FormulaSeek - Pure Bliss by Similac vs Similac Advance
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for many parents, as it serves as the primary source of nutrition during the initial months of a baby's life. Factors such as nutritional composition, cost, and any unique dietary needs of the baby can influence this choice significantly. Similac Advance and Pure Bliss by Similac are two popular options in the market, both offering specific health benefits and features targeted towards infant growth and development.
Nutritional Composition
Similac Advance and Pure Bliss by Similac vary in their nutritional components, offering distinct advantages. Similac Advance is known for its OptiGRO blend, containing DHA, lutein, and Vitamin E, which aims to support brain and eye development. The protein in Similac Advance is primarily derived from milk, offering a balance of whey and casein proteins, and its carbohydrate source is lactose, closely mimicking breast milk composition.
Conversely, Pure Bliss by Similac is distinguished by its use of grass-fed cow's milk, providing a potentially cleaner protein source. Its fat content is sourced without palm olein oil, which some research suggests might be easier on a baby's stool consistency. Like Similac Advance, its primary carbohydrate source is lactose.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Advance | Pure Bliss by Similac |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey-to-casein ratio: approx. 60:40 | Whey-based from grass-fed cows |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Palm olein, soybean, coconut, safflower oils | Non-palm olein oils, including Canola |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | 2'-FL HMO Prebiotic | None |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Included | Included |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Contains iron and calcium | Contains iron and calcium |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.80 (Estimated) | $0.85 (Estimated) |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO and Grass-Fed |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance features OptiGRO, a blend that includes DHA for brain development, lutein for eye health, and vitamin E as an antioxidant. It also contains prebiotics to help promote digestive health and immune support.
On the other hand, Pure Bliss by Similac promotes the use of grass-fed cow's milk, which may appeal to parents seeking a more natural source of nutrition. The absence of palm olein oil is another feature that may help in easier digestion for infants.
Target Audience
Similac Advance might be suitable for parents looking for a formula that closely resembles the nutrient profile of breast milk, including added DHA for brain development support. It's generally suitable for most full-term infants.
Pure Bliss by Similac is targeted at parents who prefer milk derived from grass-fed cows and are looking for a formula without palm olein oil. This can be more appealing for infants with digestive sensitivity issues.
Alternatives for Similac Advance
- Enfamil Infant
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Parents Choice Advantage
Alternatives for Pure Bliss by Similac
- Enfamil Premium Non-GMO
- Kendamil Organic Baby Formula
- Holle Stage 1 Organic Infant Formula
- Baby's Only Organic Dairy
- Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
For Similac Advance, some concerns include its use of palm olein oil which might impact calcium absorption, and the cost may be prohibitive for some families. Similac Advance might not be readily available in areas with higher demand, causing inconvenience.
Pure Bliss by Similac, while seeking to appeal with its grass-fed claim, might still pose a higher price point that doesn't fit every budget. Its somewhat limited availability compared to more mass-market formulas is another drawback, as is the lack of prebiotics.
Conclusion
The choice between Similac Advance and Pure Bliss by Similac hinges on the specific needs and preferences of parents and their infants. Similac Advance offers comprehensive nutrition with added prebiotic support, ideal for those seeking a well-rounded formula. Pure Bliss appeals to parents favoring natural, grass-fed sources with simpler ingredient lists.
Ultimately, it is imperative for parents to consult with a pediatrician to select the most suitable formula for their infant, addressing any dietary needs or concerns they may have.
Sources*
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Nutrient comparison
| Pure Bliss by Similac | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac Advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | Fat | 5.60 g | ||
| 10.70 g | Carbohydrate | 10.70 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 Advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82.00 mg | 37.00 | Calcium | -37.00 | 45.00 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 Advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |