As parents, you place a great deal of care into selecting the best nutrition for your baby. But this can be tricky when you have to consider allergies or intolerances. Thankfully, a wide variety of specialty formulas are designed for these extra-sensitive little ones!
Hypoallergenic infant formula, or HA formula for short, is crafted with gentle ingredients designed to help comfortably nourish growth and reduce the risk of allergic reactions for babies with specific dietary needs (Freidl, 2022). Thanks to tiny, broken-down proteins, your baby's delicate digestive system gets much-needed relief and can better tolerate their milk.
In this article, we'll focus on the top 3 best hypoallergenic formula options from Europe. We also discuss important differences between allergies and intolerances and examine the many types of hypoallergenic baby formulas available.
Keep reading for an in-depth guide to European hypoallergenic formulas from HiPP, including when to use them, their pros and cons, and, finally, what American hypoallergenic baby formula they compare to!
Table of Contents
- Ranking The Best Hypoallergenic Baby Formula
- #1 HiPP HA Formula (Dutch Version)
- #2 HiPP HA Formula (German Version)
- #3 HiPP HA Ready to Feed Formula (German Version)
- HiPP HA as an Similac Alimentum® Alternative
- Things To Consider When Choosing Hypoallergenic Formulas
- Lactose Intolerance vs Cow's Milk Protein Allergy
- What Are Different Types of Hypoallergenic Baby Formula?
- What Hypoallergenic Formula is Best?
- Conclusion: The Best Hypoallergenic Infant Formula
Ranking The Best Hypoallergenic Baby Formula
We're here to help you on your formula-finding journey! To do so, we spent hours researching formulas, scrutinizing scientific studies, and analyzing ingredient lists so we can offer trustworthy, reliable recommendations based on the latest findings in infant nutrition. We encourage you to check out our "How We Review Page" for more details about our standards for rating each product.
To make our ranking as comprehensive as possible, we evaluated each hydrolyzed formula based on five key criteria: European organic certification, which requires crops to be grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides; non-GMO ingredients; lactose or milk as the primary ingredient; no added sugars or artificial sweeteners; and the inclusion of ARA and DHA.
We've also awarded bonus points for the inclusion of probiotics and prebiotics and the absence of maltodextrin, starch, and palm oil. Each performance category is worth 1 point, for a maximum of 10 points total.
#1 HiPP HA Formula (Dutch Version)
HiPP HA draws on 25 years of immunology research to deliver a powerful blend of ingredients designed to support immunity and help protect babies with a family history of allergies. HiPP HA combines easy-to-digest hydrolyzed whey protein with prebiotics and probiotics to help strengthen your baby's intestinal barrier and protect against unwanted allergic reactions. Finally, HiPP HA has a mild taste that babies love, and parents have compared it to the flavour of human milk.
Please consult your pediatrician to see if this formula is a good match for your baby, as HiPP HA may not be suitable for little ones with CMPA.
Pros ✔️
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Digestible low-allergen hydrolyzed proteins
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Immune-supporting probiotics & prebiotics
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Based on 25 years of immunology research
Cons ❌
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Contains sustainably sourced palm oil
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Not certified organic
Leading Qualities of HiPP Dutch HA
Our research shows that many hypoallergenic formulas don't hold European organic certification. This is because, under organic regulations, formulas containing hydrolyzed milk protein, such as HiPP HA, cannot be certified organic. However, this doesn't impact the quality of this formula, and HiPP HA is still free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
One of our favourite features of HiPP Dutch formula is its use of lactose as the only carbohydrate source, which provides an easily digestible energy source modelled after the main carbohydrate in breast milk.
HiPP formulas are also free from added sugars and artificial sweeteners like corn syrup solids. We've noted this as a benefit because current research shows that exposure to added sugars in infancy can contribute to increased sugar intake later in childhood. To combat this, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies under 2 years old avoid added sugars.
We're also happy to find the fatty acids ARA (Omega-6) and DHA (Omega-3) in this formula, added in an optimally balanced ratio to support eye and brain development.
