FormulaSeek - Pure Bliss by Similac vs Similac Advance RTF


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who might not be able to breastfeed or are supplementing their baby's diet. The formula you choose will provide essential nutrients for your child's growth and development. In this blog post, we will compare two popular infant formulas: Similac Advance Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and Pure Bliss by Similac. Both products come from the reputable Similac brand, known for its extensive range of nutritional products for infants.

Nutritional Composition

When it comes to infant formulas, nutritional composition is paramount, as it reflects the dietary needs of infants. Similac Advance RTF is designed to mimic the nutrition of breast milk closely, featuring a blend of necessary proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Pure Bliss by Similac is marketed as a more natural option, with a focus on ingredients sourced from grass-fed cows, and it emphasizes the absence of artificial growth hormones and non-GMO ingredients.

- Similac Advance RTF contains 20 calories per ounce, a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio mimicking breast milk, lactose as the main carbohydrate source, and a blend of plant-derived oils for fats. - Pure Bliss by Similac, on the other hand, also provides 20 calories per ounce but has a different protein composition, with milk proteins sourced from grass-fed cows.

Key Differences

Feature Similac Advance RTF Pure Bliss by Similac
Protein Source Whey-to-casein ratio of 60:40 Milk proteins from grass-fed cows
Carbohydrate Source Lactose Lactose (non-GMO)
Fat Source High oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil Coconut oil, high oleic safflower oil
Prebiotics and Probiotics Prebiotics (no probiotics) No added prebiotics or probiotics
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels Yes No
Iron and Calcium Content Standard for infant formula Enhanced calcium
Estimated Cost per Ounce $0.50* $0.55*
Organic or Non-GMO Certification Non-GMO Non-GMO

*Prices are estimated and can vary based on location and retailer.

Special Features and Benefits

Similac Advance RTF is designed for ease of use, being pre-mixed and ready to feed, making it convenient for parents and caregivers on the go. Its formula supports developing immune systems with an antioxidant blend of lutein, vitamin E, and DHA for eye and brain development. Pure Bliss by Similac specializes in a more natural approach and avoids artificial growth hormones, aiming to deliver a more holistic and closer-to-nature feeding option.

Target Audience

Similac Advance RTF is suitable for most infants, particularly those who benefit from a formula closely mimicking breast milk. It's especially useful for parents needing a ready-to-feed option. Pure Bliss by Similac may be preferred by parents looking for a formula with minimal processing and ingredients from grass-fed cows, especially for babies with sensitivity to artificial ingredients.

Alternatives

Similac Advance RTF Alternatives

  • Enfamil NeuroPro Ready-to-Use
  • Gerber Good Start Gentle Ready-to-Feed
  • Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
  • Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
  • Parent's Choice Gentle Formula

Pure Bliss by Similac Alternatives

  • Baby's Only Organic Dairy Formula
  • Hipp Stage 1 Organic Infant Formula
  • Holle Goat Milk Formula
  • Kabrita Goat Milk Formula
  • Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula

Potential Drawbacks

Similac Advance RTF can be more costly and less environmentally friendly due to its packaging. Additionally, it might be less available in certain regions. Pure Bliss by Similac, while marketed as natural, lacks the DHA and ARA supplements found in some other formulas, which some parents may view as a downside.

Conclusion

Both Similac Advance RTF and Pure Bliss by Similac offer quality options for infant nutrition, each with its unique set of features. Similac Advance is ideal for parents needing convenience and a nutritionally rounded formula with pre-added DHA. Pure Bliss caters to those interested in a more natural option with fewer processed ingredients. As always, parents should discuss their choice with a pediatrician to ensure their baby's specific nutritional needs are met.

Sources*

Buy Pure Bliss by Similac Online

Buy Similac Advance RTF Online

+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.

View All Compares

Start here

Nutrient comparison

Pure Bliss by Similac +/- Data +/- Similac Advance RTF
5.60 g 0.20 Fat 5.40 g
10.70 g Carbohydrate 0.50 11.20 g
2.07 g Protein 2.07 g
938.00 mg 938.00 Linoleic Acid 0

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 RTF
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 Advance RTF
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