	✅	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌
SIMILAC ALIMENTUM	7/10	❌	❌	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	✅
SIMILAC TOTAL COMFORT	6/10	❌	❌	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
SIMILAC SENSITIVE	5/10	❌	✅	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
SIMILAC NEOSURE	5/10	❌	✅	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
SIMILAC ADVANCE	5/10	✅	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌

Breastmilk is undoubtedly the best option for newborns, but not all mothers can or choose to breastfeed.

That’s where infant formula comes in, and two of the most popular options are Hipp and Similac.

In this article we will analyze their ingredients and nutritional composition of both brands to help you make the best decision for your baby.

Let’s get after it!

If you are more of a listener, you can listen! Here’s the video version:

Our short answer

Hipp is clearly the superior option in this comparison. Similac is one of the titans in the formula market, but if you know something about nutrition, after reading the ingredients of their formulas, you will see that they are not ideal.

Hipp wins thanks to using organic ingredients, adding natural pre and probiotics, and using lactose as its main carbohydrate. If you read reviews from other parents, you’ll see the difference.

We would only choose Similac if our baby had diagnosed CMPA, because of its Alimentum Formula.

Brand Reputation

Hipp Reputation

For more than 60 years, Hipp has been a trusted name in the organic baby food and formula industry. They have acquired environmental and social responsibility certificates from various groups because of their dedication to using high-quality, organic products and sustainable farming practices.

Among these are certifications from groups like Demeter International (which advocates biodynamic farming practices) and the Forest Stewardship Council (which encourages sustainable forest management practices).

Parental and professional endorsements of Hipp’s infant formula have been overwhelmingly good, and it is routinely recommended as a top pick for parents who prioritize using all-natural and organic ingredients.

Similac Reputation

Similac is a well-known and trusted brand that has been around for over 90 years. They are a leader in the infant formula industry and are dedicated to providing high-quality nutrition for babies.

Similac is a product of Abbott Laboratories, a company committed to meeting the nutritional needs of babies and children. They have earned various certifications, including the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval and the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval.

Similac has been endorsed by healthcare professionals, including pediatricians and neonatologists, and is a popular choice among parents. They are known for their commitment to research and innovation in infant nutrition and offer a wide range of formulas to meet the needs of babies at different stages of development.

Nutritional Composition

One of the most important aspects when comparing formulas is their nutritional information and ingredients.

In this case, we will compare Stage 1 of both formulas to make the comparison more consistent. Let’s look at the protein, carbohydrate, and fat sources of both formulas.

Hipp Composition

Proteins

Hipp’s infant formula contains whey protein, which has a protein ratio similar to breast milk, providing infants with a nearly equal substitute.

In their specially developed hypoallergenic and anti-reflux formulas, 100% of the whey protein is hydrolyzed to make it easier for infants with sensitive tummies to digest.

Carbohydrates

Hipp formulas contain lactose, the primary carbohydrate in breast milk, as the main carbohydrate source. Some Hipp formulas contain starch or organic maltodextrin, but these have reduced lactose content for babies with lactose sensitivities.

Fats and oils

Hipp formulas contain a blend of organic vegetable oils, such as rapeseed, sunflower, and organically grown palm oil, to provide a good balance of essential fatty acids.

The fat content of Hipp formulas is similar to that of breast milk.

Similac Composition

Proteins

Similac mostly uses skimmed milk and whey protein in its most conventional formulas. It uses partially hydrolyzed protein in its comfort formulas and extensively hydrolyzed formula in Similac Alimentum, it’s hypoallergenic formula.

Carbohydrates

Similac uses non-organic lactose in some formulas but has corn syrup solids and table sugars in most, except in Pure Bliss. This is not good since it adds unnecessary sugar content, making its formula sweeter and less healthy.

Fats and oils

Similac formulas use a blend of vegetable oils such as high oleic sunflower oil, coconut oil, and soy oil. Soy oil is the worst seed oil, and kids in the US consume lots of it from formula and many other processed foods. You should avoid it while you can.

The fat content of Similac is also similar to that of breast milk.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Hipp formulas include prebiotics and probiotics from breast milk to support a healthy gut and immune system. Similac mostly offers prebiotics for digestion, with Similac Alimentum being the exception that includes probiotics.

This makes Hipp a better choice for parents who prioritize promoting a healthy gut microbiome in their infants.

Choosing a formula with probiotics and prebiotics can promote a healthy gut microbiome in infants.

All Hipp formulas contain a blend of prebiotics, specifically galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which are known to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This can help support a healthy digestive system and immune function in infants.

In addition to prebiotics, Hipp formulas contains probiotics from real breast milk, specifically Lactobacillus fermentum and Bifidobacterium infantis. These probiotics have been shown to help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, support digestion, and potentially reduce the risk of certain health issues like eczema.

Most Similac formulas also contain prebiotics, specifically fructooligosaccharides (FOS). These prebiotics support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and promote healthy digestion.

The only Similac formula with probiotics is Similac Alimentum.

Best Places to Buy Hipp and Similac

Hipp

Similac

Similac formula is readily accessible in the US and is sold at most significant retailers and pharmacies, including Walmart, Target, and CVS.

Also, it is available online from merchants, including Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, and the official Similac website.

What are the Best Alternatives to Hipp and Similac Formulas?

There are other formulas that you should read about before you make a purchasing decision:

Holle is one of the most well-known brands that provides a variety of organic infant formulas. The components in Holle formulas are all organic, and they don’t have any GMOs, preservatives, or additives. *Read: Holle vs Similac | Holle vs Hipp

Also, they provide a range of products to meet the various demands of babies. Holle constantly receives high marks for its quality and efficacy and has been chosen by many parents and caregivers as the best formula brand.

Bobbie is a fantastic alternative. This company provides an organic, grass-fed formulation that aims to resemble breast milk closely. The excellent ingredients used in Bobbie formulas are devoid of hazardous chemicals and additives. *Read: Bobbie vs Similac | Bobbie vs Hipp

Lastly, Kendamil is a different type of organic infant formula that uses whole milk and provides a special combination of nutrients like Omega 3 and 6, prebiotics, and vitamins A, C, and D. *Read: Kendamil vs Hipp | Kendamil vs Similac

Last Words

We hope this comparison between Hipp and Similac helps you make the proper decision for your baby.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment or contact us at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to help you.

Happy feeding!