Version July 2025
| Recipe using liquid concentrate infant formula (40 kcal/oz [1.35 kcal/mL])* | ||
| Approximate caloric density of final product | Volume concentrate | Volume water |
| 20 kcal/oz (0.68 kcal/mL) | 13 oz (385 mL) | 13 oz (385 mL) |
| 22 kcal/oz (0.74 kcal/mL) | 13 oz (385 mL) | 10.5 oz (310 mL) |
| 24 kcal/oz (0.81 kcal/mL) | 13 oz (385 mL) | 8.5 oz (250 mL) |
| 27¶ kcal/oz (0.91 kcal/mL) | 13 oz (385 mL) | 6.25 oz (185 mL) |
| 30¶ kcal/oz (1.0 kcal/mL) | 13 oz (385 mL) | 4.5 5 oz (133 mL) |
| For powdered formula (40 kcal/scoop): Consult the manufacturer's website, or contact the manufacturer directlyΔ | ||
| Agents that can be added to infant formula◊ | ||
| Agent | Kcal/unit | Comments |
| Carbohydrate | ||
| Maltodextrin (glucose polymer) | 7.7 kcal per teaspoon 7.7 kcal per 2 g | Increases osmolality |
| Corn syrup | 3.8 kcal/mL | Increases osmolality |
| Fat | ||
| Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil | 7.7 kcal/mL | Nonemulsified |
| Corn oil | 8 kcal/mL | Nonemulsified |
| Safflower oil | 8 kcal/mL | Nonemulsified |
kcal: kilocalorie; oz: ounce.
* Based on the calculation: ((a × b)/c) – a = y.
¶ Formulas usually are not concentrated beyond 24 kcal/oz unless fluid restriction is necessary (eg, for infants with congenital heart disease). Increases in the caloric density beyond 24 kcal/oz should be made gradually (eg, in increments of 3 kcal/oz) with modular supplements (glucose polymers, medium-chain triglycerides) to a maximum of 30 kcal/oz.
Δ Variability in scoop sizes and household measures precludes provision of a general recipe.
◊ The addition of carbohydrate or fat to standard infant formulas alters the nutrient ratio of the formula by providing nonprotein calories. Consultation with a dietitian may be warranted to ensure an appropriate balance of macronutrients.
