HiPP vs. Kendamil

HiPP and Kendamil are the two European formula brands that have captured the most attention from U.S. parents. Both come from countries with long traditions of infant nutrition and are now officially FDA-registered and legally available in the United States.

Both formulas avoid corn syrup solids and use lactose as the primary carbohydrate. Both cost significantly more than mainstream American formulas. But they take notably different approaches to formulation — HiPP follows a traditional skim milk + whey model with strong organic credentials, while Kendamil uses a whole-milk approach that naturally provides MFGM.

Neither is "better" in an absolute sense. Both meet FDA requirements and provide nutritionally complete feeding. The choice comes down to which specific ingredient philosophy matters to you — and whether details like palm oil, DHA source, and organic certification align with your priorities.

For more on European vs. American formula differences, see our European vs. American formula guide.

Three differences genuinely distinguish these formulas.

Whole milk vs. skim milk + whey

Kendamil uses whole milk, retaining the cream and its natural MFGM. HiPP uses organic skim milk and whey protein concentrate — the standard approach. Kendamil argues that whole milk is closer to breast milk's composition. The clinical significance of this difference in healthy term babies is unproven, but it is a genuine formulation distinction.

Palm oil: HiPP uses it, Kendamil does not

HiPP includes palm oil in its fat blend. Kendamil does not use any palm oil. Research links palm oil (specifically palm olein) to firmer stools and slightly reduced calcium and fat absorption. If avoiding palm oil is important to you, Kendamil wins on this point. This is the most actionable practical difference between the two.

DHA source: fish oil vs. plant-based

HiPP Dutch sources DHA from fish oil. Kendamil uses plant-based algal DHA without any fish oil. For parents who prefer to avoid fish-derived ingredients (whether for dietary, environmental, or preference reasons), this is a meaningful distinction. Both provide adequate DHA levels.

The "European formula" category has a certain mystique among U.S. parents — the idea that European formulas are inherently better regulated or higher quality than American ones. The reality is more nuanced.

EU formula regulations differ from FDA regulations in some respects (the EU bans certain sugar sources that the U.S. allows, for example), but both regulatory frameworks produce safe, nutritionally complete formulas. U.S. store-brand formula at $0.70/oz meets the same FDA nutritional baseline as these $2.00/oz European imports.

HiPP's EU Organic certification is legitimate and reflects strict agricultural standards. However, organic certification does not mean the formula is more nutritious or produces different health outcomes for babies. It reflects sourcing practices.

Kendamil's heritage marketing — Lake District manufacturing, NHS hospital use, British Royal Warrant — is charming but does not equal clinical superiority. Manufacturing location does not determine nutritional quality.

Both formulas cost roughly $40–80 more per month than Enfamil or Similac, and roughly $100–140 more than store brands. The premium buys ingredient sourcing and formulation philosophy, not fundamentally different outcomes.

Taste: Kendamil has a creamier taste from the whole milk. HiPP is milder and slightly sweeter. Both taste notably different from mainstream American formulas.

Mixing: HiPP dissolves fairly smoothly. Kendamil can be thicker and may benefit from warmer water. Both work well in a formula pitcher.

Availability: Kendamil has better U.S. retail distribution — available on Amazon and at Target. HiPP is primarily available online through Amazon and specialty retailers. Neither is as easy to grab off the shelf as Enfamil or Similac.

Staging: Both brands use a European-style stage system (Stage 1 for 0–6 months, Stage 2 for 6–12 months, Stage 3 for toddlers). American formula typically does not use stages for the first year. Follow your pediatrician's guidance on when or whether to transition stages.

Import considerations: Both are now officially available in the U.S. through FDA-registered channels. Avoid purchasing from gray-market importers, as storage and handling cannot be verified.

Using either HiPP or Kendamil does not require a doctor's approval for healthy babies. Both are FDA-registered. However, talk to your pediatrician if your baby shows signs of intolerance.

HiPP and Kendamil are both excellent European formulas with different strengths. HiPP offers consistent EU-organic certification and added prebiotics. Kendamil offers whole-milk formulation with natural MFGM and no palm oil.

Choose HiPP if: EU-organic certification is your priority, you do not mind palm oil in formula, and added prebiotics (GOS) are important to you.

Choose Kendamil if: you prefer whole-milk formulation with natural MFGM, avoiding palm oil matters, you want plant-based DHA instead of fish oil, and you prefer broader retail availability.

Either works well if: you want a European-style formula with lactose as the sole carbohydrate and no corn syrup solids.

If you are switching between formulas, tracking feeds and symptoms for 1–2 weeks gives you real data. tinylog logs feeds, diapers, and fussiness so you can see whether the switch made a difference.

For more, see Bobbie vs. Kendamil, Kendamil vs. Similac, and European vs. American formula.

• European vs. American Formula — Real differences explained
• HiPP vs. Holle — European formulas compared
• Kendamil vs. Similac — European-style vs. American formula

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "21 CFR Part 107 — Infant Formula." Code of Federal Regulations.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. "Choosing an Infant Formula." HealthyChildren.org, 2024.
• European Commission. "Regulation on Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula." EC 2016/127.
• Koo WW, et al. "Palm olein in infant formula affects bone mineralization and calcium absorption." Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2006.
• Timby N, et al. "Neurodevelopment, nutrition, and growth until 12 mo of age in infants fed a low-energy, low-protein formula supplemented with bovine milk fat globule membranes." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2014.
• U.S. FDA. "Infant Formula Guidance Documents and Regulatory Information." fda.gov, 2023.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Formula recommendations should be discussed with your pediatrician, especially for babies with allergies, reflux, or other medical conditions.