Baby formula prices in the UK have seen significant changes in recent years, with rising costs becoming a growing concern for parents. Factors such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increased production costs have contributed to price hikes across major brands.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said issues like high prices and branding in the industry are leading to “poor outcomes” for parents, who could be saving about £300 a year by switching to lower priced products.
The cost of baby formula has surged due to inflation affecting the wider food and beverage industry. According to reports, some brands have increased their prices by as much as 25% over the past year. Parents are now paying around £12 to £15 for a standard 800g tub of formula, with premium or specialist formulas costing even more. This has placed additional financial pressure on families already dealing with the cost-of-living crisis. The monthly cost of feeding a 10-week-old baby infant formula using the seven leading brand powdered infant formula products is between £44 and £88
Leading baby formula brands, including Aptamil, Cow & Gate, and SMA, have all seen price increases. Supermarket own-brand alternatives remain a more affordable option, with prices generally ranging between £8 and £10 for a similar quantity. However, concerns about ingredient quality and perceived nutritional value lead many parents to stick with well-known brands despite the rising costs.
Supermarket Price Variations and Promotions
Prices vary between supermarkets, with retailers such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Boots often running promotions or discounts. However, due to strict UK regulations, baby formula cannot be included in loyalty card discounts or multi-buy offers. Instead, parents rely on periodic price reductions and bulk-buy options to save money.
For many parents, the increasing cost of formula is causing financial strain, with some seeking cheaper alternatives such as powdered milk or switching to breastfeeding where possible. Charities and food banks have reported an increase in demand for formula donations, highlighting the struggles faced by low-income families. Some parents are even turning to online marketplaces to find second-hand formula, though this raises safety concerns.
With economic uncertainty continuing, there is little indication that baby formula prices will drop soon. Industry experts predict that costs may continue to rise in 2025 unless supply chain pressures ease and inflation stabilises. Meanwhile, parents are encouraged to explore available support options, such as Healthy Start vouchers, which help eligible families afford essential baby nutrition. For help on choosing formulas see NHS
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