Similac and HiPP are two well-known brands in the infant formula market, each offering a range of products designed to provide essential nutrition for babies during their first year of life. Let’s take a closer look at each brand and their respective formulas:
Similac:
- Brand Overview: Similac is a brand owned by Abbott Laboratories, a global healthcare company. Similac has a long history of providing formula products for infants and is widely recognized and trusted by parents and healthcare professionals.
- Product Range: Similac offers a variety of infant formulas tailored to meet the specific needs of babies. These include:
- Similac Advance: Designed to support brain and eye development with a blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E.
- Similac Pro-Advance: Includes OptiGRO, a mixture of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E, and is appropriate for infants with immune-related considerations.
- Similac Sensitive: Designed for infants with sensitive tummies, it offers easy digestibility and features gentle proteins.
- Similac NeoSure: Designed for premature infants to support their growth and development.
- Similac Alimentum: An option for babies with severe allergies or colic, as it is hypoallergenic and contains hydrolyzed proteins.
- Key Features: Similac formulas are known for their commitment to providing essential nutrients and vitamins, including DHA and ARA (fatty acids important for brain and eye development), prebiotics, and nucleotides to support a baby’s immune system.
HiPP:
- Brand Overview: HiPP is a German-based organic baby food and formula manufacturer known for its high-quality, organic ingredients and a strong commitment to sustainability. The company has been producing organic baby food for over 60 years and is well-regarded in Europe and around the world.
- Product Range: HiPP offers a range of organic infant formulas, including:
- HiPP Combiotic: Contains a combination of probiotics and prebiotics to support a baby’s gut health.
- HiPP Special Comfort: Designed for babies with digestive issues and allergies, with hydrolyzed proteins.
- HiPP Anti-Reflux: Formulated to reduce reflux and regurgitation in babies.
- HiPP Hypoallergenic: Suitable for babies with cow’s milk protein allergies.
- Key Features: HiPP formulas are known for their use of organic ingredients, strict quality control, and adherence to European organic farming standards. They are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified ingredients.
In this article, we will see a full comparison between HiPP Combiotic and Similac Advance & Pro Advance in terms of ingredients, Nutrients, and prices. Also, I have made a general comparison chart of those two formulas showing their key features.
Note: Similac has one formula for the first year whereas HiPP Combiotic has two formulas in the first year, one from 0 to 6 months and the other from 6-12 months, that’s why you will see two main axes; a comparison related to the first six months and to the second six months.
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Comparison Chart (0-6 months):
Here are the key differences between HiPP (0-6 months) and Similac Advance & Pro Advance:
GMO Status:
- HiPP (0-6 months): HiPP is proudly GMO-Free, which means that none of its ingredients are derived from genetically modified organisms. This aligns with the brand’s commitment to providing organic and natural nutrition to infants.
- Similac Advance: Similac Advance is not GMO-free, as it may contain ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms. However, Similac will offer a non-GMO version of Similac Advance for parents who prefer non-GMO options.
- Similac Pro Advance: Similac Pro Advance is GMO-free, making it a suitable choice for parents who prioritize avoiding GMO ingredients in their baby’s formula.
Ingredients Source:
- HiPP (0-6 months): HiPP formulas are made with organic ingredients that are certified according to European organic farming standards. This means the ingredients are sourced from organic farms and adhere to strict organic agriculture practices.
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance: Neither Similac Advance nor Pro Advance contains organic ingredients. These formulas are designed to meet the essential nutritional needs of infants but do not emphasize organic sourcing.
Palm Oil:
- HiPP (0-6 months): HiPP formulas have organic palm oil as a fat source.
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance: Similac Advance and Pro Advance are both Palm Oil-Free, addressing concerns some parents may have about the use of palm oil in infant formula.
Starch:
- HiPP (0-6 months): HiPP formulas are generally starch-free, except for the German version, which contains lactose and starch as carbohydrate sources. However, this version offers a starch-free formula. For more details about this subject check this article about HiPP German Vs Dutch Vs UK: What’s The Difference?
