FormulaSeek - Enfamil Enspire vs Pure Bliss by Similac


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who are transitioning from breastfeeding or cannot breastfeed. The formula must meet the nutritional needs of infants while also being safe and gentle on their developing systems. Two popular formulas on the market are Enfamil Enspire and Pure Bliss by Similac. In this blog post, we will explore the nutritional composition, key differences, special features, target audience, and potential drawbacks of these two leading infant formulas.

Nutritional Composition

When it comes to nutritional composition, both Enfamil Enspire and Pure Bliss by Similac are designed to closely resemble breast milk, yet they have some differences in their ingredient profiles.

Enfamil Enspire includes a unique blend of proteins like Lactoferrin, which is also found in breast milk. It has a whey-to-casein ratio similar to that of breast milk, which makes it easier to digest. The carbohydrate source is primarily lactose, while the fat source is a blend that includes palm oil, coconut oil, and soy oil. It also contains a wide array of vitamins and minerals.

Pure Bliss by Similac uses nonfat milk and lactose as the primary carbohydrate source. Its fat blend includes high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil. This formula is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and development.

Key Differences

Feature Enfamil Enspire Pure Bliss by Similac
Protein Source Whey-protein concentrate, Lactoferrin Nonfat milk
Carbohydrate Source Lactose Lactose
Fat Source Palm oil, Coconut oil, Soy oil High oleic safflower oil, Soy oil, Coconut oil
Prebiotics and Probiotics MFGM, Prebiotics (GOS) No probiotics or prebiotics
Omega-3 Levels (DHA/ARA) Available Available
Iron and Calcium Content Available Available
Estimated Cost per Ounce $1.58 (estimated) $1.10 (estimated)
Organic or Non-GMO Non-GMO Non-GMO

Special Features and Benefits

Enfamil Enspire contains Lactoferrin and MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane), components also found in breast milk, which are known to support the immune system and cognitive development.

Pure Bliss by Similac emphasizes that it is made with fresh milk from grass-fed cows, ensuring a premium quality product with a clean profile.

Target Audience

Enfamil Enspire might be particularly beneficial for parents who prioritize cognitive development and immune health due to its added Lactoferrin and MFGM. It is suitable for infants without specific dietary restrictions.

Pure Bliss by Similac is ideal for parents who prefer a formula with ingredients sourced from grass-fed cows, and for those looking for a simpler product without added prebiotics and probiotics.

Alternatives for Enfamil Enspire

  • Similac Pro-Advance
  • Gerber Good Start GentlePro
  • Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula
  • Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
  • Hollem Bioland Formula

Alternatives for Pure Bliss by Similac

  • Similac Advance
  • Enfamil PREMIUM Infant Formula
  • Gerber Good Start Soy
  • Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula
  • Baby’s Only Dairy with DHA Toddler Formula

Potential Drawbacks

Enfamil Enspire poses a higher cost, which might not be affordable for every family, and the presence of palm oil can be controversial due to its environmental impact.

Pure Bliss by Similac lacks probiotics and prebiotics, which some parents believe are important for gut health. Additionally, while it's priced lower than Enfamil Enspire, it’s still more expensive compared to many other standard formulas.

Conclusion

Both Enfamil Enspire and Pure Bliss by Similac offer unique features that aim to mimic the nutritional profile of breast milk. Enfamil Enspire is ideal for parents focused on enhanced immune and brain development, whereas Pure Bliss by Similac is great for those who prefer simpler, grass-fed milk-based formulas. Ultimately, consulting with a pediatrician will help determine the best choice for your baby’s unique needs.

Sources*

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Buy Pure Bliss by Similac Online

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Nutrient comparison

Enfamil Enspire +/- Data +/- Pure Bliss by Similac
5.30 g Fat 0.30 5.60 g
11.10 g 0.40 Carbohydrate 10.70 g
2.10 g 0.03 Protein 2.07 g
780.00 mg Linoleic Acid 158.00 938.00 mg

Minerals comparison

Items in the left column are unique to that formula, same for the right. Items in the middle are in both.

Enfamil Enspire +/- Minerals +/- Pure Bliss by Similac
78.00 mg -4.00 Calcium 4.00 82.00 mg
43.00 mg -1.00 Phosphorus 1.00 44.00 mg
8.00 mg 2.00 Magnesium -2.00 6.00 mg
1.80 mg -0.10 Iron 0.10 1.90 mg
1.00 mg 0.21 Zinc -0.21 0.79 mg
15.00 mcg 10.00 Manganese -10.00 5.00 mcg
75.00 mcg -20.00 Copper 20.00 95.00 mcg
15.00 mcg 7.00 Iodine -7.00 8.00 mcg
2.80 mcg 0.80 Selenium -0.80 2.00 mcg
27.00 mg 2.00 Sodium -2.00 25.00 mg
108.00 mg -2.00 Potassium 2.00 110.00 mg
63.00 mg -5.00 Chloride 5.00 68.00 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.

Enfamil Enspire +/- Vitamin +/- Pure Bliss by Similac
300.00 IU 0.00 Vitamin A 0.00 300.00 IU
70.00 IU 10.00 Vitamin D -10.00 60.00 IU
2.00 IU 0.50 Vitamin E -0.50 1.50 IU
9.00 mcg 1.00 Vitamin K -1.00 8.00 mcg
80.00 mcg -20.00 Thiamin (Vit B1) 20.00 100.00 mcg
140.00 mcg -20.00 Riboflavin (Vit B2) 20.00 160.00 mcg
60.00 mcg -3.00 Vitamin B6 3.00 63.00 mcg
0.30 mcg 0.04 Vitamin B12 -0.04 0.26 mcg
1000.00 mcg -100.00 Niacin 100.00 1100.00 mcg
16.00 mcg 0.00 Folic Acid 0.00 16.00 mcg
500.00 mcg 30.00 Pantothenic Acid -30.00 470.00 mcg
3.00 mcg -1.60 Biotin 1.60 4.60 mcg
12.00 mg 3.00 Vitamin C -3.00 9.00 mg
24.00 mg 0.00 Choline 0.00 24.00 mg
24.00 mg 19.10 Inositol -19.10 4.90 mg