Similac
Alimentum
Our verdict
The other heavyweight hypoallergenic — extensively hydrolyzed, no palm oil, MCT oil for absorption, and the fastest anecdotal turnarounds we've seen parents describe anywhere ('different baby in 48 hours' is a recurring phrase). The smell is genuinely rough and the cost genuinely painful; the corn-free ready-to-feed version is a unique asset for corn-sensitive babies.
Score breakdown
What's great
- Available over the counter at major retailers in powder and multiple ready-to-feed sizes
- Corn-free ready-to-feed option is unique among mainstream hypoallergenic formulas
- No palm olein oil
- Reputation for fast symptom relief in protein-sensitivity colic (marketing claim echoed in many parent reports)
Worth knowing
- Most expensive per ounce of the five formulas researched (~$3.49/oz powder)
- Notoriously strong smell - hydrolyzed casein plus MCT gives a 'cheesy'/savory odor parents complain about
- Powder contains both corn maltodextrin and added sugar; sucrose sweetness is a point of debate
- Small 12.1 oz cans run out fast at newborn feeding volumes
What's in it
| Protein | Extensively hydrolyzed casein hydrolysate (milk protein broken into tiny peptides) with added amino acids |
| Carbs | Powder: corn maltodextrin plus sugar (sucrose); ready-to-feed: sugar (sucrose) and modified tapioca starch, corn-free; both lactose-free |
| Fats | High-oleic safflower oil, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil), and soy oil; no palm olein oil; DHA/ARA in powder (no palm oil) |
| Key features | First and only hypoallergenic extensively hydrolyzed casein formula with 2'-FL HMO for immune support · Marketed to start reducing colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity within 24 hours in most infants · No palm olein oil; includes MCT oil for easier fat absorption · Ready-to-feed version is corn-free (sucrose + tapioca starch), useful for babies sensitive to corn-based carbs · Lactose-free; iron-fortified |
| Stage | 0-12 months |
| Forms | powder, ready-to-feed |
| Where to find it | Widely available OTC: Amazon, Walmart, Target, CVS, abbottstore.com, similac.com; powder in 12.1 oz and 19.8 oz cans; ready-to-feed in 32 fl oz (1 qt) bottles, 8 fl oz cans, and 2 fl oz bottles; often covered by WIC/insurance with documentation |
Note: Price is Similac.com's $42.28 for the 12.1 oz powder can (Aug 2026). IMPORTANT: verified ASIN B00SWV903W is the 32 fl oz READY-TO-FEED bottle (amazon.com/dp URL seen); B000ARWL4G (8 fl oz RTF 24-pack) was also seen. No amazon.com/dp URL was observed for the 12.1 oz powder specifically - use the searchQuery to locate it. Powder and RTF have different carbohydrate sources (powder includes corn maltodextrin; RTF is corn-free).
Best for
What parents say
Recurring themes we found across public parent discussions (Walmart customer review pages for Alimentum ready-to-feed 8 oz 6-pack and 19.8 oz powder (walmart.com/reviews/product/12166811, /123956737), Karen's Nanny Agency 'Similac Sensitive vs Alimentum' review article; comparemaniac.com Alimentum vs Nutramigen, TikTok Alimentum review compilations and Facebook dairy/soy-free parenting group discussions (themes only)) — not reviews submitted on this site.
Loved
- Speed of improvement is the dominant positive theme - many parents describe a 'different baby' within 24-72 hours (vomiting, diarrhea, screaming resolved)
- Repeatedly called the only formula that worked after trying many others for CMPA babies
- Ready-to-feed praised for convenience and for babies who tolerate it better than the powder (different carb/starch profile)
Common complaints
- Smell is the most consistent complaint - commonly compared to dog food or strong cheese; lingers on spit-up and laundry
- Cost - parents report roughly $400-500/month at typical intake; 'wish it was cheaper' is a constant refrain
- Powder vs ready-to-feed tolerance differences confuse parents; some babies do well on one and not the other
Common questions
How fast does Alimentum work for milk allergy symptoms?
Abbott markets colic-symptom reduction within 24 hours for protein-sensitivity cases, and parent reports frequently describe major improvement within one to three days. A true trial under pediatrician guidance is still typically one to two weeks.
Why do the Alimentum powder and ready-to-feed seem different?
They use different carbohydrate sources: the powder includes corn maltodextrin and sucrose, while the ready-to-feed is corn-free (sucrose plus tapioca starch). Some babies genuinely tolerate one better than the other.
Is Alimentum covered by insurance or WIC?
Often, with medical documentation of cow's milk protein allergy — ask your pediatrician's office; many handle these forms routinely. At $400–500/month retail for typical intake, it's well worth pursuing.
Reviews from parents like you
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