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance: Both Similac Advance and Pro Advance are starch-free, making them suitable for infants who may have difficulty digesting starch.
Soy:
- HiPP (0-6 months): HiPP (0-6 months) formulas are soy-free, which can be beneficial for infants with soy allergies or sensitivities.
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance: Neither Similac Advance nor Pro Advance is soy-free, as they contain soy oil.
FDA Approval:
- HiPP (0-6 months): HiPP (0-6 months) formulas are not FDA Approved. However, they are regulated and certified under European Union organic standards.
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance: Both Similac Advance and Pro Advance meet the FDA requirements, which can provide assurance to parents in the United States that these formulas comply with national standards for infant nutrition.
Probiotics and Prebiotics:
- HiPP (0-6 months): HiPP formulas typically contain probiotics, except for the UK version. They also include prebiotics to support healthy gut development.
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance: Neither Similac Advance nor Pro Advance contains probiotics, but they do include prebiotics to promote a healthy gut environment.
Availability:
- HiPP (0-6 months) is available in Europe and not in US local stores, so for US citizens, online stores are the only solution.
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance are available widely and you can purchase them wherever you like.
Read the full comparison between Similac Advance and Pro Advance.
Ingredients Comparison (0-6 months):
Protein Source:
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance use a combination of skim milk (nonfat milk) and whey protein as their primary protein sources. However, they differ in their whey-to-casein ratio, with Similac having a ratio of 48:52. This means that Similac formulas contain slightly more casein protein compared to whey protein.
- HiPP Combiotic Stage 1 formulas use skim milk (nonfat milk) and whey protein as their protein sources as well. However, HiPP Stage 1 formulas have a whey-to-casein ratio of 60:40, which means they contain a higher proportion of whey protein compared to Similac formulas.
Implications:
- Whey Protein: Whey protein is considered easier to digest and is closer in composition to breast milk protein. A higher whey-to-casein ratio, as found in HiPP Stage 1, may make it gentler on an infant’s digestive system.
- Casein Protein: Casein protein tends to be digested more slowly than whey protein. Similac’s slightly higher casein content might make it suitable for babies who need longer-lasting satiety or have specific dietary preferences.
Ultimately, the whey-to-casein ratio can affect how easily a formula is digested and can impact a baby’s comfort and feeding patterns.
Carbohydrate Source:
- Both Similac Advance and Pro Advance primarily use lactose as their carbohydrate source. Lactose is a natural sugar found in breast milk and is easily digestible for most infants.
- HiPP Stage 1 formulas generally use organic lactose as their primary carbohydrate source. Organic lactose is derived from milk and is a natural source of energy for babies. However, it’s important to note that the German version of HiPP Stage 1 includes both lactose and starch as carbohydrate sources.
Implications:
- Lactose: Lactose is the most abundant carbohydrate in breast milk and is well-tolerated by most infants. Formulas that use lactose aim to replicate the carbohydrate composition of breast milk, making them a suitable choice for many babies.
- Starch: The presence of starch in the German version of HiPP Stage 1 provides an additional source of carbohydrates. Starch can contribute to the energy content of the formula but may be a consideration for parents who prefer starch-free formulas.
Fat Source:
- Both Similac Advance and Pro Advance contain a blend of fats derived from high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil. These oils are chosen for their nutritional benefits and their ability to provide essential fatty acids for an infant’s growth and development.
- All HiPP formulas use a different combination of fats, including organic palm oil, organic rapeseed oil, and organic sunflower oil. These organic oils are selected to provide a source of healthy fats while adhering to organic farming standards.
Related: HiPP VS Bobbie: Which One is The Best?
Prebiotics:
- Similac Advance contains Short-chain fructooligosaccharides (2′-FL) as its prebiotic component. These are non-digestible carbohydrates that can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
- Similac Pro Advance includes two prebiotics: 2′-FL HMO (human milk oligosaccharide) and Short-chain fructooligosaccharides. These prebiotics are intended to support a healthy gut microbiome in infants.
