FormulaSeek - Pure Bliss by Similac vs Similac Alimentum


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for parents who want to ensure their baby receives optimal nutrition, especially when breastfeeding is not an option. Infant formulas are designed to mimic the nutritional profile of human milk, catering to the diverse needs of babies, including those with dietary sensitivities or allergies. Two popular formulas on the market are Similac Alimentum and Pure Bliss by Similac. In this blog post, we will delve into their nutritional composition, key differences, special features, target audience, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

Nutritional Composition

Similac Alimentum and Pure Bliss by Similac are both crafted to cater to specific nutritional needs. Similac Alimentum is specially formulated for infants with food allergies and sensitivities, while Pure Bliss by Similac focuses on providing wholesome nutrition inspired by European standards. The protein, carbohydrate, fat sources, vitamins, and minerals in these formulas vary.

Similac Alimentum features extensively hydrolyzed casein protein, which is broken down into smaller pieces, making it easier to digest for babies with allergies. On the other hand, Pure Bliss uses whey protein for its easily digestible content and rich nutrient profile. Carbohydrates in Similac Alimentum come from corn maltodextrin, whereas Pure Bliss uses lactose, a natural carbohydrate found in breast milk.

Key Differences

Component Similac Alimentum Pure Bliss by Similac
Protein Source Extensively Hydrolyzed Casein Partially Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
Carbohydrate Source Corn Maltodextrin Lactose
Fat Source Safflower Oil Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut Oil
Prebiotics & Probiotics No Yes (FOS Prebiotics)
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels Yes Yes
Iron & Calcium Content Standard Standard
Estimated Cost per Ounce $0.40 $0.30
Organic or Non-GMO Certification Non-GMO Non-GMO

Note: Prices are estimated and may vary.

Special Features and Benefits

Similac Alimentum is well-regarded for its hypoallergenic properties, featuring a protein structure that significantly reduces the chance of allergic reactions. It's a suitable option for infants with severe food allergies or colic due to protein sensitivity. Pure Bliss by Similac prides itself on being inspired by European recipes, containing fresh milk sourced from grass-fed cows. It promotes healthy digestion and contains prebiotics for gut health.

Target Audience

Similac Alimentum is ideal for infants with protein allergies, lactose intolerance, and other digestive issues. It is particularly beneficial for those experiencing severe colic or eczema. Meanwhile, Pure Bliss by Similac is suitable for parents seeking a gentle, easy-to-digest formula, mimicking the closeness of breast milk, and wanting to avoid synthetic growth hormones.

Alternatives

Alternatives for Similac Alimentum

  • Enfamil Nutramigen
  • Gerber Extensive HA
  • EleCare
  • Neocate
  • Enfamil Prosobee

Alternatives for Pure Bliss by Similac

  • Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
  • Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
  • Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula
  • Gerber Good Start Gentle
  • Enfamil Enspire

Potential Drawbacks

Similac Alimentum's biggest drawbacks include its higher cost and potential difficulty in purchasing due to availability issues. The taste and smell can also be less appealing due to hydrolyzed proteins. Pure Bliss by Similac, while generally well-tolerated, might not cater to babies with severe dairy allergies as it does contain lactose and milk-based protein. It may also be more expensive than some standard non-GMO formulas.

Conclusion

Both Similac Alimentum and Pure Bliss by Similac offer distinct benefits tailored to specific needs. Parents whose infants struggle with allergies or digestive issues might find Similac Alimentum a life-saver, while Pure Bliss might be preferable for those seeking a formula inspired by natural, wholesome practices. Regardless of choice, consult your pediatrician to ensure the selected formula aligns with your baby's nutritional needs and health conditions.

Sources*

Buy Pure Bliss by Similac Online

Buy Similac Alimentum Online

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Nutrient comparison

Pure Bliss by Similac +/- Data +/- Similac Alimentum
5.60 g 0.06 Fat 5.54 g
10.70 g 0.50 Carbohydrate 10.20 g
2.07 g Protein 0.68 2.75 g
938.00 mg 138.00 Linoleic Acid 800.00 mg

Minerals comparison

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

Pure Bliss by Similac +/- Minerals +/- Similac Alimentum
82.00 mg -23.00 Calcium 23.00 105.00 mg
44.00 mg -31.00 Phosphorus 31.00 75.00 mg
6.00 mg -1.50 Magnesium 1.50 7.50 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 -3.00 Manganese 3.00 8.00 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 0.00 Selenium 0.00 2.00 mcg
25.00 mg -19.00 Sodium 19.00 44.00 mg
110.00 mg -8.00 Potassium 8.00 118.00 mg
68.00 mg -12.00 Chloride 12.00 80.00 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 Alimentum
1.50 IU -1.50 Vitamin E 1.50 3.00 IU
8.00 mcg 0.00 Vitamin K 0.00 8.00 mcg
100.00 mcg 40.00 Thiamin (Vit B1) -40.00 60.00 mcg
160.00 mcg 70.00 Riboflavin (Vit B2) -70.00 90.00 mcg
63.00 mcg 3.00 Vitamin B6 -3.00 60.00 mcg
0.26 mcg -0.19 Vitamin B12 0.19 0.45 mcg
1100.00 mcg -250.00 Niacin 250.00 1350.00 mcg
16.00 mcg 1.00 Folic Acid -1.00 15.00 mcg
470.00 mcg -280.00 Pantothenic Acid 280.00 750.00 mcg
4.60 mcg 0.10 Biotin -0.10 4.50 mcg
9.00 mg 0.00 Vitamin C 0.00 9.00 mg
24.00 mg 12.00 Choline -12.00 12.00 mg
4.90 mg -0.10 Inositol 0.10 5.00 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