FormulaSeek - Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula vs Similac Advance RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for a baby's health and development. With numerous options available, it's essential to scrutinize ingredients, nutritional value, and suitability for your child's specific needs. In this blog post, we will compare two popular infant formulas: Similac Advance RTF and Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula, examining their nutritional composition, key differences, special features, and more.
Nutritional Composition
Both Similac Advance RTF and Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula provide essential nutrients required for an infant's growth, but they differ in their nutritional makeup.
Similac Advance RTF uses a protein blend of nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate, prioritizing a balance tuned for infant digestion. The carbohydrate source is mainly lactose, mimicking breast milk's natural sugar content. The fat blend includes high-oleic safflower, soy, and coconut oils. This formula includes a robust vitamin and mineral profile, including iron and calcium for bone development.
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula employs organic whey and casein proteins. Like Similac, it primarily uses lactose for its carbohydrate source. The fat sources include organic palm or palm olein, soy, safflower, and coconut oils, offering diverse fatty acids. This formula also provides a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, with an emphasis on organic and non-GMO ingredients.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Similac Advance RTF | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate | Organic whey and casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | High-oleic safflower, soy, coconut oils | Organic palm, soy, safflower, coconut oils |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotics - FOS | Prebiotics - Inulin |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Includes DHA/ARA | Includes DHA/ARA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Iron-enriched, Calcium fortified | Organic-based Iron and Calcium |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approximately $0.50 | Approximately $0.53 |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Organic & Non-GMO |
Note: Prices are estimates and may vary based on location and retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance RTF is notable for its ready-to-feed convenience, reducing preparation time. It includes a unique blend of DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E to support brain and eye development. The inclusion of prebiotics promotes digestive health, positioning it as a well-rounded choice for general infant nutrition.
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula stands out for its organic certification, appealing to parents who prefer natural ingredients. Its organic composition includes inulin for improved gut health and a similar vitamin and mineral profile to standard formulas, with an emphasis on environmentally-conscious production.
Target Audience
Similac Advance RTF is well-suited for parents seeking a convenient, nutritious, and easy-to-digest formula for their infants. Its non-GMO formulation and focus on brain development are advantageous for various infants, particularly those without specific dietary sensitivities.
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula is ideal for parents committed to organic and non-GMO products. It works best for babies with no lactose sensitivity and parents who want an organic formula option.
Alternatives for Similac Advance RTF
- Enfamil NeuroPro Ready-to-Use - Similar prebiotic benefits and brain development nutrients.
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro Ready-to-Feed - Contains probiotics and DHA.
- Parent's Choice Infant Formula RTF - Affordable alternative with non-GMO ingredients.
- Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula - Cost-effective and lactose-friendly option.
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula RTF - Organic with added probiotics.
Alternatives for Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula - Also organic with a balanced nutrient profile.
- Perrigo Parent's Choice Organic Infant Formula - Budget-friendly organic alternative.
- Similac Organic Infant Formula - Provides similar organic benefits.
- Baby’s Only Organic Infant Formula - Offers DHA/ARA and brain development nutrients.
- Nature’s One Baby’s Only Organic Formula - A trusted organic formula option.
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Advance RTF concerns include its higher price point due to the convenience of being ready-to-feed, and some parents may prefer avoiding soy and palm oil components.
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula may pose a drawback for those needing lactose-free options. The inclusion of palm oil, which can affect fat absorption and digestion in some infants, and the slightly higher price for organic certification are other considerations.
Conclusion
Both Similac Advance RTF and Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula provide unique benefits tailored to different parent preferences and infant needs. Similac Advance RTF offers convenience and non-GMO assurance, making it suitable for everyday feeding, while Earth's Best focuses on organic, eco-friendly nutrition. Ultimately, choosing the right formula hinges on individual infant needs, dietary considerations, and consultation with a pediatrician to ensure your baby's health and happiness.
Sources*
Buy Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula Online
Buy Similac Advance RTF Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac Advance RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 0.10 | 5.40 g | |
| 10.60 g | Carbohydrate | 0.60 | 11.20 g | |
| 2.20 g | 0.13 | Protein | 2.07 g | |
| 750.00 mg | 750.00 | Linoleic Acid | 0 |
Ingredient comparison
Items in the left column are unique to that formula, same for the right. Items in the middle are in both.
Minerals comparison
Items in the left column are unique to that formula, same for the right. Items in the middle are in both.
| Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac Advance RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | 0.00 | Calcium | 0.00 | 78.00 mg |
| 43.00 mg | 1.00 | Phosphorus | -1.00 | 42.00 mg |
| 8.00 mg | 2.00 | Magnesium | -2.00 | 6.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 0.75 mg | 0.00 | Zinc | 0.00 | 0.75 mg |
| 15.00 mcg | 10.00 | Manganese | -10.00 | 5.00 mcg |
| 71.00 mcg | -19.00 | Copper | 19.00 | 90.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.80 mcg | 0.80 | Selenium | -0.80 | 2.00 mcg |
| 27.00 mg | 3.00 | Sodium | -3.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 110.00 mg | 5.00 | Potassium | -5.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 68.00 mg | 3.00 | Chloride | -3.00 | 65.00 mg |
Vitamins comparison
Vitamins from both formulas are listed in the center. If they exist in a formula they will have a value next to them. The difference will be show under the +/- column for easy visibility.
| Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac Advance RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |
| 2.00 IU | 0.50 | Vitamin E | -0.50 | 1.50 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin K | 0.00 | 8.00 mcg |
| 100.00 mcg | 0.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 0.00 | 100.00 mcg |
| 160.00 mcg | 10.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -10.00 | 150.00 mcg |
| 63.00 mcg | 3.00 | Vitamin B6 | -3.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 0.30 mcg | 0.05 | Vitamin B12 | -0.05 | 0.25 mcg |
| 1100.00 mcg | 50.00 | Niacin | -50.00 | 1050.00 mcg |
| 16.00 mcg | 1.00 | Folic Acid | -1.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 500.00 mcg | 50.00 | Pantothenic Acid | -50.00 | 450.00 mcg |
| 4.60 mcg | 0.20 | Biotin | -0.20 | 4.40 mcg |
| 12.00 mg | 3.00 | Vitamin C | -3.00 | 9.00 mg |
| 16.00 mg | -8.00 | Choline | 8.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 6.00 mg | -18.00 | Inositol | 18.00 | 24.00 mg |