FormulaSeek - Pure Bliss by Similac vs Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who are either supplementing breastfeeding or unable to breastfeed. Infant formula serves as the primary nutritional source for babies when breastfeeding isn't an option, so selecting a formula that provides essential nutrients and supports healthy growth is vital. In this blog post, we'll compare two popular infant formulas: Pure Bliss by Similac and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula. Each of these formulas offers unique features designed to meet the diverse needs of infants.
Nutritional Composition
Understanding the nutritional components of infant formulas can help parents make informed choices. Pure Bliss by Similac and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula have distinctive nutritional profiles:
- Protein Type: Pure Bliss uses cow's milk-based protein, primarily from nonfat milk. Earth's Best also utilizes cow's milk protein but emphasizes gentle protein content for sensitive stomachs.
- Carbohydrate Source: Pure Bliss features lactose as its primary carbohydrate source, whereas Earth's Best combines lactose and glucose solids.
- Fat Sources: Earth's Best uses a blend of palm, soy, and coconut oils, while Pure Bliss utilizes high-oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Both formulas are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, calcium, and iron. However, the specific fortification levels might vary.
Key Differences
| Feature | Pure Bliss by Similac | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey & Casein (nonfat milk) | Gentle Protein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose & Glucose Solids |
| Fat Source | High-oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil | Palm, soy, coconut oils |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | Prebiotics present | Probiotics (L. reuteri) |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Included | Included |
| Iron Content | Added Iron | Higher Iron Content |
| Calcium Content | Fortified | Enhanced Calcium |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approximately $0.50* | Approximately $0.60* |
| Organic/Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Organic |
*Prices are estimated and may vary based on location and retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Pure Bliss by Similac includes prebiotics, supporting healthy digestion, while Earth's Best enhances digestive health through the inclusion of probiotics (L. reuteri). Both formulas provide DHA and ARA, which are crucial for brain and eye development.
Target Audience
Pure Bliss by Similac may be an excellent choice for babies who tolerate regular cow's milk protein, while Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula might be better for infants with sensitive digestive systems due to its gentle protein content and probiotics. Additionally, parents seeking organic certification might prefer Earth's Best.
Alternatives to Pure Bliss by Similac
- Similac Advance
- Enfamil NeuroPro
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Perrigo Gentle Infant Formula
- Baby's Only Organic LactoRelief
Alternatives to Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic
- Burts Bees Baby Organic
- Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
- Baby's Only Organic Dairy
- Holle Organic Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Pure Bliss by Similac: Some parents might find it more expensive than other options, and its non-organic status may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, some babies may not tolerate the whey/casein protein combination.
Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula: The inclusion of palm oil can be a concern for some parents due to digestion issues it may cause. Also, its higher price point for organic certification might be prohibitive for some families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Pure Bliss by Similac and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula are high-quality products that cater to different needs. Parents should consider nutritional profiles, special features, and potential drawbacks when selecting an infant formula. While Pure Bliss by Similac is suitable for parents seeking non-GMO, cow's milk-based nutrition with prebiotics, Earth's Best is an excellent choice for those preferring organic certification and added probiotics for sensitive tummies. As with any significant health decision, consulting with a pediatrician is recommended to ensure the chosen formula meets your baby's specific needs.
Sources*
Buy Pure Bliss by Similac Online
Buy Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Pure Bliss by Similac | +/- | Data | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | 0.30 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.70 g | Carbohydrate | 0.10 | 10.80 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 0.23 | 2.30 g | |
| 938.00 mg | 188.00 | Linoleic Acid | 750.00 mg |
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.
| Pure Bliss by Similac | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82.00 mg | 0.00 | Calcium | 0.00 | 82.00 mg |
| 44.00 mg | -2.00 | Phosphorus | 2.00 | 46.00 mg |
| 6.00 mg | -2.00 | Magnesium | 2.00 | 8.00 mg |
| 1.90 mg | 0.10 | Iron | -0.10 | 1.80 mg |
| 0.79 mg | -0.21 | Zinc | 0.21 | 1.00 mg |
| 5.00 mcg | -10.00 | Manganese | 10.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 95.00 mcg | 20.00 | Copper | -20.00 | 75.00 mcg |
| 8.00 mcg | -7.00 | Iodine | 7.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.00 mcg | -0.80 | Selenium | 0.80 | 2.80 mcg |
| 25.00 mg | -11.00 | Sodium | 11.00 | 36.00 mg |
| 110.00 mg | 2.00 | Potassium | -2.00 | 108.00 mg |
| 68.00 mg | 5.00 | Chloride | -5.00 | 63.00 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.
| Pure Bliss by Similac | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 IU | -0.50 | Vitamin E | 0.50 | 2.00 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | -1.00 | Vitamin K | 1.00 | 9.00 mcg |
| 100.00 mcg | 20.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | -20.00 | 80.00 mcg |
| 160.00 mcg | 20.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -20.00 | 140.00 mcg |
| 63.00 mcg | 3.00 | Vitamin B6 | -3.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 0.26 mcg | -0.04 | Vitamin B12 | 0.04 | 0.30 mcg |
| 1100.00 mcg | 100.00 | Niacin | -100.00 | 1000.00 mcg |
| 16.00 mcg | 0.00 | Folic Acid | 0.00 | 16.00 mcg |
| 470.00 mcg | -30.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 30.00 | 500.00 mcg |
| 4.60 mcg | 1.60 | Biotin | -1.60 | 3.00 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | -3.00 | Vitamin C | 3.00 | 12.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Choline | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 4.90 mg | -1.10 | Inositol | 1.10 | 6.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |