PurAmino hypoallergenic formula is specifically formulated to manage the dietary needs of children with severe cow's milk allergy and multiple food allergies. While it provides essential nutrients, some parents may look for PurAmino alternatives due to issues with tolerance, weight gain, or specific ingredients.

So, whether you're looking for a plant-based alternative, a formula rich in prebiotics, or one that supports gut health, we will help you navigate the landscape of hypoallergenic formulas to find the best fit for your child's needs.

» Explore healthy plant-powered nutrition for babies, tots, and kids

Our picks for the 7 best alternatives to the PurAmino formula

1. Best organic PurAmino alternative: Else Nutrition's Toddler Formula
2. Best easy-to-digest PurAmino alternative:: Alfamino Hypoallergenic Formula
3. Best lactose-free PurAmino formula alternative: Enfamil Nutramigen
4. Best PurAmino formula alternative for gut health: Nutricia Neocate
5. Best probiotic-enhanced formula: HiPP Hypoallergenic (HA) Combiotic
6. Best versatile PurAmino formula alternative: EleCare Hypoallergenic Formula
7. Best cost-effective PurAmino alternative: Alimentum Hypoallergenic Formula

A brief overview of PurAmino



PurAmino is a specialized hypoallergenic, iron-fortified, amino acid-based formula suitable for both oral and tube feeding. It is also safe for infants and toddlers on an elemental diet, including babies with chronic diarrhea or conditions like short bowel syndrome or eosinophilic esophagitis.

PurAmino provides a highly digestible source of protein, delivering 2.8 grams of protein and approximately 100 calories per 5 fluid ounces of prepared formula. It is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of infants and toddlers who cannot tolerate standard formulas, offering a complete and balanced nutrient profile essential for growth and development.

» Understand protein needs of infants and toddlers



The formula contains 19 essential and non-essential amino acids, including L-leucine, L-valine, L-glutamine, L-tyrosine, and L-arginine. This extensive amino acid profile differentiates PurAmino from standard infant formulas, providing a comprehensive source of building blocks necessary for protein synthesis and overall health.

» Ensure your baby formula contains safe and healthy ingredients



Why do parents seek alternatives to PurAmino?

• Tolerance issues: If a child does not tolerate PurAmino, a more extensively hydrolyzed or predigested formula may be necessary to ensure proper nutritional health.
• Weight gain concerns: For children not gaining adequate weight with PurAmino, a higher-calorie formula might be required to meet their nutritional needs.
• Soy intolerance or allergy: Since PurAmino contains soy, parents may seek soy-free alternatives if their child has a soy intolerance or allergy.
• Lack of Synbiotics: PurAmino does not contain synbiotics. Recent research indicates that amino acid-based formulas with prebiotics and probiotics may lead to better clinical outcomes compared to those without these compounds.

» Discover more milk and dairy alternatives for babies and toddlers

Key considerations for amino acid formula nutrition

When using amino acid-based formulas similar to PurAmino, make sure that the product contains adequate nutrition for your kids at their stage of growth. For example:

• Children between birth and one year old should consume 100 calories per kilogram of body weight.
• Children, after one year of age, require around 1000 calories per day.

In addition, infants after 4 to 6 months of age who are breastfed may require extra iron.

» Understand essential nutrients for kids

Top 7 formulas similar to PurAmino

1. Best organic PurAmino alternative: Else Nutrition's Toddler Formula



Else’s Nutrition's plant-powered toddler formula is a USDA organic formula that is gentle on sensitive tummies. Free of dairy, soy, and lactose, this plant-based option is ideal for infants 12 months and older who may have food allergies or intolerances. Else toddler formula is a Clean Label Project Purity Certified product. It is free of corn syrup and GMOs and is ideal for children who need to gain weight.

However, this comprehensive formula is not suitable for infants who cannot feed orally since it is not made for IV use, meaning it may not be suitable for infants with severe fat malabsorption or other severe digestive conditions.

» Discover more benefits of plant-based formulas for your little one

Else’s Nutrition formula's major ingredients include organic almond butter, organic buckwheat flour, and organic tapioca maltodextrin, as well as 25% of the daily recommended value or more of 22 vitamins and minerals. This formula contains 180 calories per four-scoop prepared serving, 5 grams protein, 9 grams fat, and 20 grams carbohydrates.

» Explore the whole foods difference of Else Nutrition



Else’s Nutrition toddler formula does not contain amino acids like PurAmino. However, unlike PurAmino, it is made with over 80% minimally processed whole food ingredients. Despite the lack of amino acids, its high-quality ingredients make it a valuable choice for a natural and wholesome diet.

