WIC

What formula does WIC cover?

Image of Rachael Brennan
Image of Rachael Brennan
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WIC covers a variety of infant formulas, including powdered formula, concentrated formula, and ready-to-feed formula that meets specific nutritional requirements—but the exact formula brands vary by state.

For example in California, WIC covers different types of Similac formula and one variety of Enfamil, but Texas WIC covers a range of Enfamil formulas and one type of Similac.

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How do I know which formula brands are covered by WIC?#how-do-i-know-which-formula-brands-are-covered-by-wic

WIC is a special program for people who are pregnant or caring for children under five. Like SNAP, WIC can cover groceries like fruits, veggies, eggs, cheese, cereal, juice, and baby formula.

But unlike SNAP, WIC has stricter rules about what you can buy. And when it comes to formula, WIC only covers certain brands, sizes, and package weights and the exact brands vary from one state to the next.

According to the USDA, an infant formula brand must meet the following requirements to be covered by WIC:

  • The formula should be ready to mix with just water, with no extra ingredients needed
  • It must be made for babies who eat by mouth or through a feeding tube
  • It needs to have enough iron, at least 10 mg per liter or 1.5 mg per 100 calories
  • It should provide about 20 calories per ounce, or 67 calories per 100 milliliters when mixed according to the package instructions

But just because a brand of formula meets these requirements doesn’t guarantee it will be covered by WIC in your state.

And remember, you’ll need to buy the brand, type, size, and number of containers specified in your WIC food package, which might also be different if your baby has allergies or medical needs that require prescription formula, or if your family has religious or dietary guidelines that mean you need a specific formula.

The best way to determine exactly which brands of baby formula are covered for you is to find your state’s approved food guide online or look at your specific WIC package.

What formula does WIC cover in California?#what-formula-does-wic-cover-in-california

According to the California Department of Public Health, the following brands of infant formula are covered by WIC in California:

  • ​Similac Advance, 12.4 oz powder or 13 fl oz liquid concentrate
  • ​Similac Sensitive, 12.5 oz powder only
  • Similac Total Comfort, 12.6 oz powder only
  • Enfamil ProSobee, 12.9 oz powder or 13 fl oz liquid concentrate

What formula does WIC cover in Texas?#what-formula-does-wic-cover-in-texas

According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, the following brands of formula are covered by WIC in Texas:

  • Enfamil Infant
  • Similac Soy Isomil

If your child has allergies or can’t tolerate one of these formulas, you may be approved for one of the following:

  • Enfamil Gentlease
  • Enfamil Reguline
  • Enfamil A.R.

What formula does WIC cover in Florida?#what-formula-does-wic-cover-in-florida

According to the Florida Department of Health, the following brands of formula are covered by WIC in Florida:

  • Enfamil Infant, 12.5 oz. powder or 13 oz. concentrate
  • Enfamil Gentlease, 12.4 oz. powder
  • Similac Soy Isomil, 12.4 oz. powder or 13 oz. concentrate
  • Enfamil A.R., 12.9 oz. powder
  • Enfamil Reguline, 12.4 oz. powder

What formula does WIC cover in New York?#what-formula-does-wic-cover-in-new-york

According to the New York Department of Health, the following formula brands are covered by WIC in New York:

  • Enfamil Infant, 12.5oz powder, 13oz concentrate, 32oz ready-to-use
  • Enfamil NeuroPro Infant, 32oz ready-to-use
  • Similac Soy Isomil, 12.4oz powder, 13oz concentrate, 32oz ready-to-use
  • Enfamil A.R., 12.9oz powder
  • Enfamil Gentlease, 12.4oz powder
  • Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease, 32oz ready-to-use
  • Enfamil Reguline, 12.4oz powder

That’s not an exhaustive list—WIC in New York can also cover a variety of formulas for families that have specific needs, like a Kosher diet or specific allergies or metabolic conditions.

If those formula brands don’t meet your family’s needs, you can find a full list of alternatives on the New York Department of Health website.