Yahoo Finance Formula Milk Powder Prices in Singapore 2018: Dumex vs Aptamil vs Similac vs NAN
Formula milk powder is not cheap. In fact, over the last 10 years, there has been a 120% increase in formula milk prices. So much so that PM Lee had to talk about how we shouldn’t be overspending on branded milk powder during the National Day Rally speech this year.
Before you get all riled up, we’ve got nothing against breastmilk, which is still the best and most natural food for your baby. But if you are a breastfeeding mama facing supply issues, need to return to work after maternity leave or are unable to pump breastmilk for whatever reason, formula milk is a viable source of nutrition for your baby.
There are 3 main types of milk powder:
Stage 1: Sometimes labelled simply as “infant milk powder”, this is suitable for babies from birth to 6 months
Stage 2: Also known as “follow on milk powder”, Stage 2 is for babies from 6 months old and up
Stage 3: Contains more nutrients and calories, for toddlers 1 year old and up
Aside from cost, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming to choose from. In this article, we’ll cover the price of most major milk powder brands in Singapore so you can see how much your preferred brand costs.
Abbott Similac milk powder prices 2018
Similac has one of the widest range of milk powders in Singapore.
You can find an organic version, an EyeQ Plus one which contains Vitamin E, a “Comfort” version for lactose intolerant or colicky babies as well as one that has the prebiotic 2’-FL, which is an ingredient that could help boost babies’ immunity system.
As an added bonus: Similac does not contain palm oil.
Stage | Infant milk formula | Retail price | Cost |
1 | Abbott Similac Infant Milk Formula | $59.90 (850g) | $7 / 100g |
1 | Abbott Similac Total Comfort Infant Milk Formula | $66.90 (820g) | $8.15 / 100g |
1 | Abbott Similac RS Special Infant Milk Formula | $63.40 (850g) | $7.45 / 100g |
1 | Abbott Similac Organic Infant Milk Formula | $53.80 (658g) | $8.17 / 100g |
1 | Abbott Similac Neosure Infant Formula | $62.40 (850g) | $7.34 / 100g |
1 | Abbott Similac RS 1 EYEQ Infant Formula | $63.40 (850g) | $7.45 / 100g |
1 | Abbott Similac 2’FL-Infant Formula | $29.60 (400g) | $7.40 / 100g |
2 | Abbott Similac Follow On Milk Formula | $54.50 (850g) | $6.41 / 100g |
2 | Abbott Similac Total Comfort Follow On Milk Formula | $61.80 (820g) | $7.53 / 100g |
2 | Abbott Similac Organic Follow On Milk Formula | $43.80 (658g) | $6.65 / 100g |
2 | Abott Similac Gain 2’-FL | $45 (850g) | $5.29 / 100g |
3 | Abbott Similac Total Comfort Growing Up Milk Formula | $53.90 (820g) | $6.57 / 100g |
3 | Abbott Similac Gain Growing Up Milk Formula | $45 (850g) | $5.29 / 100g |
3 | Abbott Similac Gain IQ Growing Up Baby Formula | $45 (850g) | $5.29 / 100g |
3 | Abbott Similac Gain 2′-FL Stage 3 – 850G Baby Formula | $45 (850g) | $5.29 / 100g |
Dumex milk powder prices 2018
Dumex offers one of the most reasonably priced formula milk on the market under the Dulac/Dugrow branding. Dulac Stage 1 milk and Dugro Stage 2 milk cost $1.85/100g while Dugro Stage 3 costs $2.70/100g. Despite its low price point, it still has all the nutrients such as DHA, ARA, taurine, choline, Vitamin D3, prebiotics, iron, magnesium and etc.
Dumex also offers a hypoallergenic version that is gentle on Baby’s belly as well as a soy version for the lactose intolerant.
Dumex recently made the headlines for being recalled by the AVA as it contained a strain of bacteria. The affected batch is Stage 1 Mamil Gold infant formula that expires on Sept 11, 2019. It is probably just an exception – but do with the information what you will.
