Infant formula, Similac Alimentum, powder, made with water
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Similac Alimentum is a hypoallergenic, extensively hydrolyzed infant formula powder designed for babies with severe food allergies or sensitivities. When mixed with water, it creates a thin, milky liquid with a distinctly bitter, medicinal taste and a slightly oily texture, a result of its specialized protein and fat sources. Nutritionally, it provides a precise balance of calories and macronutrients, with its protein broken down to minimize allergic reactions.
Calorie split: 11% protein · 40% carbs · 49% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
Parents of infants with severe allergies often express profound relief and trust in this formula, as it can be a life-saving nutritional solution when other options fail. Its specialized formulation is valued not for flavor, but for its critical role in allowing sensitive babies to thrive.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The formula's bitter taste and distinct smell are commonly disliked, which can make feeding challenging for some infants. It is also significantly more expensive than standard formulas. For babies transitioning from a sweeter formula, a gradual mixing strategy (e.g., blending with the previous formula) can help with acceptance.
Key benefits
- Extensively hydrolyzed protein for severe cow's milk allergy
- Contains MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) for brain development
- Provides DHA & ARA for brain and eye health
- Nutritionally complete for infants who cannot tolerate standard formulas
- Often includes prebiotics for digestive comfort
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The protein in Alimentum is so thoroughly broken down (hydrolyzed) that it is clinically considered 'hypoallergenic,' meaning it has a very low risk of causing an allergic reaction.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 87.3 g |
| Energy | 67.0 kcal |
| Protein | 1.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.6 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 6.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.4 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 69.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.2 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 5.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 49.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 77.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 29.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.49 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.2 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 5.9 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.04 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.06 mg |
| Niacin | 0.89 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folate, total | 10.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 10.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 17.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 8.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 59.0 ug |
| Retinol | 59.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.3 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 1.3 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.70 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 9.8 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.8 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.93 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.69 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.14 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.05 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.29 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.29 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 1.0 mg |
FAQ
Why does Similac Alimentum taste bitter?
The bitter taste comes from the extensively hydrolyzed (broken-down) proteins and the inclusion of certain fats like MCT oil, which are necessary for its hypoallergenic and digestive benefits.
Can I use Alimentum for a baby with mild fussiness?
Alimentum is designed for diagnosed severe allergies or specific conditions like FPIES. For general fussiness, a standard sensitive formula is typically recommended first; consult your pediatrician.
Is the powder or ready-to-feed version better?
The ready-to-feed liquid is sterile and has a less bitter taste. The powder is more economical and convenient for travel but requires careful preparation with safe water.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.67 kcal/g · 11% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 4.4 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.38 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.