HiPP Dutch vs HiPP German vs HiPP UK: What’s the Difference?

By: The Milky Box Team - Updated October 2026 - 6 Minute Read

HiPP makes its organic formula for different countries, and the Dutch, German and UK versions are the three most popular with our families. They share the same organic base, but differ in a few details that matter: probiotics, starch, the type of folate and the pack size. Here’s how they compare.

Quick answer:

  • HiPP Dutch: probiotic L. fermentum, no starch, in an 800 g can, with stages up to Stage 4 (from 24 months).
  • HiPP German: probiotic L. fermentum and active folate (Metafolin), in a 600 g box. Its Stage 1–3 formulas contain starch, while Pre and Stage 2 No Starch don’t.
  • HiPP UK: the simplest recipe, with no probiotic and no starch, in an 800 g can.

What all three have in common

  • Certified EU organic milk and ingredients
  • Organic skimmed milk as the base
  • Prebiotic GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides)
  • DHA from fish oil
  • Organic palm, rapeseed and sunflower oils

Side-by-side comparison

Based on the ingredient lists of the versions we stock.

Swipe sideways to see every column →

HiPP Dutch (Combiotik)HiPP German (Combiotic)HiPP UK
Probiotic (L. fermentum)YesYesNo
StarchNoPre: no
Stages 1–3: yes
Stage 2 No Starch: no		No
FolateFolic acidMetafolin (active folate)Folic acid
Prebiotic GOSYesYesYes
DHA sourceFish oilFish oilFish oil
Certified organicYes (EU)Yes (EU)Yes (EU)
Stages1 (birth), 2 (6 months), 3 (12 months), 4 (24 months)Pre and 1 (birth), 2 (6 months), 3 (10 months)1 (birth), 2 (6 months), 3 (12 months)
Pack800 g can600 g box800 g can

For every formula side by side, see our full comparison chart.

HiPP Dutch (Combiotik)

HiPP Dutch combines prebiotic GOS with the probiotic culture L. fermentum, originally found in breast milk, and contains no starch in any stage. It comes in a resealable 800 g can and is the only one of the three with a Stage 4 for toddlers from 24 months.

Dutch Stage 1

Dutch Stage 2

Dutch Stage 3

Dutch Stage 4

HiPP German (Combiotic)

HiPP German also contains L. fermentum and GOS, and uses Metafolin, an active form of folate. It has the most stages:

  • Pre: from birth, with lactose as its only carbohydrate and no starch.
  • Stage 1: from birth, with a little starch, often chosen for hungrier babies.
  • Stage 2: from 6 months, with starch; a No Starch version is also available.
  • Stage 3: from 10 months, with starch.

It comes in a 600 g box. Learn more in our guide to Metafolin.

German Pre

German Stage 1

German Stage 2

German Stage 2 No Starch

German Stage 3

HiPP UK

HiPP UK has the simplest recipe of the three: organic milk, prebiotic GOS and fish-oil DHA, with no probiotic and no starch. It comes in an 800 g can.

UK Stage 1

UK Stage 2

UK Stage 3

How to choose

  • You want a probiotic and no starch? HiPP Dutch.
  • You want a probiotic, active folate, or a Pre stage? HiPP German.
  • You prefer the simplest recipe, without a probiotic? HiPP UK.
  • You prefer a can over a box? HiPP Dutch or HiPP UK (800 g cans).

Because all three share the same organic base, many families switch between them. Change gradually and check with your pediatrician; our switching guide explains how.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which HiPP has probiotics?

HiPP Dutch (Combiotik) and HiPP German (Combiotic) contain the probiotic culture L. fermentum. HiPP UK doesn’t.

Which HiPP formula has no starch?

HiPP Dutch and HiPP UK contain no starch. In the German range, Pre and Stage 2 No Starch are starch-free; Stages 1, 2 and 3 contain starch.

What’s the difference between HiPP German Pre and Stage 1?

Both are suitable from birth. Pre has lactose as its only carbohydrate; Stage 1 also contains a little starch, which makes it slightly thicker.

Is HiPP Dutch the same as HiPP German?

They’re very similar: both are organic and contain L. fermentum and GOS. The main differences are that HiPP German uses Metafolin and has starch in Stages 1–3, while HiPP Dutch has no starch and comes in a can.

Do HiPP formulas contain palm oil?

Yes. HiPP Dutch, German and UK all contain organic palm oil, alongside rapeseed and sunflower oil. If you prefer a palm-oil-free formula, see Kendamil or Löwenzahn Organics Whole Milk.

Related guides

Disclaimer: Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby. This information is general and not medical advice. Please talk to your pediatrician before starting or changing your baby’s formula.