Bonus Points Awarded to HiPP Dutch HA☆
Astonishingly, more than 80% of our immune cells are in our intestines; this means healthy, balanced intestinal bacteria help lay the foundation for a strong immune system. For this reason, HiPP HA uniquely contains a proven combination of probiotics originally extracted from real breast milk and prebiotics derived from lactose to help fortify your baby's intestinal wall and protect against allergens and unwanted bacteria!
We've awarded this formula two bonus points for excluding both starch and maltodextrin. While these complimentary carbs are safe, they can be harder to digest and aren't useful in this gentle formula with a simple lactose base.
Parents are sometimes iffy about palm oil in baby formula because of potential digestive and ecological concerns, but HiPP sources their palm oil from fair and sustainable production. So, while we did remove a point, we are impressed with the mindful approach they've taken to sourcing this ingredient in their hypoallergenic formula line.
#2 HiPP HA Formula (German Version)
Instead of repeating the information above, we wanted to note that the powdered version of HiPP's Dutch and German hypoallergenic formula variations use the same recipe, so you don't have to worry about your baby missing out on any nutritional goodness.
The main difference between the two European formulas is the packaging. While the powdered HiPP German hypoallergenic formula comes in 600g boxes, the Dutch variation comes in 800g cans. We wanted to include this in case it helps you decide between the two.
Moreover, the German version offers two infant formula stages (PRE and 1) and one follow-on formula (Stage 2). In contrast, the Dutch version only offers Stage 1 infant formula and Stage 2 follow-on formula.
#3 HiPP HA Ready to Feed Formula (German Version)
HiPP HA PRE RTF offers the same gentle, hydrolyzed-protein approach as HiPP HA powder in a convenient ready-to-feed format. It uses hydrolyzed whey protein to make the milk proteins easier to digest and is designed for babies who may benefit from a lower-allergen formula. However, its liquid format means the hypoallergenic formula recipe looks a little different from the powdered option. Water is the first ingredient because the formula is already prepared and ready to serve, rather than having lactose or milk listed first as you would typically see in a powdered formula.
Pros ✔️
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Digestible low-allergen hydrolyzed whey proteins
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Sterile and ready to feed
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No measuring or mixing required
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Convenient for travel, late-night feeds, and on-the-go use
Cons ❌
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Does not contain probiotics
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Not certified organic
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Contains sustainably sourced palm oil
Leading Qualities of HiPP HA PRE RTF
One of the biggest differences between HiPP HA PRE RTF and the powdered formulas on this list is that its ingredient order reflects the fact that it is already premixed. Water is naturally the first ingredient in this ready-to-feed formula because the product has already been prepared to the correct concentration. This shouldn't be interpreted as meaning that the formula contains less milk or lactose; it simply reflects the format in which the formula is sold.
The ready-to-feed format also means that HiPP HA PRE RTF cannot include the same probiotic cultures found in the powdered HiPP HA formula. Probiotics are live microorganisms that need to remain viable to provide their intended benefits. Ready-to-feed infant formulas undergo heat treatment to make them commercially sterile, and this processing would not allow live probiotic cultures to remain active in the finished product. Powdered formula, which does not undergo the same sterilizing heat treatment, can therefore support the addition of probiotics.
While this means HiPP HA PRE RTF misses points in our ranking system for lacking probiotics, this is more a limitation of the ready-to-feed format than a reflection of the formula's overall quality. In fact, the heat treatment gives RTF formula one major advantage that powdered formulas cannot offer: it is sterile when unopened and ready to serve.
HiPP HA PRE RTF also eliminates the need to measure powder and water separately. Once opened, parents simply shake the container and can pour the appropriate amount directly into a baby bottle or use a suitable nipple designed for the container. It can be served at room temperature or warmed if preferred. This also removes the possibility of accidentally adding too much or too little powder, making it especially convenient for caregivers who want a straightforward feeding option.
Bonus Points Awarded to HiPP HA PRE RTF☆
Although HiPP HA PRE RTF loses a couple of points in our system compared with its powdered counterpart, we're giving it bonus points for convenience. There are situations where a sterile, pre-mixed formula is simply more practical than powder.
