Hipp HA vs Alimentum: Which Hypoallergenic Formula Is Better?

Key Differences Between Hipp HA and Alimentum

Key Differences	Hipp HA	Alimentum
Hydrolyzation	Partially hydrolyzed organic cow’s milk proteins	Extensively hydrolyzed casein protein
Protein Suitability	Mild allergies and digestive issues	Extreme allergies or CMPA
Carbohydrate Content	Blend of lactose and starch	Sugar and modified tapioca starch (lactose-free)
Fat Content	Organic vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed, sunflower)	Safflower oil, medium-chain triglycerides, non-organic soy oil
Prebiotics and Probiotics	Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and Lactobacillus fermentum	2′-FL HMO
Cost	Generally more expensive	More affordable
Availability	More difficult to find in the US, available at organic formula retailers	Widely available in the US
Alternatives	Hipp Anti-Reflux, Hipp Comfort, Kendamil Goat, NannyCare	Hipp Anti-Reflux, Hipp Comfort, Kendamil Goat, NannyCare

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As parents, we always look for the best possible nutrition for our little ones, especially regarding sensitive tummies and potential allergies.

One of our most crucial decisions is choosing the right hypoallergenic formula for our babies.

In this article, we will thoroughly compare two of the most popular hypoallergenic formulas on the market: Hipp HA Stage 1 and Similac Alimentum.

Let’s get after it!

Our Short Answer

For babies with extreme allergies or CMPA, Similac Alimentum is the recommended choice due to its specialized formula.

Hipp HA offers a more natural, organic solution for those with mild allergies or digestive issues.

Also, we recommend trying organic goat milk formulas like Kendamil Goat or NannyCare if your baby has trouble with cow’s milk-based formulas before you choose to go for a hypoallergenic formula.

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Brand Reputation

Before we compare the nutritional aspects of these two formulas, let’s first look at the reputation and philosophy behind each brand, as these factors may influence your decision.

Hipp is a family-owned European brand with over 60 years of experience in producing high-quality organic baby food and formula.

Similac is a leading US-based brand that focuses on research and innovation, offering an effective formula that reduces colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity in most babies.

Hipp Reputation

Hipp is a renowned European brand with over 60 years of experience in producing organic baby food and formula.

As a family-owned company, they are deeply committed to providing the highest quality organic products and adhering to strict European organic standards.

Their philosophy revolves around the idea that nature knows best, and they aim to offer products that closely resemble breast milk to provide the best possible nutrition for babies.

Hipp’s Hypoallergenic (HA) Combiotic Formula is designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions in babies with sensitivities to milk proteins.

With a track record of success in allergy prevention and a focus on organic, clean ingredients, Hipp has built a strong reputation among parents seeking a reliable, high-quality formula for their little ones.

Alimentum (Similac) Reputation

Similac, a brand under the umbrella of Abbott Laboratories, is one of the leading infant formula manufacturers in the United States.

With over 90 years of experience, Similac is committed to providing innovative nutrition solutions to support babies’ healthy growth and development.

Similac Alimentum is designed to address protein sensitivity and colic symptoms in infants.

It is the first and only hypoallergenic formula to include 2′-FL HMO, a unique immune-nourishing ingredient.

By focusing on research and innovation, Similac Alimentum has earned a reputation for offering a formula that effectively reduces colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity in most babies.

Nutritional Composition

To make an informed decision about Hipp HA Stage 1 and Similac Alimentum for your baby, it is essential to dive deep into the nutritional composition of both formulas.

By comparing their protein, carbohydrate, and fat content, you can better understand the differences and similarities between these two hypoallergenic formulas.

Hipp HA uses partially hydrolyzed organic cow’s milk proteins and a blend of lactose and starch.

Alimentum is more extensively hydrolyzed, avoiding lactose and using modified tapioca starch.

Hipp HA uses organic and healthier ingredients in its fat content.

Alimentum uses non-organic soy oil.

Protein Content

Regarding protein content, the main difference between Hipp HA and Alimentum lies in the degree of hydrolyzation.

Hipp HA is partially hydrolyzed, with cow’s milk proteins broken down by approximately 86-87%, while Similac Alimentum contains a more extensively hydrolyzed casein protein derived from milk.

