Is Generic Baby Formula As Good As Brand Name? What Parents Need To Know

It’s no surprise that every new parent on the planet wants the very best for their little bundle of joy, especially when it comes to their nutrition. But with the rising cost of baby essentials, many families are asking the same question:

“Is brand name formula really better… or are we just paying for the label?“

If you’ve ever stood in the formula aisle debating between a $40 container and a much cheaper alternative, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.

My Experience as a Working Mom

I had to begin supplementing with formula while continuing to breastfeed and pump as much as I could in between meetings. Those early months? A mix of exhaustion, emotion, and trying to do what felt best for my baby. (For a full view of my postpartum journey and breastfeeding struggles, check out this blog post.)

At first, formula didn’t seem like a big expense thanks to samples and donations from family and friends. But once those ran out, reality hit—and so did the grocery bill. Let’s just say… the wine budget took a hit.

I had never considered looking into any other brand of formula than the premium kind, until I was given the opportunity to sample a few store-brand infant formulas from Perrigo Nutritionals.

Saving With Generic Brand Baby Formula

My first instinct upon receiving the samples was to check the labels to compare to my current brand of formula–Enfamil. I expected major differences.

But honestly? They were nearly identical. Then I noticed it even says “comparable to Enfamil” right on the front label.

The Real Cost of Baby Formula

And I know what you are wondering right now, just as I did. The price difference. Ready for the shocking part? Brand name formulas can cost nearly double compared to store brands. And that adds up FAST. Here’s a breakdown:

Brand name formula: ~$150–$200/month
Store brand formula: ~$80–$100/month

That’s a potential savings of up to $600+ per year! And for a growing family, that’s not small.

Are Generic Baby Formulas Safe?

This was my biggest concern—and probably yours too.

Perrigo Nutritionals is the third largest manufacturer of infant formula in the U.S. and Canada and the largest supplier of organic formulas in the U.S. They provide store-brand formulas, like the Up&Up brand found at Target. And just like their name-brand counterparts, they are clinically studied and meet the same FDA standards.

The short of it is:

All infant formulas in the U.S. must meet strict FDA guidelines
Store brands are required to have the same nutritional standards as name brands
Many generic formulas are actually made by the same manufacturers

That means the difference in price is often due to branding and packaging, not safety or basic nutrition.

So… Is Generic Baby Formula Worth It?

I’ll be honest—it was unbelievable at first that this was an option. But after a few weeks of using it, my daughter had no issues with digestion, no difference in behavior and was the same happy, growing baby.

That’s when I realized I had been paying more for the name, not the outcome. For our family, the answer to this question was a resounding yes.

Switching to generic formula saved us hundreds of dollars without compromising quality. And that financial breathing room helped us put that extra money toward things that matter more—like savings, experiences, or yes… bringing back that glass of wine at dinner.

Final Thoughts for Moms on the Fence

If you’re debating making the switch, my advice is to start slow. Maybe mix with brand name at first to see how your baby responds. Always check with your pediatrician if you have any questions about what is right for your child or if they have any stomach issues, allergies or reflux.