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When breastfeeding is not an option, parents start searching for the best possible alternative. Wondering which formula is the best choice for your baby? Today I’ll compare two of your options – Bobbie vs HiPP.
Choosing the right formula for your baby can be difficult – especially when you’re a new parent without any experience. Most parents start their quest for the best formula with recommendations from their friends and relatives. Is this the case for you too? Then you’ve probably already heard about HiPP, a widely acclaimed European formula that has become hugely popular in America too.
On the other hand, Bobbie is a new American product that is often recommended as the best replacement for HiPP. Obviously, the two have a lot in common, but there are some important differences between them too.
This article will help you understand what makes each of these formulas unique and who these brands are most suitable for.
Contents
Main Differences between Bobbie vs HiPP
The main differences between Bobbie vs HiPP are:
- Bobbie is a new American formula, whereas HiPP is a European brand with 100+ years of history.
- Bobbie currently comes as a single infant powder formula only, whereas HiPP produces numerous types and ranges of formulas, including dairy-free ones.
- Bobbie is slightly more expensive, whereas HiPP is a bit more affordable.
- Bobbie is FDA-approved, whereas HiPP is not, which means it cannot be officially sold in American stores.
- Bobbie is free from palm oil, whereas HiPP formulas contain some palm oil.
Bobbie vs HiPP – Which Is Better for Your Child?
According to many parents I’ve met in my life, finding a good formula for their baby was one of the most challenging things they ever had to accomplish. I cannot blame them. After all, you’re trying to pick the best artificial product to replace breastmilk, a pure natural perfection, so your expectations should be high.
A good strategy to hold on to is looking for a product that would mimic breast milk as closely as possible. This will undeniably bring you to products like Bobbie vs HiPP, which both strive to replicate the qualities of human breast milk to the smallest details.
Moreover, these formulas are also rich in vital nutrients and use organic ingredients, including bio-quality cow’s milk. So, which one should you try first? First, let’s focus on each of these formulas in detail to uncover their greatest qualities and possible drawbacks.
Bobbie – In Depth
Bobbie is one of the newest formulas on the American market. Moreover, it’s probably the only American formula that was actually founded and created by moms – for moms. Laura and Sarah, co-founders of Bobbie, built their brand around their personal quest for a better, fully organic formula that would provide the best solution for both mothers and their kids.
Did they succeed? Is this really the best formula for your little one too? Let’s evaluate Bobbie’s features and qualities in detail.
Ingredients
Bobbie stands out from other American formulas by using the so-called “European” recipe. What does it mean in practice?
In short, this formula complies with somewhat stricter regulations imposed by the European Commission on all EU-produced formulas, which, among other things, prohibits the use of corn syrup and GMOs, restricts the amounts of sucrose, insists on purely organic ingredients, requires certain amounts of DHA, and so on.
Of course, this doesn’t automatically mean that standard American formulas are inferior – in fact, many of them do comply with numerous of these regulations too. They are just not officially obliged to do it by the authorities.
So, what kind of ingredients can you find in the Bobbie formula? Here’s a brief summary:
- Lactose is Bobbie’s main source of carbohydrates (and energy). It is the same carb that can be found in natural breastmilk, so most babies will react to it very well. Of course, carefully watch out for the signs of possible lactose intolerance. Kids with milk allergies should rather use some of the non-dairy formulas which are now widely available on the market.
- Cow’s milk protein in Bobbie formulas comes from organic pasture-raised milk free from hormones and antibiotics. Grass-fed cows also produce milk that is richer in healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Added whey is included to mimic the natural composition of breast milk (60/40 whey to casein ratio). Whey also makes formula easy to digest and prevents painful colics, gassiness, and constipation.
- DHA is a healthy omega-3 fatty acid, which is extremely important for babies’ healthy brain and eye development. Although all modern formulas do contain some amounts of this crucial ingredient, Bobbie has higher levels of DHA than most of them, and it also uses DHA extracted naturally (water-based process instead of using hexane solvent).
- Organic vegetable oils (soy, sunflower, coconut) are a healthier and more eco-friendly alternative to palm oil. In addition, they provide the formula with fat and calories, which are essential to help your baby feel full and active.
Unlike some of the HiPP formulas, we’ll discuss shortly, Bobbie does not contain any prebiotics or probiotics. If you feel like your baby needs them, though, you can always add them individually to their diet.
Taste and Smell
Bobbie certainly does a lot to make its formula feel in every regard as natural and pleasant as possible. If this effort appeals to you, the formula’s smooth texture, authentic milky color, and mildly sweetish taste shouldn’t disappoint you either.
Unlike some other formulas, Bobbie lacks the weird powdery aftertaste. It also won’t repulse you with the typical fishy smell that accompanies some of the other formulas rich in animal-based fatty acids. All in all, in regard to its taste and smell, Bobbie should suit even the pickiest babies (and moms).
