Overview
Any new parent that’s chosen to formula feed knows how costly it can be. Together with diapers, baby formulas can occupy a big chunk of your family’s budget.
Because wholesale prices tend to be cheaper than buying in retail, many budget-savvy parents find they can save money by buying baby formula in bulk.
You have several options for bulk buying formula, including warehouse clubs and mass merchandisers.
If it’s your baby’s first time trying a formula you might want to buy a single item to make sure they take to it. Then once you’ve confirmed it’s a keeper you can bulk buy.
Also, check with your pediatrician before switching to a new formula and buying it in bulk. After all, bulk orders might have lower prices than retail, but you’ll also be buying more containers.
That means you’ll likely be spending more per order than if you were just buying a can or two.
It can also be difficult to return several packages to the store or formula supplier if your little one turns out to be allergic to this particular product.
If you plan on ordering bulk formulas online, also make sure to check the customer reviews. That can help you stay away from bogus online stores that might offer huge discounts on baby formulas but won’t really deliver on their promise.
Some parents stick to trusted names like Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Target when buying formula brands.
But if you’re looking for European organic formulas, you’ll have to look elsewhere because these wholesalers don’t carry these brands.
Where else can you buy baby formula at wholesale prices from legitimate sellers? Find your options below.
Popular Brands & Non-Organic Options
You can also buy the products directly from their brand websites and online stores. Examples can include:
Similarities
Most of these wholesalers have the following features:
- Own mobile app
- Own formula brands (except buybuy Baby)
- Carry several major brands
- Customer reviews and ratings on each product
- Membership clubs for rewards points or discounts
- Search filters and customizable search results
- Informative product descriptions
- Accept manufacturer’s coupons
Some of these retailers also offer:
- Subscription options
- Store pickup options
- Curbside pickup
- Gift cards
- Gift registry
- Separate section for recalled products
Differences
Walmart
- Sells own brand: Parent’s Choice
- Carries most of the major formula brands
- Accepts manufacturer’s coupons
- Accepts WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- Gift registry options
- Store pickup options
- Walmart+
Amazon
- Sells own brand: Mama Bear
- Sells the most number of formula brands, including European brand Holle
- Subscription options
- Gift registry options
- Accepts WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- Accepts FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) for eligible items
- Accepts HSA (Health Savings Accounts) for eligible items
- Accepts Amazon coupons
- Accepts some manufacturer’s coupons (limited)
- Amazon Family and Prime
Target
- Sells own brand: up & up
- Gift registry options
- Subscription options
- Target RedCard ($0 annual fee)
Costco
- Sells own brand: Kirkland Signature
- Subscription options
- Costco membership
Sam’s Club
- Sells own brand: Member’s Mark
- Gift registry
- Store pickup options
- Separate section for info on recalled products
- Sam’s Club and Sam’s Club Plus
buybuy Baby
- Price match promise
- Gift registry options
- Store pickup options
- Separate section for recalled products
- buybuy Baby credit card
Bulk Price Comparison
The following are price comparisons of some popular powder infant formulas among these retailers:
(Prices are subject to change based on each individual retailer. We only report the best current price but for a real-time price check visit each company’s site.)
Similac Alimentum Lactose-Free, Hypoallergenic Powder Baby Formula
buybuy Baby
- 19.8 oz, one pack: $43.89
- Same price per can, even if you buy in bulk (online)
Similac
- 19.8 oz, one pack: $42.00 each
- 19.8 oz, four packs: $37.80 each
Similac Pro-Advance Infant Formula, 2’-FL HMO for Immune Support (Non-GMO Baby Formula)
Amazon
- 36 oz, three packs: $44.65 each
Costco
- 34 oz, two packs: $35.00 each
Sam’s Club
- 34 oz, one pack: $31.38
buybuy Baby
- 20.6 oz tub, one pack: $28.99
- 30.8 oz tub, one pack: $36.99
- Same price per can, even if you buy in bulk (online)
Target
- 20.6 oz tub, one pack: $28.99
- 30.8 oz tub, one pack: $36.99
- 30.8 oz tub, four packs: $30.8 each
Similac
- 20.6 oz tub, one pack: $28.99
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Baby Formula with DHA
Costco
- 20.7 oz, two packs: $21.50 each
Sam’s Club
- 20 oz, two packs: $21.49 each
buybuy Baby
- 20 oz, two packs: $29.99 each
Gerber Good Start Grow Nutritious Toddler Formula
Amazon
- 24 oz, one pack: $19.77
- 24 oz, four packs: $26.15 each
buybuy Baby
- 24 oz, one pack: $19.99
Gerber
- 24 oz, four packs: $18.00 each
- 24 oz, four packs: $26.15 each
Surprisingly, some of the sellers charge a higher price for bulk orders. But you might still save some money at checkout if these items are offered with free or discounted shipping.