Stage | Infant milk formula | Retail price | Cost |
1 | Dumex Mamil Gold Infant Formula | $54.50 (850g) | $6.41 / 100g |
1 | Dumex Dulac Infant Milk Formula | $14.80 (800g) | $1.85 / 100g |
1 | Dumex Mamil Gold Infant Soy Milk Formula | $50.50 (900g) | $5.61 / 100g |
2 | Dumex Mamil Gold Follow On Milk Formula | $47.90 (850g) | $5.63 / 100g |
2 | Dumex Mamil Gold H.A Milk Formula (Extra Care) | $49.00 (2 x 400g) | $6.125 / 100g |
2 | Dumex Dugro Growing Up Milk Formula | $14.80 (800g) | $1.85 / 100g |
3 | Dumex Mamil Gold Growing Up Baby Formula | $39.90 (850g) | $4.69 / 100g |
3 | Dumex Dugro Growing Up Milk Formula | $18.90 (700g) | $2.70 / 100g |
Aptamil milk powder prices 2018
While Aptamil is one of the more expensive brands for infant Stage 1 formula, it becomes cheaper when you are looking at Stage 2 and Stage 3 milk formulas for your toddler.
Their specialised blend is called Pronutra+, which contains DHA, ARA, iron, Vitamin C, calcium, zinc and a patented prebiotic blend. There is also a hypoallergenic version that has partially hydrolysed 100% whey protein.
Stage | Infant milk formula | Retail price | Cost |
1 | Aptamil Gold+ Infant Milk Formula | $55 (900g) | $6.11 / 100g |
1 | Aptamil HA Gold+ Infant Milk Formula | $67 (900g) | $7.44 / 100g |
1 | Aptamil AllerPro Gold+ Infant Milk Formula | $43.30 (400g) | $10.82 / 100g |
2 | Aptamil Gold+ Follow On Milk Formula | $43.20 (900g) | $4.80 / 100g |
2 | Aptamil Gold+ Follow On Milk Formula – HA (Stage 2) | $43.70 (800g) | $5.46 / 100g |
3 | Aptamil Gold+ Toddler Growing Up Milk Formula | $34.50 (900g) | $3.83 / 100g |
Nestle NAN Optipro milk powder prices 2018
Nestle NAN Optipro (Optimised Protein Blend) has been quite aggressive in their marketing recently. You may have seen bus ads that state that their formula is backed by “The Science of Mother+”.
We don’t know about that, but Optipro is pretty popular among Singaporean mothers as it is a gentle protein blend that is easy on the stomach. The range also includes a hypoallergenic (HA) version, which has partially broken down protein. We hear that it tastes more bitter that the usual types, though!
Their formula milk, while not the most expensive, is on the higher end. Nestle also makes a budget brand called Lactogen which is more affordable.
Stage | Infant milk formula | Retail price | Cost |
1 | Nestle NAN Optipro Infant Milk Formula | $52.60 (800g) | $6.57 / 100g |
1 | Nestle NAN Optipro HA Starter Infant Milk Formula | $59.60 (800g) | $7.45 / 100g |
1 | Nestle Lactogen Comfortis Infant Milk Formula | $37.60 (1800g) | $2.08 / 100g |
2 | Nestle NAN Optipro Follow Up Milk Formula | $47.60 (800g) | $5.95 / 100g |
2 | Nestle NAN Optipro HA Follow Up Milk Formula | $54.60 (800g) | $6.82 / 100g |
2 | Nestle NAN Sensitive | $66.90 (800g) | $8.36 / 100g |
2 | Nestle Lactogen Comfortis Follow Up Milk Formula | $37.60 (1800g) | $2.08 / 100g |
3 | Nestle NAN Optipro Gro Growing Up Milk Formula | $38.60 (800g) | $4.82 / 100g |
3 | Nestle NAN Optipro NA Growing Up Milk Formula | $48.60 (800g) | $6.07 / 100g |
3 | Nestle NAN Optipro Toddler Milk Formula | $71.90 (1800g) | $4 / 100g |
Enfamil A+ milk powder prices 2018
Enfamil A+ is one of the most popular brands for infant formula milk in Singapore.
Aside from DHA and ARA, the Enfamil range also includes Vitamins C and E, choline, which promotes mental function and prebiotics to help good Bifidus bacteria grow.
Manufactured by Mead Johnson, the brand also offers a lactose-free version labelled “Lacto Free” and one for colicky or lactose-intolerant babies called Gentlease, which is made of a gentle protein blend that is easier to digest.