Packaging and Prices
Bobbie formula is currently available only as a single product – an organic powder formula for infants (0 – 12 months). This comes in one type of packaging – a practical 400 g (14.1 oz.) can that should last anywhere between 3 and 7 days (depending on whether you are formula-feeding your baby exclusively).
Regarding its price, Bobbie is a bit more expensive than some other comparable formulas. But besides buying it on a one-off basis, you can also subscribe to its monthly delivery, which is not only more convenient but also more economical. As a subscriber, you won’t pay any shipping fees, and you are free to cancel, skip, or modify your orders at any time.
Reviews
Bobbie is still a very new formula on the market, so that you won’t find thousands of user reviews on it all over the internet. Nevertheless, the feedback I’ve seen so far was very positive. Most parents who have already had the chance to try this formula claim that it performs very well.
Many of them also agree that their babies seem to be happy with the formula’s taste and smell, which can often be the most problematic part of introducing a new formula.
Bobbie features:
- A fully organic formula for infants from 0 to 12 months
- Mimics breast milk as closely as possible
- FDA-approved product modeled after European formulas
- No GMOs, palm oil, or added sugar
- Full of essential vitamins and minerals
- Enriched with DHA
Pros:
- Only American formula that fully complies with the official EU regulations
- 100% organic ingredients
- FDA approved and widely available in the US
- New modern formula created by moms for moms
Cons:
- It’s a new product, so there’s not much customer feedback on it yet
- Only one product is available at the moment
- No options for babies with lactose intolerance or milk allergy
- More expensive than other similar options
HiPP – In Depth
In Europe, HiPP is a notoriously renowned brand that has been around for over 100 years now. Besides numerous popular formulas, this brand also produces a whole range of diapers, kids’ cosmetics, and baby food.
The HiPP formulas are mostly acclaimed for their sensitive, organic, and hypoallergenic composition. But since this German formula is not officially approved and sold in the US, it might be quite difficult to find and secure. Let’s see if the effort is really worth it.
Ingredients
Talking about the HiPP formula generally is a bit tricky. In fact, HiPP produces a whole range of formulas, and each of them is a bit unique in its composition and different from the rest. The HiPP formulas currently include, amongst the others, the following products:
- Combiotic first infant milk (stages 1 and 2)
- Combiotic follow-on milk (stages 1 and 2)
- Combiotic growing up milk for stage 3
- Combiotic hungry infant milk
- Anti-reflux baby formula
- Good night milk
Each of these products is recommended to a slightly different type of customer, so some of them contain various special ingredients to meet the individual needs. Nevertheless, what they all have in common is the use of top-quality organic ingredients and a wide array of essential nutrients.
- Natural lactose is the main source of energy and the only source of sweetness in most of these products. Nonetheless, there’s also a lactose-free alternative (HiPP Ha Pre) which replaces lactose with other sources of carbohydrates to suit kids suffering from lactose intolerance.
- Organic skimmed milk provides these formulas with natural proteins. The cow’s milk used in most of the HiPP formulas comes from strictly controlled organic sources, so it’s always free from hormones or antibiotics.
- Vitamins and minerals of great natural quality can be found in large quantities in all HiPP formulas. They include Vitamins A, C, and D, as well as iron and numerous other essentials.
- Healthy fats, including polyunsaturated Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, contribute to your baby’s healthy development and growth.
- Dietary fibers (prebiotics) replicate those that can be found in breast milk – they make the formula easy to digest and help your little one’s digestive system grow strong and healthy.
Unlike Bobbie, the HiPP formula contains palm oil, which is avoided by many parents due to its controversial sourcing and potential health impact in the long run.
You should probably also know that this formula contains a bit less iron than what is considered to be a recommended dosage here in the US. Some parents might therefore consider supplementing iron to their little one’s diet separately (of course, after consulting the matter with a professional).
Taste and Smell
While we parents are mostly concerned with the composition and quality of the formula, babies are clearly much more oriented on its taste and smell. In other words, the formula is only as good as how much your baby likes it.
Of course, this is highly individual – while some babies seem to love HiPP formulas and prefer them to other similar products, others just cannot stand it and won’t consume it at all. I believe that it’s safe to say that the latter is very rare, though.
Although HiPP is, in general, less sweet than other formulas, its mild taste and odor are both pleasant, and most babies accept them without any major issues.
Packaging and Prices
As I’ve already explained above, the HiPP formula is not a single product – the whole range contains many different formulas that come in various forms and packages. Most of them are available in standard powder form (cans of 400/800 grams), but others can also come as ready-to-eat formulas, which are a perfect solution when you’re on the run.
Prices of different HiPP products can vary slightly too, but, generally speaking, HiPP is one of the more affordable organic formulas on the market. On the other hand, since you can currently buy this formula only online in the US, don’t forget about the shipping fees that can increase the total costs.
Reviews
The HiPP formulas are widely praised as a reliable solution for sensitive kids prone to constipation, colics, and refluxes. In Europe, HiPP formulas are even often recommended by pediatricians.
