Similac is a global infant nutrition brand owned by Abbott Laboratories. It is one of the world’s best-known infant formula brands and offers nutritional products for newborns, infants, and young children. Similac products are sold in more than 60 countries and are commonly used as an alternative or supplement to breastfeeding when breastfeeding is not possible or insufficient. [1]

• Brand name: Similac

• Industry: Infant and pediatric nutrition

• Parent company: Abbott Laboratories

• Founded: 1925 (brand origin)

• Headquarters: Abbott Park, Illinois, United States (parent company)

• Product category: Infant formula, specialty infant nutrition, toddler nutrition

• Global availability: 60+ countries

Similac traces its origins to 1925, when a physician developed an infant feeding formula intended to resemble the nutritional composition of human breast milk. The name “Similac” comes from the phrase “similar to lactation”, reflecting the original goal of creating a formula that more closely resembled breast milk. [1]

Originally developed by Moores & Ross Milk Company, the brand later became part of M&R Dietetics.

In 1964, Abbott Laboratories acquired M&R Dietetics, bringing Similac into Abbott’s growing nutrition business and making the company a major player in infant nutrition worldwide. [1]

Over the decades, Similac introduced several industry firsts, including:

• Iron-fortified infant formula

• Ready-to-feed liquid infant formula

• Soy-based infant formula (Isomil)

• Organic infant formula

• Formulas containing Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)

• Specialized nutrition for premature and medically complex infants [1]

Similac’s mission is to provide scientifically developed nutrition that supports healthy growth and development during infancy while continuing research to make infant formula more similar to the nutritional profile of human milk. Abbott emphasizes that breastfeeding is the preferred source of infant nutrition when possible, and its formulas are intended for situations where formula feeding is needed or chosen. [1]

Similac offers a broad range of nutritional products, including:

Standard infant formulas

Designed for healthy full-term infants.

Examples include:

• Similac Advance

• Similac 360 Total Care

Sensitive formulas

Formulated for babies experiencing fussiness, gas, or lactose sensitivity.

Examples:

• Similac Sensitive

• Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive

Comfort formulas

Made with partially hydrolyzed proteins to support easier digestion.

Examples:

• Similac Total Comfort

Soy formulas

Milk-free formulas for infants who require soy protein.

Example:

• Similac Isomil

Hypoallergenic formulas

For infants with cow’s milk protein allergy or severe food sensitivities.

Examples:

• Alimentum

• EleCare

Premature infant nutrition

Specialized formulas used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and after hospital discharge for preterm infants.

Toddler nutrition

Products intended for children over one year of age.

Product availability varies by country due to local regulations and market needs. [1]

Abbott has invested in infant nutrition research for decades. Areas of focus include:

• Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)

• Immune system development

• Brain development

• Gut microbiome

• Digestive health

• Nutrient absorption

In 2016, Abbott introduced one of the first U.S. infant formulas containing 2′-FL HMO, a prebiotic previously found naturally only in human breast milk. In 2021–2022, it expanded its formulations to include blends of multiple HMOs. [1]

Similac is marketed across:

• North America

• Europe

• Asia

• Middle East

• Africa

• Latin America

Because nutritional regulations differ among countries, ingredient lists and product names may vary between markets.

Similac products are manufactured by Abbott Nutrition in facilities located in several countries, including the United States, Ireland, Spain, Singapore, and other regional production sites, depending on the market. Manufacturing follows country-specific food safety and regulatory requirements. [1]

Abbott states that Similac products undergo multiple quality-control steps, including ingredient testing, microbiological testing, and finished-product evaluation before distribution. Infant formulas are regulated by food safety authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and corresponding regulators in other countries. [1]

In 2022, Abbott voluntarily recalled certain powdered Similac products manufactured at its Sturgis, Michigan facility after concerns about possible contamination with _Cronobacter sakazakii_. The facility temporarily suspended production, contributing to a significant infant formula shortage in the United States. Subsequent investigations and legal proceedings followed, and Abbott implemented corrective actions before resuming production. [2]

Similac is recognized for:

• Nearly a century of brand history

• Extensive clinical nutrition research

• Wide range of specialized formulas

• Strong presence in hospitals and neonatal care

• Global distribution network [1]

Major competitors include:

• Enfamil

• Aptamil

• Nestlé NAN

• Gerber Good Start

• HiPP

• Founded in 1925

• Owned by Abbott since 1964

• Brand name derives from “similar to lactation”

• Distributed in over 60 countries

• Offers standard, sensitive, soy-based, hypoallergenic, organic, premature infant, and toddler nutrition products

• Continues to invest in research aimed at making infant formula more closely resemble the nutritional components of human milk. [1]

1. About Abbott | Company Overview, Mission and Values | Abbott U.S.

2. Abbott recalls Similac baby formula for possible spoilage