Similac Alimentum Alternatives: Best Hypoallergenic Formula Options

Why You Might Need an Alimentum Alternative

• Availability: Alimentum is sometimes out of stock
• Cost: At ~$45/can, it's expensive
• Tolerance: Some babies don't tolerate it well
• Insurance/WIC: May cover different brands
• Ingredient preferences: Looking for specific features

Best Alternatives to Similac Alimentum

1. Nutramigen (Enfamil) — Closest Match

Bottom line: Nutramigen is the closest substitute. Most babies who tolerate Alimentum will tolerate Nutramigen, and vice versa.

2. Gerber Extensive HA — Good Alternative

• Protein: 100% whey hydrolysate (different from Alimentum's casein)
• Features: Contains probiotic L. reuteri, DHA/ARA
• Price: ~$38/can (15% cheaper)
• Taste: Some parents report slightly milder taste

Note: Because the protein source is different (whey vs. casein), some babies who react to one may tolerate the other.

3. Store Brand Hypoallergenic — Budget Option

Important: Store brand extensively hydrolyzed formulas are FDA-regulated and meet the same standards. They're a legitimate alternative if cost is a factor.

When Extensively Hydrolyzed Isn't Enough

If your baby still reacts to Alimentum or other extensively hydrolyzed formulas, you may need an amino acid-based formula:

Amino Acid Formula Options

When to consider amino acid formulas:

• Symptoms don't improve on Alimentum after 2-4 weeks
• Severe CMPA symptoms
• Multiple food allergies
• Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
• FPIES diagnosis

How to Switch from Alimentum

To Another Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula

You can usually switch directly (no mixing transition needed) because the protein is already broken down similarly. However, you may do a gradual switch if preferred:

1. Day 1-2: 75% Alimentum + 25% new formula
2. Day 3-4: 50% / 50%
3. Day 5+: 100% new formula

To an Amino Acid Formula

Switch immediately if recommended by your doctor. There's no need for gradual transition with amino acid formulas.

What About Soy Formula?

Soy is NOT a good alternative to Alimentum.

Reasons:

• 30-50% of babies with CMPA also react to soy protein
• The proteins are not hydrolyzed/broken down
• AAP does not recommend soy for milk protein allergy

What About Goat Milk Formula?

Goat milk is NOT a good alternative to Alimentum.

Reasons:

• Goat milk protein is very similar to cow's milk protein
• Most babies with CMPA will react to goat milk too
• Proteins are intact, not hydrolyzed

Saving Money on Hypoallergenic Formula

1. WIC Coverage

With a doctor's prescription, WIC covers hypoallergenic formulas. This can save $3,000-5,000 per year.

2. Insurance Coverage

Many insurance plans cover specialty formulas with:

• Prescription from pediatrician
• Letter of medical necessity
• Diagnosis code (CMPA, allergic colitis, etc.)

3. Manufacturer Programs

• Abbott (Alimentum/EleCare): Patient assistance programs
• Enfamil (Nutramigen): Coupons through Family Beginnings

4. Store Brands

Save 30-50% with store brand hypoallergenic formulas that meet the same FDA standards.

Alimentum Alternatives Comparison Chart