Significant Price Increases in Baby Formula Following Product Recalls

Since the start of 2026, infant formula prices have soared by as much as 45% following product recalls by major manufacturers Nestlé and Danone. According to data from Assosia, out of 310 like-for-like stock-keeping units (SKUs) available across the traditional big four retailers, 157 have experienced a price increase averaging 9.4%. Danone's Aptamil and Cow & Gate brands account for a significant portion of these increases, with 132 SKUs priced higher than in January.

For example, Aptamil Advanced 2 Follow On Milk 6-12 Months 200ml saw a 45.4% rise in price at Asda, increasing from £1.08 to £1.57. Similarly, Cow & Gate 3 Toddler Milk from 1 Year 200ml rose by 22.2% at Sainsbury's, and Cow & Gate 1 First Infant Baby Milk Formula Powder from Birth 800g climbed by 18.3% at Tesco.

Danone North Europe stated that the price adjustments are a reflection of inflationary pressures affecting the supply chain, including costs for ingredients, production, storage, and transportation. Andrea Martinez-Inchausti of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) noted that the increases are impacted by ongoing cost pressures, such as higher packaging, labor, and ingredient costs.

Additionally, First Steps Nutrition Trust highlighted that most 800g first infant formulas now exceed the weekly NHS Healthy Start allowance for low-income families, which is £8.50 for babies under one. Bonya First Infant Milk 800g is one of the few options priced under this allowance at Morrisons and Tesco.

Recent recalls of certain batches due to fears of cereulide toxin contamination have exacerbated the issue, with more than a quarter (28.4%) of SKUs out of stock at the time of complaints. The UK Health Security Agency has recorded 36 cases of children developing symptoms consistent with cereulide toxin poisoning after consuming affected formulas.