- HiPP (0-6 months) formulas incorporate galactooligosaccharides (GOS) as their prebiotic component. GOS are also non-digestible carbohydrates that can stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Probiotics:
- Neither Similac Advance nor Pro Advance contains probiotics. These formulas rely on prebiotics to promote a healthy gut environment, but they do not include live bacterial cultures like probiotics.
- All HiPP Stage 1 formulas contain a probiotic strain called Lactobacillus fermentum except the UK version. Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that can contribute to a balanced gut microbiome and support digestive health.
Extra Features:
Similac Advance & Pro Advance offer an extra feature called OptiGRO which is designed to support the overall growth and development of infants, particularly during their first year of life. The OptiGRO blend includes three key components:
- DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for the development of an infant’s brain and eyes. It plays a crucial role in cognitive and visual development.
- Lutein: Lutein is a carotenoid that is found in high concentrations in the eye’s retina. It is believed to help protect and support healthy eye development in infants. Lutein is not typically present in breast milk, so its inclusion in the formula can be beneficial in promoting healthy vision.
- Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherol): Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is essential for overall growth and development and plays a role in immune system function.
Generic Brands:
Similac Advance and Pro Advance have 9 store brands to choose from in case there is a shortage, they are cheaper and safe for babies. You can read in detail my article about the Best 9 Generic Similac Advance & Pro Advance Formula (Cheap!!).
Nutrient Comparison (0-6 months):
Micronutrients:
In terms of micronutrients, Similac Advance & Pro Advance provide more protein and fat, offering additional nutrients for infant growth whereas HiPP (0-6 months) focuses on organic sourcing and adheres to European organic standards, with slightly lower protein and fat content.
Related: HiPP Organic Formula VS Enfamil Infant: Which One is The Best?
Vitamins:
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance contain higher levels of vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, Niacin, Biotin, and Inositol. These vitamins contribute to various aspects of infant growth and development.
- HiPP (0-6 months) formulas have higher levels of vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B2, vitamin C, Pantothenic acid, and choline. These vitamins also play essential roles in infant health and development, with a particular emphasis on vitamin D for bone health and vitamin E as an antioxidant.
Minerals:
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance contain higher levels of iron and copper. Iron is essential for red blood cell production, and copper plays a role in various physiological processes.
- HiPP (0-6 months) formulas have higher levels of phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iodine, sodium, selenium, potassium, and chloride. These minerals are important for bone health, nerve function, and overall body balance. Additionally, HiPP includes fluoride, which can be beneficial for dental health.
Price Comparison (0-6 months):
In terms of price, Similac’s regular formulas are way cheaper than HiPP Combiotic formulas. HiPP Combiotic is considered a premium formula, which often comes with a higher price tag due to these factors. Similac’s regular formulas may use conventional ingredients and have different production and distribution strategies, contributing to a lower price point.
However, moms love HiPP formulas more than Similac regular formulas as the rating shows.
Where to Buy?
HiPP Combiotic Stage 1:
| Formula | Where to Buy? |
|---|---|
| HiPP German Stage 1 | Buy HERE |
| HiPP German PRE RTF | Buy HERE |
| HiPP Dutch Stage 1 | Buy HERE |
| HiPP UK Stage 1 | Buy HERE |
Similac Advance:
Similac Pro Advance:
Comparison Chart (6-12 months):
Here’s a general comparison between Similac Advance & Pro Advance and HiPP (6-12 months) Combiotic formulas :
GMO Status:
- Similac Advance is not GMO-free, but there is a non-GMO version available. Pro Advance is GMO-Free.
- HiPP (6-12 months): HiPP formulas are GMO-free, aligning with a commitment to offering non-genetically modified ingredients.
Ingredients Source:
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance: These formulas do not emphasize organic ingredients and are typically sourced from conventional farming practices.
