WIC Formula Change in 2022
As of August 1, 2022, California WIC offers Similac cow’s milk formulas and Enfamil soy-based formula.
Please check your food balance on the CA WIC App to confirm the formula brand, type, size, and the number of cans included with your WIC benefits.
There are additional options for California WIC families who cannot find formula during the infant formula shortage. Remember to scan the formula barcode with the WIC App to confirm it’s the correct item before checking out at the store.
If you are receiving WIC benefits and have questions about which formulas are available to you, or if you need more options, text 91997 to talk to a WIC counselor.
Formulas Offered by California WIC Starting August 1, 2022
Check your the formula brand, type, and size on your CA WIC App Food Balance.
*There are additional options for California WIC families who cannot find formula during the infant formula shortage.
How to Prepare Formula
Always follow proper formula instructions when mixing a bottle for your baby. Do not dilute formula or make homemade formula.
Click the image above to learn how to safely mix your baby's formula.
How to prepare imported formula (converting milliliters to ounces)
Similac Advance
12.4 oz Powder
Milk-based, iron-fortified, contains prebiotics
Used for full term, healthy infants
Similac Advance
13 oz Concentrate
Milk-based, iron-fortified, contains prebiotics
Used for full term, healthy infants
Similac Sensitive
12.5 oz Powder
Lactose-free, milk-based
For babies with fussiness and gas
*Most babies can tolerate lactose because lactose is in breast milk.
Similac Total Comfort
12.6 oz Powder
Reduced-lactose, milk-based
Partially broken down milk protein
*Supplies may be limited in some stores.
Enfamil ProSobee
12.9 oz Powder
Soy-based, milk-free
Used for fussiness and gas from milk sensitivity, vegan food practices
- 12.9 oz powder
- 20.9 oz powder* (still counts as 1 can of benefits)
Enfamil ProSobee
13 oz Concentrate
Soy-based, milk-free
Used for fussiness and gas from milk sensitivity, vegan food practices
Additional Temporary Formula Options for California WIC Families
California WIC families who can't to find their regular formula can temporarily mix and match over 100 formulas.
All baby formulas are regulated by the FDA to adequately meet your baby’s nutritional needs.
Commonly Prescribed Formulas for Medical Conditions (Prescription Required)
Similac NeoSure
Milk-based
Increased protein, vitamins, and minerals for growth
Used for prematurity
Enfamil EnfaCare or NeuroPro EnfaCare
Milk-based
Increased protein, vitamins, and minerals for growth
Used for prematurity or low birth weight
Similac Alimentum
Milk-based
Hypoallergenic formula with broken-down proteins for easier digestion
Used for severe food allergies, sensitivity to intact protein, protein maldigestion, or fat malabsorption
Nutramigen with Probiotic LGG
Milk-based, powder
Hypoallergenic with broken down proteins and lactose-free
Used for allergies including cow's milk and soy protein allergies, GERD, and malabsorption
Nutramigen Concentrate
Milk-based, concentrated liquid
Hypoallergenic with broken down proteins and lactose-free
Used for colic from cow's milk protein allergy and soy protein allergies
PediaSure
Ready-to-feed supplemental shake
Used to provide additional calories to children age 1 and older with food restrictions including lactose and gluten intolerance
Some infants may require therapeutic formulas for medical conditions. The WIC program helps coordinate care with health care providers to provide these formulas to WIC-eligible infants and children along with WIC services and other allowed WIC foods.
All infants and children receiving WIC services and medically necessary formulas from any source are required to submit a completed WIC Pediatric Referral form signed by their physician. New Pediatric Referrals are required every three months while infants and children receive WIC and formulas for medical conditions from any source.
WIC requires the health care provider to submit an authorization/referral to the patient’s Medi-Cal Managed Care plan or a prescription for the patient to take to a pharmacy that accepts Medi-Cal.
If Medi-Cal or Medi-Cal Managed Care will not cover a formula, WIC may be able to provide one of the above formulas.
