Where to Buy Baby Formula: Best Prices & Retailers Guide 2026
Find the best deals and save money on infant formula at every retailer.
Quick Savings Tips
Best overall price: Costco (with membership) or Amazon Subscribe & Save
Best store brand: Kirkland (Costco) — up to 50% less than name brands
Best for convenience: Target Circle or Walmart+ for same-day pickup
Don't forget: Manufacturer coupons stack with store sales
Formula Price Comparison by Retailer
Prices for Similac Pro-Advance (36oz tub) as of January 2026:
| Retailer | Price | Per oz | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | $35.99 | $1.00 | Best price; membership required |
| Amazon S&S | $38.98 | $1.08 | 5-15% off with Subscribe & Save |
| Sam's Club | $36.98 | $1.03 | Club membership required |
| Walmart | $41.98 | $1.17 | Price match available |
| Target | $42.99 | $1.19 | 5% off with RedCard |
| CVS | $44.99 | $1.25 | ExtraCare rewards |
| Walgreens | $45.99 | $1.28 | BOGO deals sometimes |
Best Places to Buy Formula
1. Costco — Best Overall Value
Pros:
- Lowest prices on name brands
- Kirkland brand formula is 50% cheaper than Similac
- Bulk sizes save more
- No questions asked returns
Cons: $65/year membership required
Pro tip: Buy Kirkland formula (made by same manufacturers as name brands) to maximize savings.
2. Amazon — Best for Convenience
Pros:
- Subscribe & Save: 5-15% off recurring orders
- Free shipping on most orders
- Wide selection including European brands
- Easy price comparison
Cons: Watch for third-party sellers (buy from Amazon directly)
Pro tip: Set up Subscribe & Save for automatic delivery and maximum discount.
3. Target — Best for Flexibility
Pros:
- Target Circle offers frequent formula coupons
- RedCard: Extra 5% off everything
- Same-day pickup with Drive Up
- Good selection including Kendamil
Cons: Base prices are higher than club stores
Pro tip: Stack Target Circle offers + RedCard + manufacturer coupons for best deals.
4. Walmart — Best for Accessibility
Pros:
- Price match policy
- Locations everywhere
- Parent's Choice store brand is affordable
- Walmart+ offers free delivery
Cons: Base prices mid-range
Pro tip: Parent's Choice formula is FDA-regulated and much cheaper than name brands.
5. Sam's Club — Good Alternative to Costco
Pros:
- Prices similar to Costco
- Member's Mark store brand available
- Scan & Go app for faster checkout
Cons: $50/year membership
Store Brand Formula: Your Secret Weapon
Store brand formulas are FDA-regulated and nutritionally equivalent to name brands at 30-50% less cost.
| Store Brand | Compared To | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkland (Costco) | Similac Pro-Advance | ~50% |
| Parent's Choice (Walmart) | Similac/Enfamil | ~40% |
| Up&Up (Target) | Similac/Enfamil | ~35% |
| Member's Mark (Sam's) | Similac/Enfamil | ~45% |
| Mama Bear (Amazon) | Similac/Enfamil | ~30% |
Important: Store brand formulas are often made by the same manufacturers (like Perrigo) that make name brands.
Where to Buy European Formula
European brands like Kendamil, HiPP, and Holle:
FDA-Registered (Safest Option)
- Kendamil: Target, Amazon, Kendamil.com
- Bobbie: Target, Bobbie website
European Imports (Not FDA-registered)
- HiPP, Holle, Lebenswert:
- OrganicStart.com
- MyOrganicCompany.store
- LittleBundle.com
- FormulaLand.com
Note: Imported formulas not sold through official US retailers are not FDA-registered. Buy at your own discretion from reputable importers.
How to Get Formula Coupons
Manufacturer Programs
- Similac StrongMoms: Up to $400 in coupons/rewards
- Enfamil Family Beginnings: Up to $400 in savings
- Gerber MyGerber: Personalized offers
How to Sign Up
- Visit manufacturer website
- Create account with due date or baby's birthdate
- Receive coupons by mail and email
- Check account for digital offers
Other Coupon Sources
- Pediatrician office: Often has samples and coupons
- Hospital: May provide starter pack with coupons
- Coupons.com: Printable manufacturer coupons
- Ibotta/Checkout 51: Cash back apps
Free Formula Programs
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- Provides free formula for qualifying families
- Income-based eligibility
- Read our complete WIC guide →
Manufacturer Samples
- Sign up for multiple programs to get samples
- Ask at pediatrician office
- Hospital may provide samples at discharge
Stacking Deals: Maximum Savings Strategy
Here's how to combine discounts for maximum savings:
Example: Target
- Wait for Target Circle formula coupon (e.g., $5 off)
- Use RedCard for 5% off
- Apply manufacturer coupon
- Check Ibotta for additional cash back
Example: Amazon
- Set up Subscribe & Save (up to 15% off)
- Apply any manufacturer coupons on product page
- Use Amazon credit card for 5% back
Warning: Where NOT to Buy Formula
- Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist: Risk of counterfeit or improperly stored formula
- Auction sites: Can't verify authenticity
- Unknown third-party Amazon sellers: Buy from Amazon or official brand stores only
- Expired products: Check dates; avoid deeply discounted expired formula
Bottom Line: Best Value by Situation
| Your Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Maximum savings, bulk buying | Costco (Kirkland brand) |
| Convenience, auto-delivery | Amazon Subscribe & Save |
| Want name brand + coupons | Target with Circle + RedCard |
| No membership, budget | Walmart (Parent's Choice) |
| Want European formula | Target (Kendamil) or specialty importers |
| Low income | WIC program |
Calculate Your Formula Budget
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Formula Cost Calculator