HiPP vs Kendamil: How Europe’s Two Most Popular Formulas Compare

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

HiPP and Kendamil are the two brands our families ask about most. Both are high-quality European formulas, but they’re built in different ways. The biggest differences come down to skimmed milk vs whole milk, palm oil, probiotics and where the DHA comes from.

Quick answer:

  • Choose HiPP if you want a probiotic (in HiPP Dutch and German); all its standard Dutch, German and UK formulas are certified organic.
  • Choose Kendamil if you want whole milk, no palm oil and DHA from algae rather than fish oil.
  • Both contain prebiotic GOS, and both offer certified organic options.

Side-by-side comparison

Based on the ingredient lists of the Stage 1 formulas we stock.

Swipe sideways to see every column →

HiPP DutchHiPP GermanKendamil Organic / Bio NatureKendamil Classic / Premium
Milk baseOrganic skimmed milkOrganic skimmed milkOrganic whole milkWhole milk
OilsPalm, rapeseed, sunflowerPalm, rapeseed, sunflowerSunflower, coconut, rapeseedSunflower, coconut, rapeseed
Palm oilYes (organic)Yes (organic)NoNo
DHA sourceFish oilFish oilAlgaeAlgae
ProbioticYes (L. fermentum)Yes (L. fermentum)NoNo
PrebioticsGOSGOSGOSGOS (Premium also FOS)
StarchNoStages 1–3 (Pre: no)NoNo
Certified organicYesYesYesNo
Pack800 g can600 g box800 g can800 g can

Want the detail within each brand? See our HiPP Dutch vs German vs UK and Kendamil range comparisons.

The big difference: skimmed milk vs whole milk

HiPP uses skimmed milk and adds vegetable oils (including palm oil) to provide the fat a baby needs. Kendamil uses whole milk, keeping the natural milk fat, and tops it up with sunflower, coconut and rapeseed oil, with no palm oil. Both approaches meet EU requirements for infant formula; it’s a question of preference. Read more in our whole milk vs skim milk guide.

Probiotics and DHA

HiPP Dutch and German contain the probiotic culture L. fermentum, originally found in breast milk; Kendamil doesn’t contain a probiotic. For DHA, the omega-3 fat required in all EU infant formula, HiPP uses fish oil and Kendamil uses algae oil.

HiPP

Certified organic across the standard range, with a probiotic in the Dutch and German versions. HiPP Dutch comes in an 800 g can with no starch; HiPP German comes in a 600 g box with a Pre stage.

HiPP Dutch Stage 1

HiPP German Pre

All HiPP formulas

Kendamil

Whole milk with no palm oil and algae DHA. Choose Kendamil Bio Nature for certified organic, or Kendamil Premium for the classic, non-organic recipe.

Kendamil Bio Nature Stage 1

Kendamil Premium Stage 1

All Kendamil formulas

How to choose

  • A probiotic matters to you? HiPP Dutch or HiPP German.
  • You’d rather avoid palm oil? Kendamil.
  • You prefer DHA without fish oil? Kendamil.
  • Certified organic matters most? HiPP’s standard formulas, or Kendamil Organic and Bio Nature.
  • You like whole milk? Kendamil.

If you switch between brands, do it gradually and check with your pediatrician; our switching guide explains how.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kendamil better than HiPP?

Neither is better for every baby. Both are high-quality European formulas that meet EU standards. Kendamil uses whole milk with no palm oil and algae DHA; HiPP’s standard formulas are all certified organic, and it offers a probiotic in its Dutch and German versions.

Which has probiotics, HiPP or Kendamil?

HiPP Dutch and HiPP German contain the probiotic L. fermentum. HiPP UK and Kendamil don’t contain a probiotic.

Does HiPP contain palm oil?

Yes, HiPP’s standard Dutch, German and UK formulas contain organic palm oil. Kendamil formulas don’t contain palm oil.

Is Kendamil organic?

Kendamil Organic and Kendamil Bio Nature are certified organic. Kendamil Classic and Premium aren’t.

Can I switch from HiPP to Kendamil?

Yes, many families do. Switch gradually, for example by mixing the old and new formula over several days, and talk to your pediatrician first.

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.