Enfamil vs Similac: Best Baby Formula Review for 2022
Enfamil vs Similac are the most popular baby formula brands. But which formula works well for your baby?
How nice would it be if babies could tell us what they want or what works for them? In this case, by choosing the infant formula that works for their body system.
Unfortunately, we will have to figure it out ourselves based on several factors, including price/budget, what your baby reacts to, generic formula vs. name-brand, and the product list of a brand.
But when it comes to infant formula, the popular brands that first come to mind are Enfamil vs Similac.
And don’t forget that these two brands have over 10 product lists that cater to several baby needs and allergic reactions. Plus, both brands have similar formulas, so it is quite challenging to choose between the two for your baby.
At this point, two things are involved. You will either have to try out all the product lists from both brands to know what works for your baby or continue reading this review/guide to easily determine the best.
I’m sure the first option will cost you a lot of time, hours of research, and money. And that is the reason for this detailed review – to help you make an informed buying decision between Enfamil vs Similac and their product list.
Here we go!
Enfamil vs Similac:
While trying to discover the best infant formula for your baby, I compared Enfamil vs Similac by considering the similar milk formula products they each offer, rather than comparing both brands altogether.
Standard Milk Formulas: Enfamil Infant vs Similac Advance
Enfamil Infant Formula
Rating: 4.8 out 5 stars
Price: $26.48 for 21.1 oz can ($1.25 / Ounce)
Similac Advance
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Price: about $59.96 (36 oz can for 3 counts)
If you can’t or don’t want to breastfeed your little one, a cow’s milk-based formula is typically the first choice that may come to mind.
Most babies handle the formula well, and every brand sells some type of cow’s milk-based formula. These brands are the basic, standard infant formulas that you will use if your child doesn’t have any allergies or complications that would require a different type.
This Enfamil vs Similac are the two most popular choices, and they have all the necessary fats and nutrients to encourage your baby to grow.
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Similarities |
Both Enfamil vs Similac brands produces basic milk products that provide nutrition for your baby up to his first year. |
| They include similar levels of milk-based ingredients (non-fat milk, whey protein, and lactose) | |
| They have a similar oils mix (soy oil, coconut oil, and high oleic safflower oil). | |
| Both contain a prebiotic | |
| No added sugars in either formula | |
| Both contain choline, vitamin K, and DHA (a fatty acid). | |
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Differences |
Enfamil contains palm olein oil (fatty acid close to breast milk but may cause constipation and colic in some infants). |
| Similac includes lutein (for better vision and eye development). |
Gentle Formulas: Enfamil Gentlease vs Similac Pro-Sensitive
Enfamil Gentlease
Rating: 4.8 out 5 stars
Price: $140.84 for 27.7 Oz ($1.27 / Ounce)
Similac Pro-Sensitive
Rating: 4.8 out 5 stars Price: $129.86 for 34.9 Oz ($1.24 / Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
While most pediatricians start babies on standard milk-based formulas, they may recommend a switch to gentle varieties if parents notice any of the following symptoms:
- Gas
- Sensitivity to lactose
- Digestive issues
- Colic and excessive fussiness
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Similarities |
Both Enfamil vs Similac comes with a gentle formula that may help decrease fussiness in babies. |
| The two brands use corn syrup solids (which may help your little one digest cow’s milk better). | |
| Both formulas have similar levels of proteins, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, and water. | |
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Differences |
Enfamil uses partially hydrolyzed non-fat milk and whey protein concentrate solids from soy to aid digestion. |
| Similac uses easy-to-digest milk protein isolate, which might trigger indigestion or allergies in some infants. | |
| Similac has more linoleic acid, which supports a healthy heart. |
Milk for Spit-Up: Enfamil A.R. vs. Similac for Spit-Up
Enfamil A.R.
Rating: 4.8 out 5 stars Price: $29.98 for 19.5 Oz ($1.54 / Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
Similac for Spit-Up
Rating: 4.8 out 5 stars Price: $27.97 for 19.5 Oz ($1.43 / Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
Enfamil vs Similac for Spit-Up are for babies who spit up more regularly than an average baby might.
