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When it comes to selecting a formula for your baby, there’s no doubt that Similac is one of the leading brands.
Similac appeared to be a staple for discerning parents and WAS (up until recently), a tried and tested brand.
Readers of this site know that we have a preference for European and non-mass produced US based formula.
The recent Abbott Nutrition/ Abbott Laboratories debacle seems to indicate the tide of popular opinion is finally forcing the hand of the FDA and government officials…. European formula has fewer filler ingredients, higher standards, and fewer safety violations.
So, this guide is dedicated to helping you discover five other brands of baby formula which are up to scratch as the best Similac alternatives. They might be brands you’ve never heard of, or you may be familiar with them and simply need a bit more information.
Table of Contents
- 1 Quick Take: Similac Brand Substitution List
- 2 Top 8 Widely Available Similac Alternatives in Depth
- 3 Holle Stage Organic Formula [Stage 2+]
- 4 Bobbie Formula
- 5 Kabrita Goat Formula
- 6 Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder
- 7 Baby’s Only Organic Whey Protein Toddler Formula
- 8 Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula
- 9 Gerber Good Start Gentle Powder Infant Formula
- 10 Love & Care Infant Milk-Based Powder Infant Formula with Iron
- 11 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Baby Formula
- 12 FAQs
- 13 Final Thoughts on the Best Similac Alternatives
Quick Take: Similac Brand Substitution List
With this in mind, our team has created a 1-for-1 swap list of specialty Similac formula to substitute for European options.
- Similac Sensitive > Swap for Holle Goat Formula (Shop TheMilkyBox / HolleUSA). Goat milk is easiest to digest and Holle Goat has many of the benefits without the fillers.
- Similac Total Comfort > Swap for HiPP Comfort (Shop The Milky Box / OrganicLifeStart) . HiPP has a specialty produced formula to mitigate gas, just without soy and other problematic corn-based fillers.
- Similac Pro Advance > Swap for Kendamil First Infant Milk. (Shop The Milky Box) Kendamil has added DHA, Luetin, and similar nutrient boosters, while still being organic, non-GMO, soy-free, corn syrup free, and limited core ingredients.
- Similac Alimentum > Swap for Holle A2 Organic (Shop The Milky Box / OrganicLifeStart) A2 protein is easier to digest and Holle has a short and sweet ingredient list, with no extra fillers.
- Similac Organic > Swap for Holle Organic. (Shop The Milk Box / HolleUSA) European standards for Organic, non-GMO (and biodynamic) standards are higher quality bars than in the US.
- Similac for Spit Up > Swap for Hipp Anti-Reflux. (Shop The Milky Box / OrganicLifeStart) Similar solution, but with organic, non-GMO ingredients and no added fillers.
- Similac Pure Bliss > Swap for Lebenswert. (Shop The Milky Box / OrganicLifeStart) This is Similac’s best attempt at cleaner ingredients, but Lebenswert has no added sugar and stricter standards.
Be sure to review our entire selection of the best European formulas if you need additional information.
If you are looking for some wider options, continue reading for some widely available (but variable quality) options…
Top 8 Widely Available Similac Alternatives in Depth
Below you’ll find the top five baby formulas that we think make a great alternative to Similac. We’ve done our best to include a variety of price, ingredients, and nutrition so there should be something for everyone.
After listing and reviewing each product, you’ll find a list of pros and cons to summarize the main points discussed in the product review. This should help you make the right choice when it comes to making that all-important decision on which baby formula is best to you.
Holle Stage Organic Formula [Stage 2+]
The Holle Stage Organic Formula is easily one of the more popular European baby formulas out there and certainly at the top of the scope.
The formula is made with goat milk protein. It is suitable to use from birth and on alone or in addition to human breast milk. You can use it in a bottle or mixed with baby cereal if needed. Just as you’d do with cow milk-based formula.
The taste and consistency also make the formula feeding easy to transition to if your baby is switching from a standard cow milk formula. So there’s not much, if any, confusion. It’s made with an organically grown ingredient, as the name would suggest. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or additives.
