Infant formula, Similac Alimentum, ready-to-feed
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Similac Alimentum is a ready-to-feed, hypoallergenic infant formula designed for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy or multiple food protein intolerances. It has a thin, watery consistency and a distinctly bitter, medicinal taste due to its extensively hydrolyzed casein protein. Nutritionally, it provides 67 kcal per 100g, with a balanced macronutrient profile tailored for infant growth, including 1.8g protein, 6.77g carbs, and 3.63g fat.
Calorie split: 11% protein · 40% carbs · 49% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
Parents and caregivers rely on it because it often resolves severe digestive distress and allergic reactions in sensitive infants, providing peace of mind. Its ready-to-feed convenience is a lifesaver during late-night feeds or travel.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The formula's bitter taste can lead to feeding refusal in some infants, requiring patience and gradual introduction. It is also significantly more expensive than standard formulas, which can be a financial burden. Concrete tip: For taste, try serving it slightly chilled (not cold) to mask bitterness, and for cost, check with insurance providers about coverage for medically necessary formulas.
Key benefits
- Hypoallergenic formula for severe cow's milk protein allergy
- Contains extensively hydrolyzed casein for easy digestion
- Provides complete nutrition for infants with multiple food intolerances
- Ready-to-feed format requires no mixing or preparation
- Includes DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'Alimentum' name comes from the Latin 'alimentum,' meaning nourishment or food, highlighting its role as a fundamental nutritional source.
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
What makes Similac Alimentum different from regular formula?
It uses extensively hydrolyzed casein protein, broken down into tiny pieces to avoid triggering allergic reactions in babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy.
Why is the taste so bitter?
The extensive hydrolysis of the protein creates free amino acids and peptides, which have a naturally bitter taste. This is a sign of the protein being broken down for easier digestion.
Can I use it for a baby with mild gas or fussiness?
Alimentum is a medical formula for diagnosed severe allergies or intolerances. For mild fussiness, a standard sensitive formula is typically recommended first. Always consult your pediatrician.
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.