If you’re like me, you’ve probably looked at a can of Kirkland baby formula and wondered, “Who actually makes this?”

After all, Kirkland is Costco’s brand, but Costco doesn’t manufacture baby formula. Like many retailers, they partner with an established manufacturer to produce products under their private label.

So who’s behind it?

The answer is Perrigo.

Now, unless you’re in the pharmaceutical or nutrition industry, there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of Perrigo. But they’re actually one of the largest manufacturers of store-brand infant formula in North America.

Here’s the interesting part.

Perrigo doesn’t just make Kirkland formula.

They also manufacture infant formula for several other retailers’ private labels. That means products sitting on different store shelves may come from the same manufacturer.

Does that mean they’re all identical?

Not necessarily.

Think of it like ordering a pizza. Two restaurants can use the same kitchen, but each can ask for a different recipe, different toppings, or a different crust. Private-label baby formula works in a similar way. The manufacturer produces the formula, but each retailer can have its own specifications, ingredients, or packaging.

One thing that doesn’t change is safety.

Infant formula sold in Canada must meet strict nutritional and safety standards before it reaches store shelves. Regardless of the brand on the label, manufacturers have to meet those requirements.

I always find it fascinating to discover who’s really behind the products we buy every week. Sometimes the name on the package isn’t the company that actually made it.

Now I’m curious…

What other baby products have a surprising story behind them?

Stay tuned. I think we have a few more mysteries to solve.