This particular formula also has expiration dates which are further into the future than other similar formulas. This means that you can stock up on a lot of boxes at a time without worry that one will spoil before you get to it.
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.
- Child Age Range: It can be used from birth up to six months of age, but always check with a Pediatrician (or the American Academy of Pediatrics for general guidance) on specific servings and formula feeding intervals.
- Where To Buy: You can find it on HolleUSA here (Stage 2 and above), The Milky Box., and OrganicLifeStart.com.
- The Best Part: The overall taste and smell are easy to handle and aren’t overpowering, which can be hard to find with these types of formulas.
- The Not So Great: It is slightly more expensive per gram than American formulas (use code “TBS10” to take 10% off at The Milky Box).
- Price: Check out the lowest price on TheMilkyBox.com
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent, or current recalls on the Holle formula.
Holle versus Other Formulas:
- Holle vs Similac Compared
- Holle vs Lebenswert Compared
- Holle vs NannyCare Compared
- Holle vs Kabrita Compared
- Holle vs Baby’s Only Compared
- Holle vs Topfer Compared
- Holle vs Hipp Compared
Bobbie Formula
No Corn syrup or palm oil make Bobbie stand out as a unique domestic organic option. Hypoallergenic + with Added DHA & ARA. The best domestically produced US formula.
If you can budget a higher end formula, Bobbie is easily the best US produced formula on the market. It’s not quite Holle and still has to put up with the arcane US formula rules and lobbies, but it’s a clear step in the right direct.
The brand was co-founded by two mothers who were inspired by their very own experiences. Their ultimate goal was to create a formula that would mimic the unique qualities of breastmilk so closely that it would take the shame and regret completely away from bottle-feeding.
Pros of Bobbie
- It is free from corn syrup, gluten, maltodextrin, and palm oil
- It includes iron
- It is designed to mimic breastmilk with its ratio of whey-to-casein
- It is USDA organic
- It is made in the US
Cons of Bobbie
- It uses cow’s milk so it may not be right for infants with a milk allergy or intolerance
- It does not include any prebiotics or probiotics
- It does not contain beta-carotene or lutein
- It contains soy
- It is an expensive option ($24/14oz. Container which will make 13 8oz. Bottles. This is equivalent to $1.85 per bottle)
Kabrita Goat Formula
Proudly crafted in The Netherlands with no GMO ingredients, Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula is naturally easier to digest than cow milk, mild in taste, and rich in critical nutrients.
Kabrita Goat Milk Baby Formula is made from non-GMO ingredients and, as the name would suggest, goat milk instead of cow milk. It’s meant to be a proper solution for babies with lactose sensitivity but still isn’t intended for babies who have an allergy to cow milk protein.
It’s made primarily from milk from family-friendly goat farms and is the only U.S. baby formula that’s free from glyphosate pesticides. Unlike the Holle, which is from the U.K. and can only be purchased online for U.S. residents, the Kabrita is a goat milk formula that’s actually from the U.S.
It’s also free from antibiotics, heavy metals, and hormones. Since it’s made to help children with a sensitivity to cow milk, it can help them with digestion, and it’s generally just easier on the stomach.
Kabrita also features multiple stages from infant through toddler.
Kabrita Goat Milk Formula Features
- Key Ingredients: The Kabrita Baby Formula is made from goat milk and 22 vitamins and minerals. These include DHA, RHA, iron, and folic acid.
- Size: It comes in a 14-ounce tub at 400 grams (also available as 28-ounce tub – 800 grams)
- Price: Kabrita is now sold directly via the KabritaUSA website here. By ordering direct, you are eligible for special discounts and can deal with their customer service directly (if needed).
- Where To Buy: The first place I check is KabritaUSA right here. Then, I’ll compare prices against the following:
- Amazon: Check this listing here for the latest prices.
