Hipp vs Bubs: Which is the Best Organic Baby Formula?

Key Differences Between Hipp and Bubs

Feature	Hipp Dutch	Bubs Organic
Primary Ingredients	Skimmed milk, whey, vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed, sunflower), fish oil	Whole milk, whey protein concentrate, vegetable oils (high oleic sunflower, coconut, soy, canola)
Oil Sources	Palm, rapeseed, sunflower, fish oil for DHA	High oleic sunflower, coconut, soy, canola, algae for DHA
Protein Source	Skimmed milk, whey (60:40 whey to casein ratio)	Whole milk, whey protein concentrate (60:40 whey to casein ratio)
Carbohydrate Source	Lactose	Lactose
Prebiotics	Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)	Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)
Probiotics	Probiotics sourced from breast milk	Bifidobacterium longum BB536
Unique Selling Points	Probiotics derived from breast milk, no non-recommended seed oils	Whole milk used, DHA from non-animal sources (in case you are vegetarian)

This article will compare two popular organic formulas: Hipp and Bubs.

We have chosen their cow version for this comparison (Hipp Dutch and Bubs Organic). However, the conclusion can also be applied to their goat milk formula versions.

We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional compositions to help you make an informed decision for your little one.

Let’s get after it!

Our Short Answer

After analyzing both cow’s and goat’s milk formulas, it is clear that these are two brands that are among the best we are going to find in the infant formula market.

That said, if we had to choose one, it would be Hipp for the following reasons:

• It avoids the non-recommended seed oils: Soy and Canola (Bubs Cow has both, and Bubs Goat only Canola).
• Although both have probiotics, Hipp’s is better, as it is extracted from real breast milk and is more beneficial for babies.

Bubs uses whole milk, which is a benefit to consider, but we don’t think it’s enough to choose it over Hipp.

Overview of the Two Formulas

HiPP focuses on digestive health with pre/probiotics and a blend of vegetable and fish oils, aligning with EU standards.

Bubs emphasizes local, grass-fed milk and organic purity, using algae and fungal sources for DHA/ARA, and holds dual organic certifications.

Hipp Dutch

HiPP is a well-recognized brand across Europe. It is mainly known for its organic ingredients and close resemblance to breast milk thanks to its unique pre and probiotic blend.

Originating from Germany, HiPP emphasizes natural and sustainable practices. Its formula contains skimmed milk, whey, and a blend of vegetable oils, including palm oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and essential fatty acids derived from fish oil and Mortierella Alpina.

HiPP integrates galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) derived from lactose, serving as prebiotics similar to those found in breast milk, and a natural probiotic extracted from breast milk. These features aid in digestive health and strengthen the immune system.

The formula is free from starch, aftertaste sweeteners, gluten, soy proteins, peanuts, eggs, and GMOs—aligning with stringent EU organic standards.

Bubs Reputation

Bubs Organic is an Australian brand that prides itself on using local, grass-fed cow’s milk, richer in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins than regular cow’s milk.

The complete ingredient list reflects a commitment to organic purity; it includes organic lactose, whole milk powder, a various organic vegetable oil blend (high oleic sunflower oil, coconut oil), whey protein concentrate, skim milk powder enriched with GOS for prebiotic effects.

Like HiPP, Bubs ensures no growth hormones or antibiotics are introduced during dairy farming.

It holds dual certification from Australian Certified Organic (ACO) and the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA), highlighting its adherence to rigorous organic farming standards without chemicals or synthetic fertilizers.

One of Bubs’ unique propositions is incorporating DHA and ARA from algae and fungal sources instead of traditional fish oils—this may appeal particularly to parents looking for non-animal-based nutrient sources.

Nutritional Composition

HiPP uses a blend of palm, rapeseed, and sunflower oils with DHA from fish oil, mimicking breast milk’s fatty acid profile.

Bubs combines whole milk fats with high-oleic sunflower, coconut, and canola oils, using algae for DHA.

HiPP’s formula avoids less desirable oils like soy, positioning it as a preferable choice.

Protein Content

HiPP: The protein in HiPP comes primarily from skimmed milk and whey protein with a whey:casein ratio of 60:40. Whey protein is beneficial as it’s easily digestible and contains essential amino acids for growth. This combination mimics the protein balance found in natural breast milk, making it suitable for a baby’s development.

Bubs: Bubs formula utilizes whey protein concentrate and whole milk powder for its protein sources with a 60:40 whey to casein ratio like Hipp. Using whole milk powder enriches the formula with additional natural proteins that support overall growth.

In terms of protein, both formulas offer the same type: cow’s milk protein with added whey to improve digestibility. Bubs uses whole milk, which is great (learn more below), but they are quite similar in terms of protein content.

Carbohydrate Content

HiPP: The main carbohydrate source in HiPP formula is lactose, derived from milk. This is identical to the primary carbohydrate found in breast milk, ensuring babies receive energy in a form that’s easy to digest without causing undue strain on their developing digestive systems.

Bubs: Likewise, Bubs uses lactose as its primary carbohydrate source. The consistent use of lactose across both brands highlights their commitment to providing baby formula that closely approximates breast milk for easy digestion and optimal energy provision.

