Bobbie vs Kendamil vs HiPP: US “European-Style” Formula vs European Formula

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

Bobbie describes itself as a USDA Organic, “European-style” formula made in the US. So how does it compare with the European formulas it’s modeled on? We looked at the ingredient lists of Bobbie Organic, Kendamil and HiPP side by side. All three are good-quality organic options; the real differences are the milk base, prebiotics and probiotics, palm oil and stages.

Quick answer:

  • Bobbie Organic: made in the US to FDA rules, USDA Organic, with nonfat milk and whey, no palm oil, and one formula for 0–12 months.
  • Kendamil Organic / Bio Nature: the closest European match to Bobbie (organic, no palm oil, algae DHA), but made with whole milk and with added prebiotic GOS.
  • HiPP Dutch and German: organic, with prebiotic GOS and the probiotic L. fermentum; they contain organic palm oil and fish-oil DHA.

Side-by-side comparison

Bobbie information is from Bobbie’s official website (14.1 oz can, October 2026); Kendamil and HiPP from the ingredient lists of the Stage 1 formulas we stock.

Swipe sideways to see every column →

Bobbie OrganicKendamil Organic / Bio NatureHiPP Dutch
MadeUSA, to FDA rulesUK, to EU rulesTo EU rules
OrganicUSDA OrganicEU organicEU organic
Milk baseOrganic nonfat milk and wheyOrganic whole milkOrganic skimmed milk
OilsSunflower/safflower, canola, coconutSunflower, coconut, rapeseedPalm, rapeseed, sunflower
Palm oilNoNoYes (organic)
DHA sourceAlgaeAlgaeFish oil
CarbohydrateLactoseLactoseLactose
PrebioticsNone listedGOSGOS
ProbioticNoNoYes (L. fermentum)
StagesOne formula, 0–12 months1, 2, 31, 2, 3, 4

Note: Bobbie’s 24 oz can uses a slightly different recipe, with soybean oil and soy lecithin in place of canola. For every formula we stock, see our full comparison chart.

Bobbie Organic

Bobbie is a US brand made in Ohio and sold by US retailers. Its Organic formula uses organic lactose as the only carbohydrate, organic nonfat milk and whey protein, a blend of sunflower or safflower, canola and coconut oils, and DHA from algae. It contains no palm oil and lists no added prebiotics or probiotics. It’s a single formula for babies from birth to 12 months.

If you’d like the same simple, lactose-based approach in a European formula, or you want whole milk, prebiotics or a probiotic, these are the closest options we stock.

Kendamil: the closest European match

Kendamil Bio Nature shares Bobbie’s main features: certified organic, no palm oil, algae DHA and no maltodextrin. The difference is that Kendamil uses whole milk, keeping the natural milk fat, and adds prebiotic GOS. It also comes in stages up to toddlerhood. Prefer non-organic? Kendamil Premium is the classic recipe.

Kendamil Bio Nature Stage 1

Kendamil Premium Stage 1

HiPP: prebiotics and a probiotic

HiPP Dutch and HiPP German are certified organic and combine prebiotic GOS with the probiotic culture L. fermentum, originally found in breast milk. They use organic skimmed milk with organic palm, rapeseed and sunflower oil, and DHA from fish oil.

HiPP Dutch Stage 1

HiPP German Pre

Looking for a gentle formula?

Bobbie also makes Organic Gentle, with partially hydrolyzed whey protein. The European equivalents we stock are HiPP Comfort, with hydrolyzed whey and reduced lactose, and Kendamil Comfort, with partially hydrolyzed whey. See how HiPP’s special formulas compare in our HiPP Comfort vs Anti-Reflux vs HA guide.

Shop HiPP Comfort

Shop Kendamil Comfort

How to choose

  • You want a US-made formula you can buy locally? Bobbie.
  • You want Bobbie’s simple, palm-oil-free recipe, but with whole milk and prebiotics? Kendamil Bio Nature.
  • You want a probiotic? HiPP Dutch or HiPP German.
  • You need stages beyond 12 months? Kendamil or HiPP.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bobbie a European formula?

No. Bobbie describes its recipe as “European-style”, but it’s made in the US and regulated as a US infant formula. Kendamil and HiPP are made to EU standards.

Which European formula is closest to Bobbie?

Kendamil Organic and Bio Nature are closest: organic, palm-oil-free, lactose-based and with algae DHA. The main differences are Kendamil’s whole milk and added GOS.

Does Bobbie contain palm oil?

According to Bobbie, its formulas contain no palm oil. Kendamil is also palm-oil-free; HiPP contains organic palm oil.

Does Bobbie have probiotics or prebiotics?

The ingredient list for Bobbie Organic doesn’t include added probiotics or prebiotics. HiPP Dutch and German contain both; Kendamil contains prebiotic GOS.

Can I switch from Bobbie to Kendamil or HiPP?

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.

Bobbie is a trademark of its owner. The Milky Box isn’t affiliated with Bobbie; information about Bobbie comes from its official website.