Several formulas are similar to Similac Alimentum, with Enfamil Nutramigen being the closest name-brand match and store-brand hypoallergenic formulas offering a more affordable option. All of these use extensively hydrolyzed casein protein, the same core approach Alimentum uses to break milk protein into tiny fragments that most babies with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) can tolerate.
Enfamil Nutramigen: The Closest Name-Brand Match
Nutramigen is the most direct alternative to Alimentum. Both formulas use extensively hydrolyzed casein as their protein source, meaning the milk protein has been broken down into pieces small enough that roughly 90% of babies with CMPA can digest them without a reaction. The two formulas differ in a few meaningful ways, though.
The carbohydrate source is the biggest difference. Alimentum uses sucrose (table sugar) and modified tapioca starch, while Nutramigen uses corn syrup solids. Neither is nutritionally superior, but if your baby has a corn sensitivity, Alimentum may be the better fit. Conversely, some parents prefer to avoid sucrose.
Nutramigen also includes a probiotic called LGG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG), which Alimentum does not contain. This probiotic has been studied for its role in helping some babies develop tolerance to cow’s milk protein over time. Alimentum instead includes 2′-FL HMO, a prebiotic compound modeled after one found in human breast milk.
Store-Brand Hypoallergenic Formulas
Walmart, Target, and Walgreens all sell store-brand hypoallergenic formulas manufactured by Perrigo, and they cost significantly less than either Alimentum or Nutramigen. All infant formulas sold in the U.S. must meet the same FDA nutritional and quality requirements, so these aren’t lower-quality products. A randomized, double-blind clinical study confirmed that the store-brand hypoallergenic formula is effective in managing cow’s milk allergy and meets the American Academy of Pediatrics criteria for hypoallergenic formulas.
The nutritional profiles are nearly identical. Per 100 calories, the store brand provides 2.8 grams of protein compared to Alimentum’s 2.75 grams, 5.3 grams of fat versus 5.54 grams, and 10.3 grams of carbohydrate versus 10.2 grams. Iron content is the same at 1.8 mg. Minor differences show up in some vitamins and minerals: the store brand has more choline (24 mg vs. 12 mg) and vitamin C (12 mg vs. 9 mg), while Alimentum has slightly more calcium (105 mg vs. 94 mg) and phosphorus.
The store-brand formula does not contain the proprietary blend of prebiotics, patented levels of nucleotides, lutein, and lycopene found in Alimentum. Whether those extras make a clinically meaningful difference for your baby is debatable, but the core nutrition and hypoallergenic function are equivalent.
Gerber Extensive HA: A Whey-Based Option
Most Alimentum alternatives use casein as their protein base, but Gerber Good Start Extensive HA takes a different approach with 100% extensively hydrolyzed whey protein. It’s clinically proven to be hypoallergenic and to support adequate growth in babies with CMPA or cow’s milk intolerance. Some babies who don’t tolerate casein-based hydrolysates do better with a whey-based formula, so this is worth considering if your baby is still having symptoms on Alimentum or Nutramigen.
Cost Differences
Hypoallergenic formulas are expensive regardless of brand. Name-brand options like Alimentum and Nutramigen run roughly $0.30 per ounce of prepared formula, which works out to around $270 per month for a baby drinking a typical volume. Store-brand versions from Walmart, Target, or Walgreens can cut that cost meaningfully while delivering the same basic nutrition and allergen management. If you’re spending $9 a day on name-brand hypoallergenic formula, switching to a store brand is one of the simplest ways to reduce that burden without compromising what your baby needs.
Taste and Transition Challenges
Every extensively hydrolyzed formula tastes and smells unpleasant to adults. The process of breaking down proteins creates bitter compounds, and there’s no real way around it. If your baby is resisting a switch from Alimentum to another hypoallergenic formula, know that this is common and usually temporary. Most babies adjust within a few days.
Alimentum’s ready-to-feed version has a reputation for being slightly sweeter and more palatable than its powder form, partly because the liquid version uses sucrose as a more prominent carbohydrate source. Among the alternatives, parent reports suggest that Nutramigen and Target’s store-brand hypoallergenic formula (Up&Up) are on the milder end for taste and smell, though individual baby preferences vary widely.
The Corn-Free Question
Parents dealing with multiple food sensitivities often need a corn-free option. Alimentum’s ready-to-feed version is notable here: its ingredient list includes water, sugar, casein hydrolysate, modified tapioca starch, and oils, with no corn-derived ingredients. The powder version of Alimentum, however, contains corn maltodextrin. Nutramigen’s use of corn syrup solids as its primary carbohydrate makes it unsuitable for corn-sensitive babies. If corn is a concern, the ready-to-feed Alimentum or a conversation with your pediatrician about specialty alternatives is the way to go.
European Hydrolyzed Formulas
Some parents look at European brands like HiPP’s hydrolyzed formulas as alternatives. These products use extensively hydrolyzed proteins and meet strict European Food Safety Authority standards. However, they’re generally designed for babies with a family history of allergies or mild sensitivities rather than confirmed CMPA. For babies with severe cow’s milk protein allergy, European HA formulas may not provide the same level of protection as Alimentum or Nutramigen, which are specifically tested against AAP hypoallergenic criteria.
When Hydrolyzed Formulas Aren’t Enough
About 2% to 5% of babies with CMPA still react to extensively hydrolyzed formulas like Alimentum and its alternatives. For these babies, the next step is an amino acid-based formula, where proteins are broken down completely into their individual building blocks. Options in this category include EleCare (made by the same company as Alimentum), Neocate, and PurAmino. These are more expensive and rarely needed, but they exist for the small number of babies whose systems can’t handle even extensively hydrolyzed protein.