Stage | Infant milk formula | Retail price | Cost |
1 | Enfamil A+ Infant Milk Formula | $59.90 (900g) | $6.65 / 100g |
1 | Enfamil A+ Gentlease Infant Milk Formula | $69.85 (900g) | $7.76 / 100g |
1 | Enfamil A+ Infant Milk Formula Lacto Free | $63.20 (900g) | $7 / 100g |
1 | Enfamil A+ With 360o DHA PLUS Infant Formula – Soy | $44.60 (624g) | $7.15 / 100g |
2 | Enfamil A+ Follow On Milk Formula | $63.20 (900g) | $7 / 100g |
2 | Enfamil A+ Gentlease Infant Milk Formula | $60.30 (900g) | $6.70 / 100g |
3 | Enfagrow A+ Growing Up Milk Formula | $42.30 (900g) | $4.70 /100g |
3 | Enfamil A+ Gentlease Infant Milk Formula | $52.70 (900g) | $5.85 / 100g |
Wyeth S-26 milk powder prices 2018
The brand originates from the US and claims that it is power packed with 26 ingredients, including up to 5.4 times more DHA, up to 40% more luetin and up to 20% more choline.
There is also a soy version available for vegetarian babies.
Stage | Infant milk formula | Retail price | Cost |
1 | Wyeth S-26 Gold Infant Milk Formula | $57.20 (900g) | $6.35 / 100g |
1 | Wyeth S-26 Nursoy Gold Soy Protein Infant Formula | $43 (900g) | $4.77 / 100g |
2 | Wyeth S26 Promil Gold Follow Up Milk Formula | $52 (900g) | $5.77 / 100g |
2 | Wyeth S26 PE Gold Picky Eater Milk Formula | $39.90 (900g) | $4.43 / 100g |
3 | Wyeth S-26 Progress Gold Grow Up Milk Formula | $44.40 (900g) | $4.93 / 100g |
Frisolac & Friso Gold milk powder prices 2018
Friso produces its milk (Frisolac and Friso Gold) with over 19,000 farms across the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium with direct control over the quality.
Aside from the usual ingredients that are pretty much the same across all milk powders, Friso boasts a LockNutri system which protects natural nutrients against overheating. Apparently, it makes the milk easier to digest.
Stage | Infant milk formula | Retail price | Cost |
1 | Frisolac Gold Infant Formula | $59 (900g) | $6.55 / 100g |
1 | Frisolac Gold Comfort Infant Formula | $23 (400g) | $5.75 / 100g |
2 | Friso Gold Follow On Milk Formula | $55 (900g) | $6.11 / 100g |
3 | Friso Gold Growing Up Milk Formula | $45 (900g) | $5 / 100g |
NTUC FairPrice milk powder prices 2018
For the no-frills mum, the FairPrice house brand of milk is one of the cheapest at $2.88/100g for Stage 2.
It is manufactured in Australia and New Zealand and contains all the goodness that more expensive brands offer: DHA, AA, lutein, prebiotic-GOS, nucleotides, Vitamin D, calcium and iron.
Stage | Infant milk formula | Retail price | Cost |
1 | FairPrice Gold Newborn Infant Milk Formula | $29 (900g) | $3.22 / 100g |
2 | FairPrice Gold Follow On Milk Formula | $26 (900g) | $2.88 / 100g |
3 | FairPrice Gold Growing Up Milk Formula | $24 (900g) | $2.66 / 100g |
Abbott Isomil milk powder prices 2018
Abbott Similac has a soy version called Isomil, which is suitable for vegetarians or lactose-intolerant babies and is palm oil-free. It’s the only brand that is all-soy and is enhanced with EyeQPlus. Worthy to note that it also one of the more expensive milks.
Stage | Infant milk formula | Retail price | Cost |
1 | Abbott Isomil Soy Infant Formula | $55.45 (850g) | $6.52 / 100g |
2 | Abbott Isomil Follow On Soy Milk Formula | $55.45 (850g) | $6.52 / 100g |
3 | Abbott Isomil Growing Up Soy Milk Formula | $52.70 (850g) | $6.20 / 100g |
Bellamy’s Organic milk powder prices 2018
If you’re very concerned about your baby’s nutrition and must stick to all-organic ingredients, then go for Bellamy’s organic formula. It’s an Australian brand that offers not just organic milk formula but also organic food for babies and children.