Enfamil claims that their A.R. formula helps decrease spit-up by over 50 percent, which many reviews from moms confirmed.
It might be due to the two prebiotics present in this Enfamil brand, which helps improve digestive health, and a thicker formula that still easily passes through an appropriately sized nipple.
On the other hand, some parents notice that Similac helps reduce spit-up because it doesn’t have as many milk products.
If you think that’s the culprit of your baby’s spit-up, Similac for Spit-up may be a good choice. It does lean heavily on sugars, which might make it taste better
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Similarities
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Both Enfamil vs Similac formulas is for babies who tend to spit up a lot. |
| Both brand formulas include similar minerals and vitamins mix. | |
| The two brand formulas use rice starch for a thicker consistency that eases through the bottle nipple. | |
| Both product formulas contain more sugar than regular milk to aid in settling fussy stomachs with less reflux. | |
| Differences | Enfamil includes two prebiotics, while Similac only has one (for healthy digestion). |
| Similac has two different sugars, but Enfamil contains only one. | |
| Enfamil includes lactose (sugar in milk), while Similac has lesser milk ingredients. | |
| Similac does not contain GMOs. |
For Babies with Allergies: Enfamil Nutramigen vs Similac Alimentum
Enfamil Nutramigen
Rating: 4.7 out 5 stars Price: $165.96 for 19.8 Oz can Shop it on Amazon
Similac Alimentum
Rating: 4.8 out 5 stars Price: $145.92 for 19.8 Oz ($1.84 / Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
If your baby is allergic to cow’s milk, you might consider Enfamil Nutramigen or Similac Alimentum.
Both designs are for babies who present colicky symptoms when exposed to cow’s milk. Your baby might have a mild aversion to the milk content, while some are incapable of digesting cow’s milk protein.
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Similarities |
You can use Enfamil vs Similac formulas for infants with allergies or hypersensitivity to cow’s milk formula. |
| The two formulas include casein hydrolysate (milk containing smaller, digestible proteins). | |
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Differences |
Similac uses corn maltodextrin plus another sugar, while Enfamil uses corn syrup. |
| Enfamil uses modified corn starch for a thicker formula. | |
| Similac has more linoleic acid (supports a healthy heart) | |
| Similac contains lutein (for eye health). |
Formula with New Ingredients: Enfamil NeuroPro Vs Similac 2′ –FL HMO Pro Advance
Enfamil NeuroPro
Rating: 4.8 out 5 stars Price: $28.40 for 20.7 Oz ($1.37 / Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
Similac 2′ –FL HMO Pro Advance
Rating: 4.7 out 5 stars Price:$28.14 for 20.6 Oz ($1.37 / Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
The only real difference is the type of fortifier. If you have a baby who tends to become ill very often, you may want to try Similac 2′ -FL HMO Pro Advance first.
Enfamil’s Neuro-Pro formula may be the best decision if brain development with a smaller immunity boost is more important for you.
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Similarities |
Both Enfamil vs Similac brands has their ingredients only found previously in breast milk. |
| The two formulas include DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid for better brain function). | |
| The two have similar amounts of minerals, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. | |
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Differences |
Enfamil uses Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM – a fatty substance for brain development). |
| Similac uses 2′ -F.L. Human Milk Oligosaccharide (a prebiotic for boosting the body’s immune system.) | |
| Similac claims its formula contains no GMO or artificial growth hormones. |
Milk Using Lactose-Free Soy: Enfamil ProSobee vs Similac Soy Isomil
Enfamil ProSobee
Rating: 4.7 out 5 stars Price: $119.96 for (4) 23.2 oz cans ($1.43 / Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
Similac Soy Isomil
Rating: 4.8 out 5 stars Price: $165.96 for (4) 23.2 oz cans ($1.35 / Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
If you want soy, milk-free formula for your baby who can’t digest cow’s milk, the two popular choices are Enfamil ProSoBee vs Similac Soy Isomil. These two choices are gentle for your infant’s tummy, which is already sensitive to milk.
Both of these formulas are perfect for colicky babies struggling with digesting lactose. In addition, some vegan families may prefer any of these brands to avoid animal-based products.
