Previously written by Jen B.
A few weeks ago I did a post on the Best Price on Pampers in Charlotte. Now it’s time for baby formula. (Obligatory Disclaimer… the American Academy of Pediatrics considers breast milk to be the preferred feeding choice for infants.)
(Photo is my daughter – 2 years ago at about 5 months old)
Just like diapers, you have to have a PhD to figure out who has the best price on formula. So I price-shopped all over Charlotte and here are the results. Note that all are based on buying one can except Babies R Us and Amazon which is a set of 6 cans. Prices are subject to change, of course and were all non-sales prices. Keep an eye out for sales!
SIMILAC (price per powder ounce)
Babies R Us: 75 cents (in a set of 6) Costco: 82 cents
Babies R Us: 75 cents (in a set of 6) Costco: 82 cents
BJs: 82 cents
Sams: 82 cents
Wal-Mart: 88 cents
CVS: 95 cents
Harris Teeter: 97 cents
Target: $1.02
Amazon: $1.03 (in a set of 6, free shipping)
So the Similac winner is Babies R us if you are willing to buy a pack of 6 cans. Oddly, they do not sell formula on line so you need to go to the store. After that comes all the warehouse clubs, then Wal-Mart.
ENFAMIL (price per powder ounce)
BJ’s: 84 cents
BJ’s: 84 cents
Sam’s: 84 cents
Costco: 85 cents
Wal-Mart: 88 cents
Babies R Us: 89 cents (pack of 6)
Harris Teeter: 99 cents
Target: $1.00
Amazon: $1.01 (pack of 6, online, free shipping)
CVS: $1.03
Enfamil.com: $1.05 (inludes shipping)
The Enfamil winner is the warehouse clubs, then Wal-Mart then Babies R Us.
BREASTFEEDING:
Free! (Except for the $300 pump you might need!)
More Important Notes:
- Keep a lookout for sales, and keep a calculator with you.
- No calculator? Here is a good trick so you know generally if it’s an OK deal. A good price is under $1.00 per powder ounce. So look at the size of the can (say it’s 25.7 ounces) and then look at the price. If the price is under that same number ($25.70), then it’s not highway robbery.
- Join their manufacturer mailing lists, they give GREAT coupons and samples! Most are for $5 off “checks” click here for Enfamil list, click here for Similac, and click here for Nestle Good Start. You are CRAZY if you do not do this, even if you are not a coupon girl, make an exception here.
- You CAN use these $5 checks at the warehouse clubs. Do not let them tell you otherwise! They do not take coupons but these are actually checks. I had to fight a cashier at Sams once and the manager finally told her it was OK and how to process it. (Hey, five dollars is five dollars!)
- Can’t leave the house? Most of the retailers noted do NOT sell formula online. But Amazon does and Enfamil does as well as some other retailers. Might not be the best price but sometimes convenience is worth the money.
Do you have another formula bargain? Please share!
8 comments
I just went to Target today and Enfamil Next Step is on sale for $19.99 at least at the University one. Plus I used the checks.
Also, remember each time you go to the pediatrician’s office ask for free samples. They usually load you up! Good little tip someone told me and with the twins it was a great savings!
thank you for sharing this! i’ve been trying to figure this out for weeks! thanks for doing it for us.
still these wonderful articles full of info from our Jen P
It is so obvious by the past few posts you have posted “previously written by Jen B” just how much time and effort she put into this website. The research she did was always apparent in her posts and still is today. That is the part of this site that draws me in… I love the things that she spent time researching for all of us so we didn’t have to. The shopping and consignment show info that has been posted a few times in the past week or two.. not so interesting…it is the posts like todays are what i feel the heart of CSP is all about..great information that you cannot get anywhere else… just my opinion…
Awesome info on the prices! I have been trying to receive the similac coupons, but never received any. I never could figure out why and here’s the deal. I nursed my son for 6 months, then tried to join the Similac Welcome Addition Club. After 2 months of no mailings I called and they said I registered him too late. The baby has to be registered before they are 5-6 months old. So register fast!!
I have several cans of a various formula. Some of it has expired by a couple of months and some has not. I don’t know if formula actually goes bad. But if anyone wants it, you can have it. I did not need it b/c I exclusively breast fed. Feel free to email me- shannonbone@gmail.com. I live in the SouthPark area.Shannon
I LOVE Target brand formula and diapers!!!! Just as good as the name brand and 1/2 price!