FormulaSeek - Pure Bliss by Similac vs Similac 360 Total Care
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is one of the most important decisions new parents face. Infant formula serves as an essential nutrition source for babies who aren't breastfed or require supplementation. It's crucial to choose a formula that meets your baby's nutritional needs while being gentle on their sensitive digestive system. This blog will examine two popular formulas from Similac: Similac 360 Total Care and Pure Bliss by Similac. Both products are designed to support healthy growth and development, but they offer different features and nutritional benefits.
Nutritional Composition
Similac 360 Total Care and Pure Bliss by Similac are both designed to provide complete nutrition for infants, but they differ in their nutritional compositions. Similac 360 Total Care uses a blend of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats closely modeled after breast milk, featuring ingredients like whey and casein proteins, lactose as the primary carbohydrate, and a unique mix of oils, including safflower and palm oil. Pure Bliss by Similac, inspired by the European approach to infant nutrition, emphasizes non-GMO ingredients and tends to avoid palm oil, using a different blend of oils.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac 360 Total Care | Pure Bliss by Similac |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio | 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Palm olein, safflower oil | Coconut oil, safflower oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | 2'-FL HMO prebiotics | LC-PUFAs (no pre/probiotics) |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Contains DHA and ARA | Contains DHA and ARA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | 1.9 mg iron/cup, 78 mg calcium/cup | 1.8 mg iron/cup, 77 mg calcium/cup |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.90 | $0.95 |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care offers ingredients like 2'-FL HMO prebiotics designed to support immune health and closely imitates breast milk's natural components. On the other hand, Pure Bliss by Similac is crafted from milk sourced from cows raised in Ireland, featuring a non-GMO and palm oil-free recipe that is more aligned with European nutritional standards. This offers a distinct alternative for parents seeking a formula without palm oil, aligning with a growing preference for more "natural" formulations.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care is ideal for babies who thrive on a formula that mimics breast milk and need enhanced immune support through prebiotics. It's an excellent choice for babies without specific dietary restrictions or sensitivities. Conversely, Pure Bliss by Similac is best suited for families interested in a simple ingredient list and non-GMO, palm oil-free options, or those who might have lactose-sensitive babies, owing to its European-style formulation which some parents prefer for its perceived purity and simplicity.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO formula
Alternatives to Pure Bliss by Similac
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Earth's Best Organic Gentle Infant Formula
- Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula
- Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
- Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
One potential drawback of Similac 360 Total Care is its cost, which can be steep for some families. Also, its palm olein oil content may concern parents who prefer palm oil-free options. Pure Bliss by Similac, while generally well-received, may be slightly more costly and not as widely available in certain regions, posing a potential challenge for some families.
Conclusion
Both Similac 360 Total Care and Pure Bliss by Similac provide excellent nutrients and benefits tailored to specific needs. For parents looking for a formula offering comprehensive immune support, Similac 360 Total Care might be preferable. On the other hand, parents attracted to non-GMO, palm oil-free options might lean towards Pure Bliss. As always, it is imperative to consult a pediatrician to find the most suitable formula for your baby's needs, ensuring their growth and health are supported optimally.
Sources*
Buy Pure Bliss by Similac Online
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Pure Bliss by Similac | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | Fat | 5.60 g | ||
| 10.70 g | 0.20 | Carbohydrate | 10.50 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 2.07 g | ||
| 938.00 mg | Linoleic Acid | 62.00 | 1000.00 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 | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82.00 mg | 4.00 | Calcium | -4.00 | 78.00 mg |
| 44.00 mg | 2.00 | Phosphorus | -2.00 | 42.00 mg |
| 6.00 mg | 0.00 | Magnesium | 0.00 | 6.00 mg |
| 1.90 mg | 0.10 | Iron | -0.10 | 1.80 mg |
| 0.79 mg | 0.04 | Zinc | -0.04 | 0.75 mg |
| 5.00 mcg | 0.00 | Manganese | 0.00 | 5.00 mcg |
| 95.00 mcg | 5.00 | Copper | -5.00 | 90.00 mcg |
| 8.00 mcg | -7.00 | Iodine | 7.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.00 mcg | 0.00 | Selenium | 0.00 | 2.00 mcg |
| 25.00 mg | 1.00 | Sodium | -1.00 | 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.
| Pure Bliss by Similac | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin E | 0.00 | 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 |
| 0.26 mcg | 0.01 | Vitamin B12 | -0.01 | 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 |
| 470.00 mcg | 20.00 | Pantothenic Acid | -20.00 | 450.00 mcg |
| 4.60 mcg | 0.20 | Biotin | -0.20 | 4.40 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | 0.00 | Vitamin C | 0.00 | 9.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Choline | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 4.90 mg | -19.10 | Inositol | 19.10 | 24.00 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 |