Again, it may be better to compare the final prices at checkout among these wholesalers before buying the formulas.
Also, don’t forget to consult your pediatrician before making any changes in your child’s formula.
European Organic Baby Formulas Online
Many parents in the US choose to buy organic infant formulas made in Europe even though these products aren’t readily available to ship directly to US addresses.
Also, these products aren’t available from retailers such as Walmart or Costco.
Instead, you can find these European brands from established importers such as the following:
You can also find them from their own brand websites and online stores such as:
Similarities
- Carries European organic formula brands only
- Easy-to-use shop interface
- Informative product descriptions
- Customer reviews & ratings
- None of these shops have their own formula brands.
All of these shops sell the following European brands:
Differences
Most of these wholesalers have similar features and only differ by the products they offer and the payment options available.
My Organic Company
- Sells Jovie brand
- Subscription options
Organic’s Best Shop
- Sells Löwenzahn Organics
Mommy Formula
- Sells Kabrita and NannyCare
- Has the most number of payment options available
Bulk Price Comparison
You might save some money by buying in bulk, but you can save more if you compare the prices among suppliers to find the best deals.
For example, here are the prices for Holle Organic (Bio) Cow’s Milk Formula, Stage 3:
Holle Organic (Bio) Cow’s Milk Formula, Stage 3
Organic’s Best Shop
- 21 oz box, one pack: $31.99
- 21 oz box, 12 packs: $26.99 each
- 21 oz box, 24 packs: $23.99 each
- 21 oz box, 34 packs: $19.99 each
Mommy Formula
- 21 oz box, four packs: $32.95 each
- 21 oz box, eight packs: $30.95 each
- 21 oz box, 12 packs: $28.95 each
You can save the most money by making the biggest bulk order based on these online price lists.
For example, you may get the best value from Organic’s Best Shop if you buy 34 packs of Holle Organic (Bio) Cow’s Milk Formula, Stage 3.
But you should also consider other factors, including shipping costs which can vary depending on the number of packs you order and your location or address.
Some shops also offer free shipping on bulk orders, but those that don’t might charge more for bigger orders. Compare before you buy.
Be sure to also seek your pediatrician’s advice before switching to a new formula, especially if you plan to buy in bulk.
Learn more about each wholesaler below.
Walmart
Best Features & Membership Options
- Sells own formula brand: Parent’s Choice
- Carries most of the major infant formula brands
- Informative product descriptions
- Walmart mobile app
- Easy-to-use shop interface
- Store pickup options
- Delivery
- Gift registry options
- Accepts credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, PayPal, and Affirm
- Accepts WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- Similar item suggestions
- Search filters available (brand, pickup or delivery, price, etc.)
- Customizable search results (sort by best seller, price options, etc.)
- Accepts unexpired manufacturer coupons
- Customer reviews & ratings
- A separate section that lists recalled products
- Walmart gift cards are accepted in all Walmart stores, walmart.com, Sam’s Club, and samsclub.com
- Special discounts or perks for Walmart+ members
Walmart+
- Monthly billing (at $12.95) costs a total of $155.40
- Annual billing costs $98 (one-time payment)
- Free next-day and two-day shipping, no minimum purchase (but may exclude oversized purchases)
- Member prices at select fuel stations
Example Of Brands Available
- Parent’s Choice (store brand)
- Enfamil
- Similac
- Gerber
- Earth’s Best
- Alfamino
- Neocate
- Happy Baby Organics
- Nestle NAN
Cons
- Doesn’t carry European formula brands such as Holle, HiPP, and Kendamil
- Doesn’t offer formula subscription services
What Customers Say
“It was easier for me to order products on line for my grand children, when they were living away from me. Diapers, baby clothes, formula, baby bottles, blankets.” – Reviewer on Site Jabber.
“Delivery is absolutely horrible and contacting customer service is pointless. One word….. Despicable.” – Reviewer on Walmart’s Facebook page.
