Store Brand Infant Formulas - "Are they just as good?"

The short answer is: yes, they are -- according to recent studies comparing store brand formula with the name brand competitors. 
Store brand formulas are manufactured primarily by Perrigo Nutritionals - they produce more than 50 different global infant formulas, including those offered by major chains WalMart, Target, Babies R'Us and others (see the list below).  These formulas are made at the company's Vermont and Ohio facilities - both ISO (International Standards Organization) certified.  Perrigo Nutritionals is 1 of only 4 FDA inspected US Infant Formula Manufacturers.  This means that they have a quaility management system in place that demonstrates consistent conformity to guidelines.  I recently read that there are over 2300 safety and quality checks performed per batch of formula.

The FDA published regulations in 1971 regarding minimal concentrations of vitamins and minerals necessary for each infant formula.  An amendment in 1980 called the Infant Formula Act allowed the FDA to establish quality control procedures for the manufacturing of formula, as well as regulate labelling.

As pediatricians, we strongly recommend breastfeeding as the best nutritional support for infants, but realize parents make choices regarding supplementing or switching to formula.   It is never a good idea to "water down" formula to make the can last longer; if cost is an issue, I definitely advise patients to switch to store brand formulas.

Store brand infant formulas and their designations:
WalMart - Parent's Choice
Toys R'Us - Babies R'Us
Target - Up and Up
Sams Club - Simply Right Baby Care
Kroger - Comforts for Baby
Walgreens - Walgreens
CVS Pharmacy - CVS Pharmacy
Rite Aid Pharmacy - Rite Aid Tugaboos

Store brand formulas and the brand name equivalents:
Premium formula = Enfamil Premium
Advantage formula = Similac Advance
Tender formula = Gerber Good Start Gentle
(has partially digested whey protein - to address fussiness/gas issues)
Gentle formula = Enfamil Gentlease
(has partially digested whey protein - to address fussiness/gas issues)
Sensitivity formula = Similac Sensitive
(has low lactose for babies with lactose intolerance)
Soy-based formula = Enfamil Prosobee or Similac Isomil
(soy protein instead of cow's milk protein)
Added rice formula = Enfamil AR
(added rice starch designed to aid babies with reflux)
Organic formula = Similac Advance Organic
(certified organic by USDA)
Toddler formula = Similac Go and Grow, Enfagrow Premium Toddler
Newborn formula = Enfamil Premium Newborn