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Similarities |
Both product formulas are for babies having galactosemia. |
| The two brand products offer close nutritional contents (including vitamins, protein, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates). | |
| Both brand product formulas are for infants with milk protein allergies. | |
| Both include lactose-free soy proteins. | |
| The two formulas use corn syrup. | |
| Both are alternative products if your baby’s stomach is sensitive to milk. | |
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Differences |
Similac adds extra sugar to the soy formula. |
| Similac has higher linoleic acid levels (for a healthy heart). |
Organic Milk Products: Enfamil Premium A2 vs Similac Organic Infant Formula
Enfamil Premium A2
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars Price: $104.97 for 19.5 oz tub ($1.35/ Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
Similac Organic Infant Formula
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars Shop it on Amazon
These brands are organic formulations and don’t contain GMOs, antibiotics, or artificial growth hormones.
Enfamil is made from A2 milk proteins from premium, hand-picked European grass-fed cows.
It doesn’t contain added table sugars but includes enough Omega-3 DHA based on WHO (World Health Organization) recommendations: 0.2 percent to 0.36 percent of total fatty acids.
Similac Organic Infant Formula for your infant’s first year contains wholesome organic milk and other organic ingredients.
In addition, Similac Organic has no artificial growth hormones, antibiotics, or palm olein oil and is also non-GMO.
Furthermore, it contains a blend of DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E, nutrients also found in breast milk, which help support a baby’s overall growth and brain and eye development.
Non-GMO Products: Enfamil Enspire Vs Similac Pro-Advance
Enfamil Enspire
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars Price: $159.92 for 20.5 oz tub (pack of four) Shop it on Amazon
Similac Pro-Advance
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars Price: $28.98 for 20.6 oz tub ($1.41 / Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
The Non-GMO here indicates that these brand productions do not include genetic engineering processes, and their ingredients don’t come from GMOs (genetically engineered organisms).
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Similarities |
Both Enfamil vs Similac products may include coconut oil. |
| The two formulas have choline, DHA, iron, vitamin E, and lutein. | |
| Both product formulas are Kosher certified and non-GMO. | |
| Both include lactose-free soy proteins. | |
| The two product formulas use corn syrup. | |
| Both formulas are alternative products if your baby’s stomach is sensitive to milk. | |
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Differences |
Enfamil includes palm olein and high oleic sunflower oils. |
| Enfamil includes MFGM (for brain development) and lactoferrin (protein for immune support). | |
| Similac has 2′-FL HMO (probiotics). | |
| Similac is also Halal certified. | |
| The Similac formula has high soy oil and oleic safflower oil. |
Milk for Premature Babies: Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare vs Similac NeoSure
Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars Price: $129.99 for 12.8 oz (Pack of 6) Shop it on Amazon
Similac NeoSure
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars Price: $110.52 for 13.1 oz ($1.41/ Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
Premature babies need more calories and additional nutrients when compared to babies who were born at full-term.
Low birth-weight babies may also fall in this category if your pediatrician wants your baby to grow at a faster rate for health concerns.
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Similarities |
The two brands are easy-to-digest milk-based formulas. |
| Both formulas suit premature babies. | |
| Both product formulas enhance better immune health. | |
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Differences |
Similac includes DHA and ARA (arachidonic acid, a nutrient found in breast milk for muscle growth and repair). |
| Similac includes no artificial growth hormone. | |
| Enfamil includes MFGM and DHA for brain development. | |
| Similac has increased phosphorus and calcium (for your better bone development). |
Milk for Toddlers: Enfamil Enfagrow vs Similac Go & Grow
Enfamil Enfagrow
Rating: 4.7out of 5 stars Price: $18.98 for 24 oz ($0.79 / Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
Similac Go & Grow
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars Price: $19.98 for 24 oz ($0.83 / Ounce) Shop it on Amazon
Some parents prefer placing their babies on formula after they reach 12 months old, normally for growth and health purposes.
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Similarities |
The two formulas contain DHA, calcium, iron, and vitamins C, D, and E. |
| Both formulas are for toddlers from 1 year old and above). | |
|
Differences |
Similac includes lutein (for better eyesight) |
| Enfamil includes probiotics. Enfamil contains vitamin A. | |
| Similac does not have artificial growth hormones. | |
| The Enfamil formula uses vegetable oils as a source of fat. |
Enfamil Vs Similac: Baby Formulas Without Counterparts
Enfamil vs Similac both has products with special formulas for various purposes.