Amazon
Best Features & Membership Options
- Sells own formula brand: Mama Bear
- Carries most of the major infant formula brands, including Holle (a European brand)
- Subscription options
- Informative product descriptions
- Features product comparisons
- Special customer question & answer section
- Accepts debit cards, credit cards, gift cards, and Amazon Store Card
- Accepts FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSA (Health Savings Accounts) for eligible items
- Accepts WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- Easy-to-use shop interface
- Amazon mobile app
- Search filters available
- Customizable search results
- Similar item suggestions
- Accepts valid Amazon coupons
- Customer reviews & ratings
- Delivery
- Gift registry options
- Special discounts or perks for Amazon Family or Prime members
Amazon Family
- Free with Amazon Prime, which costs $119 per year (if billed annually) or $155.88 per year (if billed at $12.99 monthly)
- 30-day free trial (first sign up)
- Existing Amazon Prime members may add Amazon Family through the account settings for free
- 20% discount on diapers and baby food (as long as you have five subscriptions within the month)
- 15% discount coupon for baby registry completion
- Free baby registry surprise welcome box
- Exclusive deals and coupons
- Amazon Prime benefits, including Prime Instant Video, Prime Music, and Prime Photos
- Free two-day shipping (no minimum) if you subscribe to Amazon Family
- Access to special Amazon Mom for special deals and promotions
Example Of Brands Available
- Mama Bear (own brand)
- Enfamil
- Similac
- Kabrita
- Earth’s Best
- Baby’s Only
- Happy Baby Organics
- Serenity Kids
- Else
- Holle
Cons
- Limited number of physical stores
- Limited options for coupons
- Some Amazon vendors sell fake items
What Customers Say
“Honestly, they did not have the lowest prices on diapers but they do have great prices on formula and an amazing variety to choose from.” – Reviewer on Site Jabber.
“Amazon is nothing but a scam now. Everything is late. Most things I’ve ordered lately are bootleg. Everything comes in late & they erase everyone’s bad reviews to aid in their false advertising.” – Reviewer on Mouth Shut.
Target
Best Features & Membership Options
- Sells own formula brand: up & up
- Carries major formula brands
- Subscription options
- Informative product descriptions
- Special customer question & answer section
- Accepts debit cards, credit cards, gift cards, PayPal, and Target RedCard
- Easy-to-use shop interface
- Customer reviews & ratings
- Target mobile app
- Search filters available
- Customizable search results
- Similar item suggestions
- Accepts valid Target coupons
- Delivery
- Gift registry options
- Special discounts for Target RedCard members
Target RedCard
- Free membership
- 5% discount for Target purchases (conditions apply)
- Additional 5% discount if you have a formula subscription
Example Of Brands Available
Cons
- Doesn’t accept WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
What Customers Say
“I love Target. The prices, convenience, delivery service, stock, cashback, gift cards, food selections, online shopping experience and all they have to offer has been great.” – Reviewer on Consumer Affairs.
““Customer service” is non-existent, the only “benefit” is the 5% off at Target which actually only lowers the price closer to what Walmart sells stuff for. You might say “oh but what about the free shipping you get with the card?” Not worth it. They have a “minimum purchase” just to ship!” – Reviewer on Consumer Affairs.
Costco
Best Features & Membership Options
- Sells own formula brand: Kirkland Signature
- Carries some major formula brands
- Subscription options
- Informative product descriptions
- Features product comparisons
- Customer reviews & ratings
- Special customer question and answer section
- Accepts debit cards, credit cards, and Costco Shop Card
- Easy-to-use shop interface
- Costco mobile app
- Search filters available
- Customizable search results
- Similar item suggestions
- Gift registry options through MyRegistry.com
- Delivery
- Special prices for Costco members
Costco Membership
- Costco Executive membership costs $120 per year
- Costco Gold Star membership costs $60 per year
- Special members-only rate for baby formula and other products
- Same-day and 2-day shipping options available, depending on your location
- Shipping fees can vary (depends on what product you’re buying and your address)
Example Of Brands Available
- Own brand: Kirkland Signature
- Enfamil
- Similac
- PediaSure
Cons
- Limited brands and formula options
- Doesn’t accept manufacturer coupons
- Non-members can purchase from Costco.com anytime, but you’ll be charged a 5% surcharge over the listed member prices.
What Customers Say
“Wide variety of items and very good pricing.” – Reviewer on Consumer Affairs.
“Never received my item endless calls to there customer services including emails no one cares what a organisation!! My advice DO NOT BUY from there online site!” – Reviewer on TrustPilot.
Sam’s Club
Best Features & Membership Options
- Sells own formula brand: Member’s Mark
- Carries several major formula brands
- Informative product descriptions
- Sam’s Club mobile app
- Accepts debit cards, credit cards, Sam’s Club Credit, gift cards, and Walmart cards or gift cards
- Customer reviews & ratings
- Easy-to-use shop interface
- Search filters available
- Customizable search results
- Similar item suggestions
- Store pickup options
- Delivery
- A separate section that lists recalled products
- Gift registry options with MyRegistry.com
- Sam’s Club cards are accepted in Sam’s Club outlets, samsclub.com, Walmart stores, and walmart.com.