Ready-to-feed formula is especially useful for travel, overnight feeds, hospital visits, or moments when you don't have easy access to clean water or a way to measure and prepare a bottle. There's no scooping, no mixing, and no worrying about getting the powder-to-water ratio exactly right. It's ready when your baby is.
While it may not score as highly under our ranking system, its sterile, pre-mixed format offers a convenience none of the powder hypoallergenic formula on this list can replicate.
HiPP HA as an Similac Alimentum® Alternative
As you may be aware, Abbott Nutrition, the manufacturer of Similac®, voluntarily recalled various Alimentum® products in 2022 after reports of infants becoming ill came to their attention. For this reason, many parents have been seeking the best Alimentum® alternative. To help you make an informed decision, we will compare the powdered version of Alimentum® Step 1 with HiPP HA.
Similac® Alimentum® and HiPP HA are both hypoallergenic infant formulas. The Alimentum® formula contains extensively hydrolyzed proteins and is marketed toward babies with CMPA, severe food allergies, or protein sensitivity-related colic. HiPP HA, by contrast, is intended for babies with a family history of allergies.
Based on our performance points, we awarded HiPP HA Dutch an almost perfect score of 8 out of 10 points. It lost 2 points due to the inclusion of palm oil and its lack of European organic certification. However, on the same rating system, Alimentum® scores a 1 out of 10. We will cover the rationale behind this next.
How Similac® Alimentum® Scores on Our Main Performance Points:
Alimentum® is not an organic hypoallergenic formula, but it is non-GMO, which earns it one point, and notably, it contains milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones.
The first ingredient in the Alimentum® formula is corn maltodextrin. From our research, a study assessing tolerance to lactose in babies with cow's milk allergy found that "Even children hypersensitive to cow's milk are clinically tolerant to lactose and can safely consume foods and drugs with lactose from bovine sources as an ingredient."—Unless they also have diagnosed lactose intolerance, which is rare in infants—For this reason, excluding lactose from Similac's formula may be unwarranted.
Furthermore, Similac® Alimentum® adds sucrose, also known as table sugar, to its recipe. While this ingredient can make the formula more appealing to babies, as hydrolyzed milk proteins can sometimes taste bitter, the AAP states that children under 2 years of age do not need added sugar in their diet.
What we did appreciate about Alimentum® is that it contains both DHA and ARA, and this is where Similac® achieved its single point in our review of HA baby formulas.
How Similac® Alimentum® Scores on Our Bonus Performance Points:
Whereas a critical component of HiPP HA formula is the inclusion of pro- and prebiotics, Similac® Alimentum® skips out on these immune-supporting ingredients.
Additionally, as discussed above, this formula does contain maltodextrin as a carbohydrate source, but it also contains modified cornstarch. Although we prefer when formulas stick to lactose-only recipes, without lactose, babies do need an alternative source of carbs, and these two ingredients achieve that.
Finally, like HiPP HA, Similac® Alimentum® also contains palm oil, although, unlike HiPP, it is not obtained from ecologically sustainable sources.
Things To Consider When Choosing Hypoallergenic Formulas
Now that you have an overview of the best hypoallergenic baby formulas, let's look at a few important considerations when selecting a hypoallergenic formula brand for your baby.
1. Allergy or Sensitivity
If you suspect your child may have a cow milk allergy or intolerance, consult your pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can distinguish between cow milk protein allergies (CMPA), lactose intolerance, and simple digestive discomfort. We will also cover the differences in depth at the end of this article. After assessment, your baby's doctor will determine whether your little one requires a hypoallergenic formula or if they can stay on a regular formula.
2. Your Baby's Age
Roughly 50% of babies with CMPA outgrow this allergy by the time they reach 12 months. For this reason, we encourage parents to monitor their little ones closely to see if their health conditions and nutritional needs are changing.
It might be that your baby can later be transitioned to a different type of formula as they outgrow the need for a hypoallergenic formula. However, it's always best to discuss any dietary or health changes with your pediatrician.
With these points in mind, let's move on to our deep dive into the best hypoallergenic infant formula and explore non-GMO and organic formula options!