Stage | Infant milk formula | Retail price | Cost |
1 | Bellamy’s Organic Infant Milk Formula | $54.90 (900g) | $6.10 / |
2 | Bellamy’s Organic Follow On Milk Formula | $52 (900g) | $5.77 / 100g |
3 | Bellamy’s Organic Toddler Milk Powder | $38.50 (900g) | $4.27 / 100g |
Alternatives to cow’s milk: Goat’s milk or soy milk based formulas
Most formula milk powder is made from cow’s milk. But there are alternative types such as those made from goat’s milk.
Some believe that goat’s milk rarely causes allergic reactions or lactose intolerance and is easier to digest than cow’s milk. If your baby is allergic or lactose intolerant, tend to be fussy or sensitive, goat’s milk is worth a try.
Stage | Infant milk formula | Retail price | Cost |
1 | Holle Organic Infant Goat Milk Formula | $38.50 (400g) | $9.62 / 100g |
1 | Karihome Goat Milk Infant Formula | $26.70 (400g) | $6.67 / 100g |
2 | Holle Organic Follow On Infant Goat Milk Formula | $38.50 (400g) | $9.62 / 100g |
2 | Karihome Goat Milk Follow On Formula | $26.70 (400g) | $6.67 / 100g |
3 | Holle Organic Follow On Infant Goat Milk Formula | $38.50 (400g) | $4.27 / 100g |
3 | Karihome Goat Milk Growing Up Formula | $49.95 (900g) | $5.55 / 100g |
Enfamil, S-26, Dumex and Abbott (Isomil) also offer soy-based formulas that are purportedly easier to digest. The cheapest soy infant formula is Wyeth’s S-26 Nursoy Gold Soy Protein Infant Formula at $4.77/100g.
Which formula milk powder is better?
When researching on which formula milk to feed your baby, you’ll most likely come across acronyms such as DHA, AA, ALA, LA, and ARA.
Don’t worry. All these ‘A’s are good. Almost all the brands have DHA and the necessary fatty acids. Some may include special ingredients such as Vitamin E.
The most commonly heard ingredient is DHA, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid. AA (arachidonic acid), ALA (alpha lipoic acid) and LA (linoleic acid) are types of omega-3 fatty acids or omega-6 fatty acids, which are good fats.
Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that is found in abundance in the brain and retina. Consuming it is important for the development of the brain, central nervous system and eyesight. Omega-6 fatty acids help cells grow, supports the nervous system and boosts our immune system.
Also, all the brands have the complete range of milks from stages 1 to 3, so whichever milk you choose, you will be able to find an age-appropriate variant.
So, quite unlike the difference between flying First Class and Economy, paying more for your milk powder doesn’t necessarily mean you get better quality. In fact, some hospitals are using budget brands like Lactogen and Dulac.
How much can you expect to spend on milk powder?
How much milk money to set aside for formula milk really depends on the age of your baby and his appetite. But here’s a general guide for budgeting purposes.
A baby aged 6 months will likely take 180 ml every 3 to 4 hours, taking around 5 feeds a day. A Stage 2 scoop weight (scoop weights may differ across stages and brands) is about 8.8g, to be mixed with 60ml of water. This means that each feed will require 26.4g of milk powder.
The typical tin of formula milk powder contains 900g, which gives 34 feeds. As an estimate, a tin of milk powder will likely last you for a week.
So, if you’re going for the cheapest brand (Dugro Stage 2), you can expect to fork out at least $60 a month. If you go for the more expensive ones like NAN Optipro HA, you’ll pay at least around $218 a month. Again, it will vary depending on your baby’s day-to-day appetite.
On the bright side, babies are able to transition to fresh milk after 1 year old, so this increase in expenditure will only be for a few months.
Young parents, did we fall far from your family’s milk powder budget? Let us know in the comments below!
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The post Formula Milk Powder Prices in Singapore 2018: Dumex vs Aptamil vs Similac vs NAN appeared first on the MoneySmart blog.
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