Of course, as one of the oldest formulas on the market, HiPP has also collected some less favorable reviews over the years. Some parents claim that it’s too fatty. Others say that their babies didn’t accept the formula because of its tastelessness and thick texture.
These individual opinions probably shouldn’t discourage you from trying it on your own, though. For more details, don’t forget to read our full HiPP formula review too!
Our preferred vendor for buying HiPP online in bulk is definitely TheMilkyBox.com. They have generously offered our readers 10% off with code TBS10 at checkout!
HiPP Features:
- Popular European formula made of organic ingredients
- Wide range of products, including special formulas for sensitive and allergic babies
- Not FDA-approved yet
- It can be currently ordered only online
- It contains palm oil
- It’s full of vitamins and minerals
- The formula is enriched with DHA
Pros:
- Top-quality organic formulas with 100+ years of history and tradition
- Complies with EU regulations that forbid or limit the use of some controversial ingredients
- Wide range of products with alternatives for everyone
- Suitable even for kids with various allergies and intolerances
Cons:
- It’s not FDA-approved yet
- It cannot be bought in standard American shops – only online
- Contains palm oil
Are There Any Alternatives?
Not entirely convinced by either of these brands? Here are some alternatives you might find more attractive:
Holle Organic Dairy Formula
I am often asked which baby formula I actually use at home. The Answer is Holle. Yes, slightly more expensive, but the quality ingredients are worth every penny. Use code TBS10 to save 10% at The Milky Box OR compare bulk pricing via HolleUSA.
Holle is another popular formula of European origin that is certified as organic, doesn’t contain any GMOs, and suits even babies with sensitive digestion. This formula also tries to mimic the nutrients and benefits of actual breast milk as closely as possible. It’s free from corn syrup, rice syrup, soy, and some other similar additives, and it also comes in a goat milk-based version.
Sounds like something you’d like to learn more about? Read this full Holle formula review for more details.
Lebenswert Organic Baby Milk Formula
Lebenswert might be one of the least known formulas on our market, but it certainly has a lot to offer. This formula is produced from bio-quality milk, and it does not contain any added sugar (such as maltodextrin), gluten, GMOs, coloring, or flavors. It’s also very easy to digest, which makes it a popular choice with sensitive babies prone to constipation.
For more information on this organic formula, check out this complete Lebenswert review.
Lebenswert ensures that each stage is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of your baby. Made with carefully selected ingredients and high-quality Bioland milk from Germany.
Loulouka Organic Baby Milk Formula
Loulouka is yet another popular European formula made of organic cows’ milk. Thanks to its extra-sensitive composition, it is a preferred choice for babies suffering from various allergies. This formula contains no palm oil, soy, GMOs, added sweeteners or sugar, maltodextrin, colors, or preservatives. Moreover, it’s also produced with an emphasis on sustainability and ecology.
Here’s a full Loulouka formula review with more details.
This formula is produced in Switzerland, home of the world’s best dairy farms. This high quality organic baby formula comes in an amount of 900 g / 32 oz of formula powder per box. 
FAQs
Answer: Yes, Bobbie is actually the first baby formula with FDA approval that fully complies with European standards and regulations.
Answer: Bobbie is currently sold in cans containing 400g (14.1 oz.) of powdered formula. This amount of powder can be used to prepare about 106 fl. oz. of ready-to-eat formula.
Answer: HiPP is a European formula that is not officially approved in the US yet, which means that stores based in the US cannot legally sell any of these products. Parents who wish to buy the HiPP formula must order it from some of the international retailers.
Answer: HiPP products (particularly their HiPP Comfort formula) are marketed as an excellent solution for sensitive babies suffering from frequent colics, constipation, and refluxes. This formula contains probiotics that can be very helpful with these common digestion issues.
The Verdict: Bobbie vs HiPP – Which One is Better?
If you’re looking for a quality formula that will provide your baby with all the nutrition and care they need, both Bobbie and HiPP formulas are surely great options. Their ingredients are all mostly organic, sensitive, and easy to digest, so unless your baby suffers from some serious allergies or intolerances, they should get used to both of these formulas with ease.
HiPP offers one of the largest portfolios of products on the market, and it also boasts affordable prices. Nevertheless, what might complicate the whole situation is the fact that this formula is still not FDA-approved, so you cannot buy it freely in your local store. Although ordering it online is quite simple and convenient, there’s always the risk of sudden unavailability, lost or forgotten orders, etc.
In this regard, the Bobbie formula might be a bit safer solution – especially in the long run. This formula also boasts great user feedback (although it’s still very new on the market), and its ingredients seem to be suitable even for sensitive babies (and picky parents). Although this formula is slightly more expensive and doesn’t come with many variations, I believe it’s really worth trying.
Whether you agree with my verdict or our opinions differ, I hope that this comparison helps you make the best decision for yourself and your little one.
Would you like to explore more options before making up your mind? How about reading EleCare vs Neocate or Aptamil vs Enfamil formulas comparisons next?