- WalMart: Check this listing here to compare.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent, or current recalls on the Kabrita Baby Formula.
Further Reading on Kabrita Infant Powdered Formula:
Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder
General specifications:
|
Product weight |
1.79lbs |
|
Product dimensions |
6” x 6” x 6” |
|
Model no. |
Bluezone Mall |
|
Recommended Age |
0 – 12 months |
|
Gender |
Unisex |
|
Rating |
3.8 |
|
Price |
Around $23.27 – 23.2oz ($1.00 per oz) |
Product Review:
Organic Dairy from Earth’s Best is a formula that carries a strong claim – they use all-organic ingredients with absolutely no genetic modification.
This is definitely an appealing selling point. This formula uses Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA in its ingredients, which are both said to aid in the development of your child’s eyes and brain. These two acids are found in breast milk, too.
Earth’s Best baby formula also comes in a variety of different options to try – Organic Dairy, Organic Dairy NonDHA, and Organic Dairy Gentle. This gives a wide range of choices and will allow you to tailor your baby’s formula depending on their preferences or requirements.
When you consider the price, you really do get a lot for your money; all-organic ingredients with extra iron, extra Omega acids, and a gentle blend to help your child’s digestion. This is the second cheapest formula we have reviewed, at only one dollar per ounce.
Omega 3 DHA and Omega 6 ARA fatty acids naturally found in breast milk to support brain and eye development, Iron for healthy development.
Pros and cons:
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Very good value for money |
Taste is not to everyone’s liking |
|
Contains extra iron |
|
|
Houses omega acids found in breast milk |
|
|
All-organic ingredients |
|
|
Comes in a variety of options |
Baby’s Only Organic Whey Protein Toddler Formula
General specifications:
|
Product weight |
2.6oz |
|
Product dimensions |
4.2” x 4.8” x 4.9” |
|
Model no. |
BHBUST051718A2716 |
|
Recommended Age |
0 – 12 months |
|
Gender |
Unisex |
|
Rating |
4.0 |
|
Price |
Around $19.99 – 12.7oz ($1.57 per oz) |
Product Review:
Baby’s Only Organic Whey Protein Toddler Formula is a unique formula using purely organic ingredients, including whey protein to help with the growth and development of your little one.
This blend is completely free from corn and gluten (which is great if your baby can’t tolerate these), and uses absolutely no genetic modification in any of its ingredients. This makes Baby’s Only a strong choice for your child’s health.
This is also the only formula we’ve compared that uses extra protein to enhance nutrition, which is a key part of a growing child’s diet. This might work very well for your baby.
However, we should mention that this formula does contain synthetic ingredients such as nucleotides, which aren’t so desirable. Check out the lowest price on Amazon OR check direct via Nature’s One here.
Baby's Only Toddler Formula provides the appropriate amount of protein, essential fats abundant in breast milk, vitamins, and carbohydrates needed to fuel growth to ensure every child gets the best possible start.
Pros and cons:
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Good value |
Synthetic ingredients may put some buyers off |
|
Contains extra whey protein |
|
|
Organic ingredients |
|
|
Free from gluten and corn – good for allergy sufferers |
Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula
General specifications:
|
Product weight |
7.69lbs |
|
Product dimensions |
12.5” x 10.1” x 6.6” |
|
Amazon UPC |
300875117484 |
|
Recommended Age |
0 – 12 months |
|
Gender |
Unisex |
|
Rating |
3.9 |
|
Price |
Around $39.99 – 20.5oz ($1.95 per oz) |
Product review:
We’re going to kick things off with Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula a formula priced very similarly to Similac (Check out the latest price on Amazon). Enspire is one of the most popular choices when it come to their range of baby formulas. This is because they use no genetically modified ingredients and the only sweetener they use is lactose, which is a much healthier option.
Enspire contains a number of essential ingredients for your child’s growth, including MFGM and Lactoferrin – both of which are found in breast milk. This gives this formula a very natural feel and taste, providing a fantastic alternative to breastfeeding. This may be a fairly pricey formula, but it features top-quality ingredients and plenty of nourishment, so you can rest assured it’s a great option for your child.