Lactose Intolerance vs Cow's Milk Protein Allergy
Cow's milk protein allergies are common in infancy, affecting around 5–7% of formula-fed babies. However, we know less about the incidence of lactose intolerance in little ones. Currently, the highest known occurrence is in Finland, where roughly 1 in 6000 newborns are lactose intolerant.
Despite the fact that these conditions impact babies at very different rates, many parents confuse them as being the same thing because they share similar presentations of symptoms. But the truth is, they are very different. Lactose intolerance is an issue of digestion, whereas CMPA is a matter of aggravating the immune system.
Let's take a closer look at some important differences between them!
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to properly digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. This condition can cause digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Since lactose is the primary carbohydrate in many types of European baby formula, healthcare providers may recommend that infants who are diagnosed with lactose intolerance be fed a lactose free formula instead of a regular formula.
While lactose intolerance is uncommon in infants, it becomes more common with age as the body may naturally produce less lactase. Because lactose intolerance can develop over time, a parent’s lactose intolerance does not mean their baby will have the same condition.
Cow's Milk Protein Allergy 🐄
CMPA, on the other hand, is an immune response to cow's milk proteins that causes an allergic reaction. There are two different kinds of CMPA:
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The first and most common type is IgE-mediated. This immediate allergic reaction occurs when your baby's immune system produces IgE antibodies in response to cow's milk proteins, which can cause hives, swelling, wheezing, or anaphylaxis.
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The second type is non-IgE-mediated. This slower-acting response does not involve IgE antibodies but triggers other parts of the immune system and can cause digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or, in rare cases, blood in the stool.
Some babies experience a combination of IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated CMPA, where symptoms from both allergies may overlap or occur independently. Furthermore, CMPA is more likely to affect your little one if you have a family history of allergies.
Symptoms of cow's milk protein allergy can vary widely and may include hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, mucus or blood in the stool, excessive crying, eczema, wheezing, or other digestive and skin symptoms. Because many of these symptoms can have other causes, they do not necessarily mean your baby has CMPA.
Blood in the stool, persistent vomiting, or poor weight gain should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional before changing formulas, as these symptoms may require further assessment and a specific feeding plan.
For CMPA, a healthcare provider may recommend specialized formulas, such as an extensively hydrolyzed formula or an amino acid-based formula, to help manage the condition.
What Are Different Types of Hypoallergenic Baby Formula?
Different types of hypoallergenic formula exist because not all stomach issues in infants are caused by the same condition. While each formula is unique, they all aim to ease symptoms caused by allergies or intolerances.
Partially Hydrolyzed Formulas
Partially hydrolyzed formula breaks proteins into smaller fragments to reduce allergenic potential, but they're more similar to intact milk proteins than those in extensively hydrolyzed formulas. While this kind of formula can help with some tummy troubles, it may not suit little ones with CMPA.
Extensively Hydrolyzed Formulas
The proteins in extensively hydrolyzed formulas are broken down into much smaller components than those found in partially hydrolyzed formulas, making them easier for many babies with CMPA to tolerate. In fact, approximately 90% of infants tolerate extensively hydrolyzed formulas well.
Amino Acid Formulas
Amino acid based formulas provide nutrients in the form of individual amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Because these formulas contain no intact milk proteins to break down, they are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction and are generally reserved for babies with severe CMPA or those who cannot tolerate extensively hydrolyzed formulas. They are also typically the most expensive type of hypoallergenic formula and require a prescription for use.
Lactose Free Formulas
These hypoallergenic baby formulas are designed for infants who are lactose intolerant. Lactose-free formulas are crafted by removing lactose and replacing it with other carbohydrate sources, such as corn syrup solids, glucose, or maltodextrin.
Soy Formulas
Soy based formulas are a plant-based option that uses soy protein instead of cow's milk protein. It may be an alternative for babies with lactose intolerance or some infants with CMPA. However, babies with CMPA can also react to soy. Research suggests that about 8–14% of babies with cow's milk allergy may also have a soy allergy, so speak with a healthcare professional before introducing a soy formula if CMPA is suspected or diagnosed.