Both formulas use lactose exclusively, which is what we want to see in conventional formulas. No traces of corn syrups or sugars.

Fats and Oils

HiPP: The fats in HiPP are sourced from a blend of vegetable oils (palm oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil), which are selected to replicate the fatty acid profile of breast milk. Additionally, HiPP includes polyunsaturated fatty acids like DHA (from fish oil) and ARA (from Mortierella alpina oil).

Bubs: Bubs has milk fats (thanks to using whole milk) and vegetable oils (high-oleic sunflower, coconut, soy, and canola). It also contains DHA sourced from algae instead of fish oil and ARA from safe sources.

We can find some very important differences in fat content. Here’s a table representing each of the ingredients:

Ingredient	HIPP Formula	BUBS Formula
Milk Type	❌ Skimmed milk	✅ Whole milk
Palm Oil	✅ Organically grown	—
Rapeseed Oil	➖	—
Sunflower Oil	➖	❌ High-oleic
Coconut Oil	—	✅
Soy Oil	—	❌❌
Canola Oil	—	❌❌
Fish/Algae Oil for DHA	➖ Fish oil	➖ Algae

Key:

• ✅ = Good
• ❌ = Bad (❌❌ = Very Bad)
• ➖ = Neutral
• — = Not applicable

Based on the table, Hipp wins because it does not use soy or canola oils, two of the worst seed oils used in formulas and mostly used in US-based formulas.

Nutritional Facts Comparison Table

Nutrient	HIPP Formula	BUBS Formula
Energy	276 kJ / 66 kcal	288 kJ
Protein	1.28 g	1.56 g
Fat, Total	3.6 g	3.7 g
Carbohydrates	7.0 g	7.3 g
Sodium	20 mg	26 mg
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)	13.2 mg	4.43 mg
Vitamin A	54 µg	73 µg-RE
Vitamin D	1.5 µg	1.2 µg
Vitamin E	0.70 mg	1.9 mg
Vitamin K	5.1 µg	7.0 µg
Vitamin C	8.9 mg	9.7 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	36 µg	83 µg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	140 µg	116 µg
Vitamin B6	23 µg	67 µg
Vitamin B12	0.12 µg	0.33 µg
Folic Acid	10 µg	16.2 µg
Biotin	1.5 µg	4.6 µg
Pantothenic Acid	340 µg	736 µg
Calcium	51 mg	70 mg
Phosphorus	30 mg	47 mg
Magnesium	45 mg	8.5 mg
Iron	0.5 mg	1.0 mg
Zinc	0.5 mg	0.7 mg
Copper	53 µg	59 µg
Iodine	15 µg	24 µg
Selenium	3.8 µg	3.0 µg

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics can play an essential role in enhancing a baby’s gut health and supporting their immune system.

HiPP: HiPP formula contains galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) from lactose, which function as prebiotics to foster healthy gut bacteria. Additionally, it incorporates natural probiotic lactic acid cultures similar to those found in breast milk and sourced from it (Limosilactobacillus fermentum hereditum®).

Bubs: In the Bubs formula, prebiotics are also provided via galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), sourced from organic milk. For probiotics, Bubs includes Bifidobacterium longum BB536, a well-documented strain known for its benefits in maintaining a healthy gut flora and aiding in nutrient absorption.

Both formulas use GOS, but Hipp wins the probiotic content thanks to using probiotics sourced from real breast milk. That’s as close as you can get to the natural way.

Best Places to Buy Hipp and Bubs Online

Hipp

For Hipp we recommend Organic’s Best and The Milky Box as the two most trustworthy European formula stores that can deliver worldwide.

Bubs

You can find Bubs Organic at Target, Walmart, and other local and smaller stores.

What are the best alternatives to Hipp and Bubs?

We always recommend parents do some research just in case you need to switch formulas.

Here are the formulas we recommend for most babies:

Kendamil

Kendamil is a notable choice primarily because it uses whole milk—a rarity among infant formulas—which can be gentler on a baby’s stomach compared to formulas based on skimmed milk. This full-fat approach is akin to natural breast milk, providing a rich source of natural fats.

Holle

Holle is another excellent alternative that boasts Demeter certification for some of its products, the highest available certification for biodynamic agriculture. This Swiss-based company emphasizes minimal processing and highly pure ingredients, making it a top pick for parents prioritizing organic composition.

Bobbie

Based in the USA, Bobbie offers an infant formula that focuses on simplicity. Free from palm oil and corn syrup and designed to mimic the macronutrient profile of breast milk more closely than most other U.S.-made formulas, Bobbie has earned praise for its commitment to high quality.

Byheart

Another US-based company, Byheart stands out not just for using whole milk like Kendamil but also for incorporating lactoferrin—an important protein naturally found in breast milk that supports immune development and gut health. Made without soy or palm oil, Byheart appeals to parents looking for clean label options.

Last Words

We hope this comparison between Hipp and Bubs formulas has helped you make an informed decision.

If you have any questions, leave a comment below or contact us at [email protected].

Happy feeding!