Overall, Enfamil Enspire is a great and reliable formula that will tickle your baby’s taste buds all the way through their first year.
Pros and cons:
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Top quality nutrients included |
Actually slightly more expensive than Similac |
|
Reliable brand |
Smells strongly |
|
Uses non-GMO ingredients (so it’s not genetically modified) |
|
|
Contains ingredients found in breast milk |
|
First and only baby formula in the US containing the ingredients Lactoferrin and MFGM making Enfamil Enspire our closest ever infant formula to breast milk.
Further Reading:
Gerber Good Start Gentle Powder Infant Formula
General specifications:
|
Product weight |
2lbs |
|
Product dimensions |
6.8” x 5.5” x 4.8” |
|
Model no. |
37765 |
|
Recommended Age |
0 – 12 months |
|
Gender |
Unisex |
|
Rating |
4.2 |
|
Price |
Around $36.12 – 32oz ($1.12 per oz) |
Product Review:
Gerber Good Start Gentle is an absolute winner when it comes to finding a reliable baby formula on a tight budget. This formula is very reasonably priced (check out the latest price on Amazon), making it a much more affordable option than a lot of other brands out there. Again, you’ll find no genetically modified ingredients in this – only a wide range of nutrients and vitamins that are perfect for your baby’s health.
This gentle formula is kind to babies while they digest due to its ingredient blend, and the sweeteners are made up of 70 percent lactose and 30 percent corn maltodextrin – all natural.
The brand themselves say that this formula is “modeled after the complete nutrition and gentleness of breast milk”, meaning there is a strive for their formula to be as close as possible to breast milk. This offers reassurance that this formula will be as gentle as possible to your baby.
Gentle Nutrition: Modeled after the complete nutrition and gentleness of breastmilk, this formula offers complete nutrition for babies up to 12 months.
Pros and cons:
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Great value for money |
Doesn’t contain Lactoferrin or MFGM (ingredients found in breast milk) |
|
A truly gentle approach when digesting |
|
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No genetically modified ingredients |
|
|
Available from birth to 12 months |
Love & Care Infant Milk-Based Powder Infant Formula with Iron
General specifications:
|
Product weight |
1.7lbs |
|
Product dimensions |
4.6” x 6.7” x 5.3” |
|
Model no. |
683744963628 |
|
Recommended Age |
0 – 12 months |
|
Gender |
Unisex |
|
Rating |
4.3 |
|
Price |
Around $18.46 – 22.2oz ($0.83 per oz) |
Product Review:
This formula is a no-nonsense blend. It’s cheap, gluten-free, and non-GMO. The ingredients are geared towards replicating breast milk and to be honest, they do a good enough job of it. This blend also contains extra iron and DMA, another acid that aids the development of the eyes and brain.
You can’t argue with the price. At around 82 cents per ounce, it’s a very affordable option and won’t break the bank as much as Similac or Enfamil formulas. This formula really does keep up with some of the bigger, more expensive brands and is perfect for parenting on a budget.
Advantage Infant Formula is an iron-fortified milk-based infant formula with complete nutrition for baby's first year Non-GMO; prebiotics; growth, eye & brain development; no artificial growth hormones Compare to Similac PRO-ADVANCE Infant Formula. 
Pros and cons:
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
The cheapest formula we have reviewed |
Does not contain any extra proteins |
|
Contains all the necessary ingredients |
|
|
Non-GMO |
|
|
Contains DMA for eye and brain development |
|
|
Extra iron |
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Baby Formula
Can your baby drink cow’s milk?
The simple fact is not all babies react well to cow’s milk and can develop allergies from a really young age. If yours is one of them, you’ll need to find a baby formula that contains soy milk, which is a great alternative to dairy. There are plenty on the market, so you shouldn’t be stuck for a choice.