You may also want to check: The Differences Between Soy Formula and Hypoallergenic Formula
Hydrolyzed Rice Formulas
This dairy-free baby formula is made with rice protein broken down into smaller molecules through hydrolysis, making it easier for tiny tummies to digest. These may benefit babies with CMPA or lactose intolerance.
Goat Formulas
Goat milk formula can be an alternative to cow's milk-based formula for babies who are sensitive to cow's milk. Goat milk has a slightly different protein structure and composition than cow's milk, which some babies may find easier to digest or tolerate. It's also widely available as an organic formula for families seeking EU organic certification. However, goat milk formula is not hypoallergenic and should not be considered a suitable alternative for babies with a diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy. Goat milk proteins are similar enough to cow's milk proteins that crossover allergic reactions can occur.
For babies with a cow milk protein sensitivity rather than a diagnosed allergy, a goat milk formula such as Holle Goat may be an option to discuss with your healthcare professional.
What Hypoallergenic Formula is Best?
In our experience, HiPP HA is one of the best hypoallergenic baby formulas because many infants who struggle to digest regular formulas respond well to it.
This is shown not only by the test we conducted above, but also by the hundreds of positive reviews we receive from parents worldwide. Notably, parents praise this European hypoallergenic formula for improving stool quality, skin reactions, and gas pains, amongst other issues.
What is the Best Hypoallergenic Milk for Newborns?
If you are looking for a hypoallergenic baby formula for your newborn, you can use Stage PRE or Stage 1 formula. HiPP HA German powdered or ready-to-feed bottles or HiPP HA Dutch are all great choices, as they are formulated specifically for infants from birth to 6 months!
Conclusion: The Best Hypoallergenic Infant Formula
Dealing with tummy troubles is no easy feat, but hypoallergenic formulas can help if your baby has a milk protein allergy or sensitivity.
From our extensive review, we consider HiPP HA the best hypoallergenic formula, but remember: every baby is unique, and you should speak with your pediatrician before changing your baby's diet.
With HA formulas, paired with guidance from your pediatrician, you can start on the path to ensuring your baby's feeding journey is free from discomfort and filled with the nutrients they need to thrive!
Scientific References
Bawa, A. S., & Anilakumar, K. (2012). Genetically modified foods: safety, risks and public concerns—a review. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 50(6), 1035–1046.
Bharadia, L., Agrawal, N., & Joshi, N. (2020). Development and functions of the infant gut microflora: Westernvs. Indian infants. International Journal of Pediatrics, 2020, 1–10.
Dupont, C., Bocquet, A., Tomé, D., Bernard, M. A., Campeotto, F., Dumond, P., Essex, A., Frelut, M., Guénard-Bilbault, L., Lack, G., Linglart, A., Payot, F., Taı̈Eb, A., & Kalach, N. (2020). Hydrolyzed Rice Protein-Based Formulas, a vegetal alternative in cow’s milk allergy. Nutrients, 12(9), 2654.
Fiocchi, A., Restani, P., Leo, G., Martelli, A. M., Bouygue, G. R., Terracciano, L., Ballabio, C., & Valsasina, R. (2003). Clinical tolerance to lactose in children with cow’s milk allergy. Pediatrics, 112(2), 359–362.
Griebel-Thompson, A. K., Fazzino, T. L., Cramer, E., Paluch, R. A., Morris, K. S., & Kong, K. L. (2023). Early exposure to added sugars via infant formula may explain high intakes of added sugars during complementary feeding beyond maternal modeling. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10.
Martin, C. R., Ling, P., & Blackburn, G. L. (2016). Review of infant feeding: Key features of breast milk and infant formula. Nutrients, 8(5), 279.
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Disclaimer: Please be aware that this information is based on general trends in babies, and it is not medical advice. Your doctor should be your first source of information and advice when considering any changes to your child’s formula and when choosing your child’s formula. Always consult your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child’s diet or if you notice any changes in your child. Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby because breast milk provides your child with all the essential nutrients they need for growth and development. Please consult your pediatrician if your child requires supplemental feeding. |
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