» See the complete ingredients list

According to customer reviews, the prepared product smells and tastes great—much better than the reviews of the PurAmino product's taste.

2. Best easy-to-digest PurAmino alternative:: Alfamino Hypoallergenic Formula



Alfamino Hypoallergenic formula is designed for infants from birth to 12 months old. This PurAmino formula substitute is a safe choice for infants with severe cow's milk allergy and/or multiple food allergies.

» Learn more about cow’s milk intolerances and sensitivities in kids

This nutritionally complete formula contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) to assist with fat absorption and iron to prevent anemia. Alfamino formula is free of gluten and lactose, and it contains DHA, which supports brain health. Each 5-fluid-ounce prepared serving provides 100 calories, 2.8 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 11 grams of carbohydrates.

Alfamino Hypoallergenic formula is not intended for intravenous use and may not be suitable for infants sensitive to MCT or with severe fat malabsorption.

» Understand infant and toddler carbohydrate needs

Alfamino contains a similar range of amino acids compared to PurAmino (about 20 different amino acids), though the exact ratios may vary.

Customer reviews indicate that the smell of the prepared product is acceptable, but opinions on taste are mixed, similar to feedback for PurAmino.

» Uncover the difference between lactose intolerance and milk allergy

3. Best lactose-free PurAmino formula alternative: Enfamil Nutramigen



Enfamil Nutramigen is a hypoallergenic formula fortified with iron that boasts an easy-to-digest product ideal for infants from birth to 12 months old who have colic and food allergies, including cow’s milk allergies.

Enfamil Nutramigen formula is not suitable for infants with severe food allergies who are sensitive to soy or coconut, as it contains both soy and coconut oils.

» Understand soy intolerance symptoms in kids

Enfamil Nutramigen is a lactose-free formula that contains no artificial growth hormones, is non-GMO, and includes a probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) to support gut health. Each 5-fluid-ounce prepared serving provides 100 calories, 2.8 grams of protein, 5.3 grams of fat, and 10.3 grams of carbohydrates. The formula also includes vitamins A, C, and E, as well as selenium.

» Understand micronutrient needs of infants and toddlers

Nutramigen contains vegetable oils, casein, and about five amino acids, including L-tyrosine and L-tryptophan. It has fewer amino acids than PurAmino, which may make it less suitable for infants with severe food allergies or digestive conditions.

» Recognize the signs your kid is lactose intolerant

According to customer reviews, the smell of the prepared product is not pleasant. However, many parents are willing to overlook that aspect of the formula since their baby seems to be tolerating it well. This is similar to the reviews on taste for the PurAmino product.

» Compare Enfamil, Similar, and Else formulas

4. Best PurAmino formula alternative for gut health: Nutricia Neocate



Nutricia Neocate is a hypoallergenic formula designed to support gut health in infants with cow’s milk allergy and colic. It is suitable for infants from birth to 12 months old.

It is less suitable for infants with severe milk allergies or digestive conditions that require a more extensive amino acid profile and higher calories to support growth and development.

» Discover if toddlers can outgrow a milk allergy

Nutricia Neocate formula contains whey protein hydrolysate, maltodextrin, iron, healthy fats like DHA from tuna fish oil, and five different nucleotides. The PurAmino formula substitute supports brain and immunity, while its prebiotic fiber content helps promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Each 5-fluid-ounce serving provides 100 calories, 2.4 grams of protein, and 4.7 grams of fat, along with a wide variety of essential vitamins and minerals to support growth and development.

Neocate includes a limited number of amino acids, such as L-tyrosine and L-carnitine, compared to PurAmino, which contains about 20 amino acids.

Customer reviews highlight that Neocate is one of the better-tasting extensively hydrolyzed formulas, with the Neocate website claiming it is rated #1 in taste by parents based on a March 2024 taste test.

» Explore the best milk alternatives for toddlers with sensitive stomachs 

5. Best probiotic-enhanced formula: HiPP Hypoallergenic (HA) Combiotic



HiPP Hypoallergenic (HA) Combiotic formula is designed to support gut health with both prebiotics and probiotics. This PurAmino formula substitute is tailored for different stages: Stage PRE and Stage 1 are suitable from birth to 6 months, and Stage 2 is appropriate for infants aged 6 to 12 months.

» Discover top non-dairy formula options

HiPP Hypoallergenic (HA) Combiotic formula features Metafolin, a natural calcium salt found in breast milk that supports brain health and balanced nutrition. The formula provides a healthy ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, lactose as the carbohydrate source, and essential vitamins and minerals.

