Formula Prices Push UK Families Into Crisis

United Kingdom: A new Medical Research Council-funded study led by Swansea University has revealed the severe impact of rising infant formula prices on the health, finances and mental wellbeing of UK families, with soaring costs forcing many parents into debt and unsafe feeding practices.

Based on surveys and interviews with 281 financially struggling parents, the study found that nearly every parent reported worsening mental health, while almost 40% adopted unsafe feeding practices such as watering down formula, reusing leftover milk and reducing sterilisation. Financial hardship was widespread, with 37% leaving their homes unheated, 43% falling behind on bills, 47% taking on difficult-to-repay debt, and 21% of mothers returning to work early by cutting short their maternity leave.

The research also found that 48% introduced solid foods before their baby was developmentally ready, 45% switched to cheaper formula intended for older infants, and 10% admitted taking infant formula from shops without paying as a last resort. According to Professor Amy Brown, infant formula prices increased by up to 45% between 2021 and 2023, while the UK Competition and Markets Authority reported profit margins of 50–75% on infant formula.

The study noted that more than half of UK babies receive formula during their first week of life and 88% receive some formula by six months, with lower-income households disproportionately affected. Published in Maternal & Child Nutrition, the research calls for stronger breastfeeding support alongside policies that ensure affordable access to infant formula to improve infant nutrition, food security and family wellbeing.

Source: Dairynews7x7 6 Aug, 2026 Read full story here

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