- Special discounts for Sam’s Club members
Sam’s Club
- Sam’s Club Mastercard (with cashback)
- Sam’s Club Plus costs $100 per year
- Sam’s Club (Regular) costs $45 per year
- Same-day delivery, instant savings, and member-exclusive prices on fuel
- Complimentary membership with another person in your household
- Extra perks for Sam’s Club Plus: 2% cashback rewards, free shipping (conditions apply), and free curbside pickup
Example Of Brands Available
- Member’s Mark (own brand)
- Enfamil
- Similac
- Burt’s Bees
- Nido
- Nestle
- Gerber
Cons
- Limited brands and formula options
- Doesn’t accept manufacturer coupons
What Customers Say
“Most of my experiences shopping instore and online have been positive. Shopping was a bit frustrating at the start of the pandemic but Sam’s managed to pull it all together and continues to improve.” – Reviewer on TrustPilot.
“They offer free shipping if you get the plus membership, cool idea but they cancel 100% of online orders with same fake excuse of fraud prevention. It’s not valid as they don’t even try to verify if it’s you or not.” – Reviewer on TrustPilot.
buybuy Baby
Best Features & Membership Options
- Price match promise
- Carries some major baby formula brands
- Informative product descriptions
- buybuy Baby mobile app
- Accepts debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, Klarna, gift cards, and AfterPay
- Easy-to-use shop interface
- Customer reviews & ratings
- Search filters available
- Customizable search results
- Similar item suggestions
- Accepts valid, unexpired manufacturer coupons
- Store pickup options
- Delivery
- Gift registry options
- Separate section for info on recalled products
- buybuy BABY gift cards are accepted in buybuy BABY stores, Christmas Tree Shops, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Harmon Face stores (locations or online)
- Special buybuy BABY Credit Card
- Special discounts for new members
buybuy BABY Credit Card
- No annual fees
- Cashback on purchases
- $20 reward certificate (conditions apply)
- Exclusive cardholder offers
- Discounts on certain purchases
- Gift certificate rewards (conditions apply)
Example Of Brands Available
- Similac
- Earth’s Best
- Enfamil
- Gerber
- Happy Baby
- Burt’s Bees Baby
Cons
- Doesn’t have its own formula brand
- Limited brands available
What Customers Say
“My daughter just had a baby, we ordered half of her stuff from here… couldn’t be happier with the service!” – Reviewer on Site Jabber.
“If I could give less than one star I would! Buy buy to Buy Buy Baby. Worst customer service. Horrible online market shopping and shipping is inaccurate.” – Reviewer on Site Jabber.
My Organic Company
Best Features & Membership Options
- European organic formula brands only
- Easy-to-use shop interface
- Informative product descriptions
- Subscription options
- Accepts debit and credit cards
- Search filters available
- Customer reviews & ratings
- Delivery
Example Of Brands Available
Cons
- Doesn’t have a mobile app
- Doesn’t have a membership or loyalty program
- Only sells European organic options
- Limited products
- Limited payment options
What Customers Say
“It used to be a huge pain to buy Holle in the US, but with this new website MyOrganicCompany, I don’t even have to buy it anymore, I subscribed and it’s automatically sent to me every week. What a concept!” – Customer review on Holle Bio Stage 3 Organic Baby Formula.
“Theyre horrible. Dont ever buy from them. I paid for five days shipping and the order is two weeks late. Theyre lying about the shipping and post false reviews on their website.” – Reviewer on Trusted Business Reviews.
Organic’s Best Shop
Best Features & Membership Options
- European organic formula brands only
- Easy-to-use shop interface
- Informative product descriptions
- Accepts debit cards, credit cards, and PayPal
- Customer reviews & ratings
- Delivery
Example Of Brands Available
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a membership or loyalty program
- Doesn’t have a mobile app
- Only sells organic options from European brands
- Limited products
- Limited search options
What Customers Say
“Fast shipping, we’ll packaged and same great product that we’ve come to expect. Great company!” – Reviewer on Organic’s Best Shop/
“They shipped the wrong formula and never corrected their mistake. I sent multiple emails to customer service with NO response. Do not trust them with your baby formula order.” – Reviewer on TrustPilot.