» Explore the differences between omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids

A 5-fluid-ounce serving of HiPP Hypoallergenic (HA) Combiotic contains approximately 110 kcal, 3.2 g of protein, and 10.7 g of carbohydrates, with partially hydrolyzed whey protein for easier digestion and prebiotics to support gut health.

The formula is free of common allergens like gluten, soy, peanuts, and eggs. It also includes hydrolyzed milk casein proteins, aiding digestion for babies with milk sensitivities, and contains no artificial sweeteners, ensuring a natural formulation.

However, since the formula contains lactose, it is not suitable for lactose-intolerant infants who may experience digestive symptoms.

» Here's what to look for in soy-free baby formula

While HiPP HA Combiotic does not contain the full spectrum of 20 amino acids like PurAmino, it includes hydrolyzed whey protein, L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan, L-histidine, and L-carnitine.

Customer reviews are positive, noting that the formula smells nice, mixes well, and is well-received by babies.

» Find out the advantages of opting for dairy-free formula

6. Best versatile PurAmino formula alternative: EleCare Hypoallergenic Formula



EleCare is a versatile hypoallergenic formula fortified with iron suitable for infants from birth to 12 months old who have food allergies and/or digestive conditions.

EleCare Hypoallergenic formula contains 33% MCT oil to support easier digestion and includes DHA and ARA for brain health. The formula provides 100 calories per 5 fluid-ounce serving, along with 3.1 grams of protein, 4.8 grams of fat, and 10.7 grams of carbohydrates.

Although it includes essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as selenium, it lacks pre- or probiotics, which means it does not support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. EleCare formula also contains soy oil, so it is not suitable for infants and babies with soy allergies.

» Find out if soy-free formula is good for babies

EleCare offers a similar range of amino acids to PurAmino, approximately 20. It can help manage symptoms associated with food allergies, including cow’s milk allergy, multiple food allergies, and malabsorptive conditions.

Customer reviews show mixed feelings about the formula's taste and smell. While the smell is often deemed unpleasant, the taste is similar to other amino acid-based formulas, which aren’t known for being palatable.

» Discover the signs you should switch to soy-free baby formula

7.  Best cost-effective PurAmino alternative: Alimentum Hypoallergenic Formula



Alimentum, a PurAmino formula substitute, is produced by a trusted brand and is commonly used in hospitals across the United States. It is designed to help improve symptoms in infants with cow’s milk allergy and colic in infants from birth to 12 months, with age-appropriate formulations available for older children.

» Discover a healthy alternative for Infants with CMPA

This formula is eligible to be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits (SNAP) in select stores and Similac offers a rewards program in which consumers can sign up for coupons and discounts.

Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula free from artificial growth hormones, palm oil, corn, and gluten. It contains the unique ingredient 2’-FL HMO (human milk oligosaccharide), which supports immune health. It is nutritionally complete and contains 33% fat from medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, which helps support fat absorption.

» Understand dietary fat needs for infants and toddlers

A 5-fluid-ounce serving of Alimentum formula contains approximately 100 kcal, 2.75 g of protein, and 10.8 g of carbohydrates, with extensively hydrolyzed casein protein for easier digestion, designed for infants with cow's milk protein allergy or colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity.

» Explore the best nutritious dairy-free formulas

While it does not contain the full range of 20 amino acids like PurAmino, it includes important amino acids such as L-cystine dihydrochloride, L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan, taurine, and L-carnitine. However, the Alimentum formula still lacks the amino acid range necessary for infants with severe milk allergies or digestive issues, who may need more comprehensive elemental formulas.

Customer reviews note an unpleasant smell and mixed taste ratings for the formula. However, many parents report that their babies tolerate it well, suggesting the taste may be more acceptable to infants than to adults who have taste-tested the product.

» Decode the advantages of hydrolyzed formula for better nutrition

Transitioning from amino acid-based formula to solid foods

When transitioning from amino acid-based formula to solid foods, you should start with iron-fortified cereal since this is a low-risk food for babies with food allergies and digestive issues.

Be sure to read the labels of baby foods carefully to check for any allergens. New foods should only be introduced in the daytime—and only one new food every three days. And just to be safe, start with small portions of the new foods in case your child has an allergy or intolerance.

These precautions will allow you to see if any reactions arise to the new food.

» Read more about introducing solid foods



Finding the right formula

While PurAmino is a strong choice for hypoallergenic needs, consider Else Nutrition's plant-powered toddler formula as a nutritious alternative. It's made from organic ingredients and offers a healthy, easy-to-digest option for your little one. Make the switch today for a better start!