- HiPP (6-12 months) formulas include organic ingredients that are EU organic certified, reflecting a dedication to organic sourcing and adherence to European organic standards.
Soy Content:
- Neither Similac Advance nor Pro Advance is soy-free, as they contain soy oil.
- HiPP (6-12 months) formulas are generally soy-free, except for the German version, which contains emulsifier lecithins derived from soy.
Starch Content:
- Both Similac Advance & Pro Advance are starch-free, making them suitable for infants who may have difficulty digesting starch.
- HiPP (6-12 months) Combiotic formulas are mostly starch-free, except for the German version, which includes lactose and starch as carbohydrate sources. But, it offers a no-starch formula.
Probiotics:
- Neither Similac Advance nor Pro Advance contains probiotics; they rely on prebiotics for gut health.
- HiPP (6-12 months) Combiotic formulas typically contain probiotics, except for the UK version, contributing to a balanced gut microbiome.
DHA/ARA:
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance include DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and ARA (Arachidonic Acid) to support brain and eye development.
- HiPP (6-12 months) formulas contain DHA but do not include ARA.
FDA Requirements:
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance meet the FDA requirements, providing assurance to parents in the United States.
- HiPP (6-12 months) formulas do not meet the FDA requirements as they are produced in accordance with European organic standards.
Formulas in the First Year:
- Similac offers one formula suitable for the entire first year.
- HiPP offers two formulas, Stage 1 and Stage 2, tailored for the different nutritional needs of infants during their first year.
Ingredients Comparison (6-12 months):
The differences between Similac Advance & Pro Advance and HiPP Combiotic (6-12 months) formulas are the same as for 0-6 months except that the whey-to-casein ratio in HiPP Combiotic Stage 2 changes from 60:40 to 40:60. Furthermore, they don’t have a source of ARA which mean that the baby in this stage get Omega 6 from Linoleic acid only.
Nutrient Comparison (6-12 months):
Vitamins:
Similac Advance & Pro Advance have higher levels of vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, Niacin, Biotin, Choline, and Inositol. These vitamins support various aspects of infant growth and development.
HiPP Stage 2 formulas provide higher levels of vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, Folic Acid, and Pantothenic Acid. These vitamins play roles in bone health, immune function, energy metabolism, and overall growth.
Moreover, HiPP Stage 2 formulas do not contain choline and inositol.
Minerals:
- Similac Advance & Pro Advance contain higher levels of iron and copper.
- HiPP (0-6 months) formulas have higher levels of phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iodine, sodium, selenium, potassium, and chloride.
Price Comparison (6-12 months):
All HiPP stages have the same price which means that Similac’s regular formulas are still way cheaper than HiPP Combiotic formulas.
Where to Buy?
| Formula | Where to Buy |
|---|---|
| HiPP German Stage 2 | Buy HERE |
| HiPP German Stage 3 | Buy HERE |
| HiPP Dutch Stage 2 | Buy HERE |
| HiPP UK Stage 2 | Buy HERE |
The Best One?
The choice between Similac Advance & Pro Advance and HiPP Stage 2 formulas ultimately depends on your specific priorities and your baby’s individual nutritional needs. Here’s a general conclusion based on the provided information:
Similac Advance & Pro Advance are notable for their higher levels of several vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, Niacin, Biotin, Choline, and Inositol. These vitamins are important for various aspects of infant growth and development. Similac also offers options for parents who prefer non-GMO formulas and it’s available worldwide. However, these formulas do not contain organic ingredients.
HiPP Combiotic formulas offer higher levels of minerals and they are also known for their organic ingredients, GMO-Free status, and adherence to European organic standards. However, they are not available in US local stores.
The “best” choice depends on your specific priorities. If you value organic ingredients and GMO-Free status, and are comfortable with the minerals profile provided by HiPP, it can be an excellent option. On the other hand, if you prioritize higher levels of vitamins and are open to non-organic ingredients and you don’t trust buying formulas online, Similac Advance & Pro Advance may be a suitable choice.