Mommy Formula
Best Features & Membership Options
- European organic formula brands only
- Informative product descriptions
- Easy-to-use shop interface
- Accepts debit cards, credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal
- Customer reviews & ratings
- Delivery
Example Of Brands Available
Cons
- Only carries European organic brands
- Doesn’t have a mobile app
- Doesn’t have a membership and loyalty program
- Limited products and search options
What Customers Say
“2nd time im ordering, first time was perfect, great price and arrived quicker than expected. great service.” – Reviewer on Mommy Formula’s website.
“Paid almost $70 to expedite my order, and delivery was delayed. Would have chosen a different shipping option had I known the delivery option I selected wasn’t a viable option. Reached out to the vendor but never heard back.” – Reviewer on Shopper Approved.
Summary & Recommendations
Infant formula can be expensive, especially if you pick the name brands. But you can save some money if you buy in bulk.
There are plenty of wholesalers with physical stores, but online shops may also offer more convenience.
Note that prices may vary even with the same product. The price usually depends on the container size and how many cans/boxes you’re buying. Shipping costs also vary among retailers, with some offering free shipping if you meet certain conditions.
To find the best value for your money, it may be a good idea to compare the final cost at checkout among these wholesalers.
In choosing the best wholesaler for buying bulk formulas, you can follow our recommendations below.
American Formula Brands
Choose Walmart if:
- You prefer Parent’s Choice (Walmart brand)
- You need to find different formula brands
- You want to use WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) or manufacturer’s coupons
- You prefer a store pickup
- You’re searching for gift registry options
- You have Walmart+
Choose Amazon if:
- You prefer Mama Bear (Amazon brand)
- You want to choose from several different brands
- You’re looking for subscription options
- You want to use WIC, HSA (Health Savings Accounts), or FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts)
- You have Amazon or manufacturer’s coupons
- You’re searching for gift registry options
- You have Amazon Family and Prime
Choose Target if:
- You prefer up & up (Target brand)
- You’re searching for gift registry options
- You’re looking for subscription options
- You have a Target RedCard (free membership)
Choose Costco if:
- You prefer Kirkland Signature (Costco brand)
- You’re searching for subscription options
- You have a Costco membership
Choose Sam’s Club if:
- You prefer Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club brand)
- You want store pickup options
- You’re searching for gift registry options
- You have Sam’s Club membership
Choose buybuy Baby if:
- You’re looking for a vendor or wholesaler with a price match promise
- You prefer a shop with store pickup options
- You’re looking for gift registry options
- You have a buybuy Baby credit card
Aside from these wholesalers, you can also buy bulk baby formulas directly from the brands’ official websites or stores. Some of these brands also offer loyalty programs so you can get cashbacks, reward points, or discounts.
But always remember to check with your little one’s pediatrician before buying any new formula.
European Brands
The online wholesalers below only sell imported European brands.
All of them carry HiPP, Holle, Loulouka, and Kendamil products, but may differ in the other brands they offer:
Choose My Organic Company if:
- You’re searching for Jovie
- You want a wholesaler with subscription options
Choose Organic’s Best Shop if:
- You’re looking for Löwenzahn Organics
Choose Mommy Formula if:
- You’re looking for NannyCare or Kabrita
- You need a wholesaler with more payment options available
FAQs
What Is The Cheapest Way To Buy Baby Formula?
If you want to save money, here are some helpful tips:
- Buy in bulk
- Pick a store brand like Parent’s Choice or Kirkland Infant Formula
- Choose milk powder formulas instead of ready-to-drink liquid bottles
- Compare prices among brands, products, and wholesalers or retailers
What’s More Expensive Similac Or Enfamil?
- Different formulations or types of formula can have varied price tags.
- But between comparable products, Enfamil can be more expensive than Similac.
- Despite being cheaper, however, Similac products might not always be the best value for your money. They may be loaded with more sugar than Enfamil.
Can I Make Baby Formula In Bulk?
It may be ideal to prepare a fresh bottle every feeding time. But many parents also prepare bottles in bulk.
You may do so, but be sure to follow the safety guidelines:
- Wash your hands.
- Prepared formula left at room temperature should be used within two hours
- Prepared formula stored in the fridge must be used within 24 hours
Should I Boil Water For Formula?
Parents usually opt for bottled water or filtered water for their baby’s formula.
Keep in mind that plastic bottled water might secrete harmful chemicals like BPA into your baby’s formula.
We recommend using only glass bottles or bottles labeled as BPA-free. Because you can’t be so sure about the safety of these water sources, it may be best to boil any water that you plan to use for your baby’s formula.
But be sure that it’s properly cooled down before you use it to prepare your child’s bottle.
