Store Brand Infant Formula

I got this in an email and thought it was interesting.  I have included links to support the information.   Have you ever wondered if store-brand infant formula is really as good for your baby as the National Brands? Certain National Brands would like you to believe there is a difference, but after a recent court ruling it's become even more apparent that the only difference is price. PBM Products, LLC (a supplier of store-brand infant formula) recently brought a False Advertising case against Mead Johnson, and Co. (maker of Enfamil infant formula). Mead Johnson made claims that their Enfamil formula was nutritionally superior to store brands, and based many of their claims on the fats DHA and ARA, which they call "LIPIL" in their Enfamil line. In their advertising, Mead Johnson said that LIPIL is best for eye and brain development, and implied that other formulas are inferior. In court, PBM produced evidence that their store brand formulas are nutritionally equal to Enfamil, and include the same nutrients at the same levels. PBM formulas also contain DHA and ARA, from the same supplier as Enfamil, in the same amounts! In December 2009, the Court sided with PBM and awarded $13.5 million in damages. That's one of the largest damages ever awarded in a false advertising case! As a parent, what can you take away from this? Rest assured that store brand infant formula is equal to the National brands in every aspect except price. In this time of economic crunch, don't be misled into thinking you need to spend more to feed your baby.   http://www.pbmproducts.com/press.aspx?ID=310   http://industry.bnet.com/advertising/10004868/a-desperate-me ad-johnson-loses-135m-jury-verdict-over-false-claims/   http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/esearch/e3i6328a affeb014c13fbcc5dbedc3d4fd7   http://blogs.consumerreports.org/baby/2009/07/save-money-on- baby-stuff-cheap-formula.html

My OB informed us of this. I figured as much. I have compared the back of the can from store brand and name brand and they are the same thing.

Thank you for the evidence! I sent it home so hubby could read it.

No problem :-)  When I started to give Libby formula I wanted to buy the Enfamil since that is what she got occasionally from the beginning and that is what they gave in the hospital.  It was so freaking expensive though.  My husband twisted my arm to try the Costco brand and Libby loved it and it never made her stomach upset or anything.  Wow was it way cheaper.  Two large cans for $20, can't beat it!

Thank you so much for this e-mail.  I've always felt it was so ridiculous the price difference in store brand from the National brand.   
We are also going to go with the Costco brand.
My only concern is that when she goes to Daycare in a month she will be getting the National brand of Enfamil.  What do you think of us giving her the costco brand and daycare giving her enfamil?   Will the slit difference in the two make a difference????

Depends on your child. Some infants are sensitive to switching formulas, some aren't. My daughter never had any reaction, hers differed sometimes, like if I had coupons or whatever. I always bought the huge can of store brand at Sam's, but she got the name brand stuff at daycare because of our provider being on our state food program where they weren't allowed to buy the store brand.

I wish they made a store brand for the liquid gold formula I have to use....Alimentium.  That stuff is ridiculously priced....27.00 a can.

I am so glad you posted this. I purchased  Similac for my first son all through his first year and it was Really expensive. My last 2 children I qualified for the WIC program, which gives you Enfamil. This child I no longer qualify for WIC, so I am going to have to purchase formula. I know that we are not going to be able to afford the name brand and will have to purchase the store brand probably from Sam's. So thanks for this information , it really makes me feel better.

We used Sam's Club brand with Zachary.... you got almost double the amount for half the price (compared to Enfamil) and the ingrediants were the same....

The only different I noticed between them was the texture of the formula. Enfamil is a lot more fine of a powder.... But Zach has turned out just fine so far! I plan on using the same store brand for Avery! 

:)