William Lipovsky
Short Answer
Most retailers that sell baby formula will allow you to return it as long as it’s unopened and it was recently purchased. Restrictions apply, so we list the return policy at each store below.
Can You Return Baby Formula?
Baby formula is considered a food item and is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but the FDA does not have any specific laws regarding the ability to return baby formula.
Instead, individual store policies dictate if and when you can return formula. Baby formula may fall under the store’s food return policy or general return policy.
Return Policies by Store
To help you navigate a store’s policy on returning baby formula, we’ve outlined the terms and protocol for returning formula at the following stores:
Amazon
- General return policy: Any item shipped and fulfilled by Amazon can be returned within 30 days, according to Amazon’s Returns Policies. Third-party sellers’ individual policies may differ, so be sure to check each seller before making a purchase.
- Food return policy: Grocery items, which may include baby formula, are not returnable. However, Amazon may offer to refund or replace the formula depending on the circumstance (i.e., if it’s damaged or has already expired when it arrives).[1]
- How to return baby formula: Log in to your Amazon account and go to Your Orders. Locate the formula and select “Return items.” If the formula can be returned, you’ll simply need to fill out the form and follow the return instructions.[2]
eBay
- General return policy: Each eBay seller has his or her own return policy, according to eBay’s website.
- Food return policy: No specific food return policy
- How to return baby formula: Contact the seller to find out if he or she will accept the return. If the seller agrees, he or she will send you the return instructions.[3]
Target
- General return policy: Most unopened and like-new items — including baby formula — can be returned within 90 days for a refund or exchange, according to a Target customer service representative.[4]
- Food return policy: No specific food return policy
- How to return baby formula: You can return baby formula to your nearest Target (you’ll need your receipt and your driver’s license) or you can return it by mail by logging in to your Target.com account, locating the order, and selecting either “Return” or “Fix an Issue.”[5][6]
Walgreens
- General return policy: Most products, including baby formula, can be returned within 30 days with proof of purchase, according to Walgreens’ Return Policy.
- Food return policy: No specific food return policy
- How to return baby formula: You can return baby formula to your nearest Walgreens or by mail by calling (866) 264-2910.[7][8]
Walmart
- General return policy: Walmart accepts returns up to 90 days after purchase with a receipt, according to the Walmart Return Policy.
- Food return policy: Non-perishable food items can be returned up to 90 days after purchase, but cannot be returned through the mail. Items eligible for WIC and SNAP require the receipt; if your receipt shows that you did not purchase the item using WIC or SNAP benefits, Walmart will offer a refund.[9]
- How to return baby formula: As long as the formula is not perishable, you can return baby formula by mail by signing in to your Walmart.com account and choosing to “Return” or “Replace” an item.[9] Perishable and non-perishable formula can be returned in-store with a receipt.[10]
You might also want to see our research on Target’s car seat return policy, Walmart’s car seat return policy, and Walmart’s diaper return/exchange policy.
Lindsey Desmet
My local Walmart wouldn’t accept baby formula as a return without a receipt, they said it could’ve been purchased with WIC. I bought it for my niece, but come to find out she was allergic to that specific kind. Furthermore, come to find out WIC doesn’t cover that brand and type! So they should’ve taken it back, I’m not on WIC! Maybe an even exchange for the type she can use?
Hello, Alison! Unfortunately, you do need your receipt for a refund or similar-item exchange if the item is eligible for WIC. Due to government regulations on WIC returns, if you do not have your receipt, Walmart must treat the item as though it was purchased with WIC — meaning it is not eligible for a refund and can only be exchanged for an identical item. However, if WIC does not cover the item you bought, you may want to try visiting a different store or speaking with a manager. We have updated our article to include information on Walmart’s policy for WIC and SNAP items.