This makes Alimentum suitable for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), as the proteins are broken down into smaller pieces, reducing the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

Hydrolyzed protein has been broken down into smaller pieces, called peptides, through hydrolysis. This process involves using water and enzymes to break the bonds between amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Hydrolyzed proteins are easier to digest and less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Hipp uses organic cow’s milk proteins, partially hydrolyzed but not completely.

If your baby has CMPA, Alimentum is probably the go-to, but if your baby just has digestive issues, we recommend Hipp, as it is a purer formula.

Carbohydrate Content

Both Hipp HA and Alimentum use lactose as their primary carbohydrate source.

However, there is a key difference between the two: Hipp HA contains a blend of lactose and starch, while Alimentum uses sugar and modified tapioca starch.

The presence of starch in Hipp HA contributes to a creamier texture and improved bioavailability of carbohydrates, providing energy for your little one when they need it most.

Alimentum avoids lactose completely, making its formula a good solution for babies who can’t digest lactose. However, if your baby hasn’t got this problem, Hipp is your best bet.

Fats and Oils

The fats and oils in these two formulas have similarities and differences.

Hipp HA utilizes a blend of organic vegetable oils, including palm, rapeseed, and sunflower oils.

Alimentum combines safflower oil, medium-chain triglycerides, and soy oil.

Both formulas contain essential fatty acids, such as DHA (Omega-3) and ARA (Omega-6).

Hipp is the clear winner in fat content since it uses organic and healthier ingredients. 

While palm oil can be seen as a scary ingredient, it contains palmitic acid, which is a fat that is very similar to breastmilk fats, and it is organic.

Alimentum uses non-organic soy oil, which in our opinion, should be avoided if possible.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Hipp HA contains natural pre and probiotics, including galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and Lactobacillus fermentum, while Similac Alimentum includes 2′-FL HMO, a unique immune-nourishing ingredient.

Hipp’s pre and probiotics come from natural sources and are less processed, while Alimentum has a more specialized mix for extreme cases.

Prebiotics and probiotics are not essential in baby formulas, but they can help support a healthy gut flora and aid digestion.

Hipp HA contains galactooligosaccharides (GOS) as a prebiotic and natural lactic acid cultures (Lactobacillus fermentum) derived from real breast milk as a probiotic.

On the other hand, Similac Alimentum includes 2′-FL HMO, a unique immune-nourishing ingredient derived from milk. However, it does not contain milk protein, reducing the risk of allergic reactions in most babies with milk protein sensitivities.

As the rest of the ingredients, Hipp’s pre and probiotics come from natural sources and are less processed. 

Alimentum has a more specialized mix of pre and probiotics for extreme cases, but not for a more general approach to digestive sensitivities.

Cost and availability

Hipp HA is generally more expensive than Similac Alimentum, and it may be more difficult to find in the United States.

However, it is still available through some online organic formula retailers (see the best ones below).

Similac Alimentum is more widely available in the US, often found in large chain stores, pharmacies, and online retailers.

Best Places to Buy Hipp HA and Alimentum

What are the best alternatives to Hipp HA and Alimentum?

Depending on your baby’s specific needs, there are several good alternatives to Hipp HA and Alimentum.

Two options from Hipp include Hipp Anti-Reflux and Hipp Comfort, which are designed for specific cases such as reflux or digestive issues.

If your baby has trouble digesting cow’s milk formula, Kendamil Goat and NannyCare are excellent alternatives made with goat milk, which is easier to digest for most babies.

*Read: Kendamil vs Alimentum | Bobbie vs Alimentum | Hipp HA vs Nutramigen

Conclusion

Suppose your baby has extreme allergies or cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). Similac Alimentum is the better choice in that case, as it is specifically designed to address these cases with its extensively hydrolyzed casein protein.

However, if your baby experiences mild allergies, digestive issues, or other minor symptoms, Hipp HA is an excellent option due to its organic ingredients and more natural formula.

We also recommend trying organic goat milk formulas like Kendamil Goat or NannyCare since it can be beneficial, as the switch to goat milk often helps resolve digestive issues.