Ingredients
When choosing a formula for your baby, there should be a good balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and micronutrients. Lactose gives the formula a great consistency that closely resembles breast milk. You’ll also find vegetable oils in the formula, which replaces regular fats found in milk and is easier for your baby to digest.
All ingredients have been carefully added to the formula so that it’s easily digestible for babies, so make sure you always avoid regular milk and stick to the formula.
Where you can buy your baby formula – what if it runs out?
This is something that is often overlooked, but when your baby’s formula runs out (especially unexpectedly), is your tried-and-tested formula easy to buy in your local drug store?
If the answer’s no and you rely on your online orders, then obtaining your baby’s formula will take a little more forward planning. Bulk buying is a good idea and make sure you order more before your stocks run out.
Specialty Formula Price
Price and affordability is always a big consideration, but as the baby formula is so important for your baby’s health and growth, we don’t recommend making it the main deciding point when choosing the right one for your child.
The main thing to keep in mind is why you’ve chosen your particular formula instead of Similac. It could factor in any of the points we’ve mentioned above, from whether your child can have cow’s milk to whether you need to be able to buy it in-store. Check out Similac Advance lowest price on Walmart.
FAQs
Question: Is formula safe for babies?
Answer: Baby formula is nutritious and contains everything your baby needs to grow and develop. It’s typically less digestible than baby milk, so babies who are fed on formula need less milk than breastfed babies. This is something to bear in mind.
Question: How much formula does my baby need?
Answer: As a general rule of thumb, babies need around 2 ½ ounces of formula each day for every pound of body weight. At first, your baby will need a bottle every 2-3 hours. As they grow, that will increase to around 3-4 hours.
Question: Is it safe to alternate breast milk and formula?
Answer: It’s definitely fine to alternate between the two if you need to. This is known as ‘supplementing’ and it is particularly useful if you have a low breast milk supply. It’s really down to your own personal choice whether you wish to do this or not – everyone is different, but just double check with a doctor first before committing to this.
Final Thoughts on the Best Similac Alternatives
We understand that finding the right baby formula can be quite intimidating for new parents, but with the right amount of guidance as well as some trial and error with your child, you’ll soon be discovering which one works best for you. Whilst we can’t strictly tell you which formula will work best for you and your baby, we hope our guide has provided you with enough guidance to make a start.
Best Organic: Our PERSONAL top pick here is Holle Organic Formula as it just has so many better quality organic ingredients, with limited additional ingredients.
That said, I also recognize that it’s not the most affordable option (or most AVAILABLE option) depending on your circumstances…
Best Generic: Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder has to be our top GENERIC choice; you get so much for your money! It’s great that they use completely organic ingredients in their formula – you literally can’t go wrong with going organic. And no genetic modifications help to give that extra peace of mind that it’s a good choice for your baby.
Runner Up: Enfamil Enspire is a close second. It’s a great quality brand that’s tried and tested with parents all over the world and contains many ingredients found in breast milk. If you’re switching over, this formula will make the transition fairly painless.
The golden rule to remember is all children are different, so don’t be disheartened if they aren’t too pleased with your first choice in the formula. For the in-depth scientific stuff, it’s best to contact a nutritionist or pediatrician for some expert advice in this field.
It’s also important to assess your child and make a decision on whether to stick to your current formula or switch to something new. You will likely be able to tell whether they’re taking to the formula or not, but if not don’t be afraid to switch to something else. There are so many different baby formulas out there and as our guide shows, they all have something unique to offer.
If you need any further support or have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your feedback is important and we love to know we’ve made a difference or made life a little easier for you.
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.
Further Reading on Baby Formula Options & Similac Alternative Brands
- Similac Advance Formula Review
- Similac Total Comfort Review
- Similac Go and Grow Review
- Similac versus Enfamil Formula
- The Latest Baby Formula Recalls
- Where to Buy Baby Formula Online
- Best Organic Infant Formula Choices
- Formula Options for Gassy Babies
- WIC Participant Formula Options