So, they might not have a counterpart with the competing brand. Choosing among these products would depend entirely on what you need for your baby.
For Soft, Comfortable Poop: Enfamil Reguline
Our Enfamil Reguline formula is complete nutrition for your little one through 12 months of age, designed specifically for babies who struggle to poop. When your baby is struggling to poop, no one is happy.
Enfamil Reguline Infant formula is designed with prebiotics proven to promote soft, comfortable stools within the first week of use.
Our Enfamil Reguline formula is complete nutrition for your little one through 12 months of age, designed specifically for babies who struggle to poop.
When your baby is struggling to poop, no one is happy.
Help ease those hard-to-go scenarios and help make your baby more comfortable with Enfamil Reguline.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars Price: $135.68 (Pack of 4) Shop it on Amazon
For Babies with Trouble Absorbing Fat: Enfamil Pregestimil
You may pick this formula if your baby is sensitive to intact proteins or has gastrointestinal disorders (bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain).
If your baby has trouble digesting fat, then Enfamil Pregestimil contains 55% fat from MCT oils (medium-chain triglycerides or fats with shorter lengths).
You may pick this formula if your baby is sensitive to intact proteins or has gastrointestinal disorders (bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain).
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars Shop it on Amazon
For Diarrhea: Similac Expert Care for Diarrhea
Similac Expert Care for Diarrhea is a nutritionally complete infant formula made with dietary fiber from soy to help manage your baby’s diarrhea.
Although Enfamil has a product for diarrhea, it is not formula milk. Enfamil R Enfalyte own is an oral electrolyte solution.
Price: from $42.49 (32.0 oz bottle)
For Babies with Severe Food Allergies: Similac EleCare
Similac EleCare provides complete nutrition if your little one has severe food allergies.
This hypoallergenic milk is made from 100 percent free amino acids instead of hydrolyzed proteins.
Also, the formula is for babies with milk protein allergies from cow’s milk and soy sensitivity.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Price: from $44.97 (14.1 oz can)
Enfamil Vs Similac: Price Points
The prices of these formulas differ based on the specific product variation. But among similar products, Enfamil is more expensive than Similac. It does not mean that Similac is not a quality product.
When choosing, consider product quality, ingredients used, and nutritional content.
Enfamil Vs Similac: General Similarities and Differences
The United States’ most popular milk brands are Enfamil vs Similac. Many of their products have similar content or formulas that meet the specific needs of your baby.
Enfamil and Similac Similarities
- Both Enfamil and Similac produce a variety of baby formula milk.
- Both baby formula brands include corn syrup as their first ingredient.
- They both have non-GMO versions of their sensitive formulas.
- Both baby formulas use soy protein isolate and refrain from cow’s milk-derived ingredients.
- The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has declared both brands safe for babies to use.
- Both provide a baby with all the nutrients he needs to thrive, including carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, fats, and water.
- They provide loyalty programs- Enfamil Family Beginnings Program and Similac StrongMoms Rewards.
Enfamil vs Similac Differences
- Enfamil contains more natural ingredients than Similac.
- Comparing similar products, Enfamil costs more than Similac.
- Enfamil uses less sugar than Similac.
- Enfamil contains higher amounts of phosphorus, iodine, zinc, magnesium, and selenium.
- Similac contains higher levels of vitamin D, thiamin, niacin, biotin, and riboflavin.
- Vitamins C, B12, E, and K are more abundant in Enfamil.
- Choline, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and inositol are all higher in Enfamil.
- Similac has higher Linoleic Acid levels.
- Similac has more copper nutrients.
- Enfamil formula has soy protein as its third ingredient, following corn syrup and vegetable oils.
- Similac formula has soy protein as its second ingredient after oils.
Enfamil Vs Similac: Which Brand Is the Best?
Choosing between Enfamil vs Similac as a brand is a tough decision. With different types of formula available from both brands, choose the ones that would suit your baby’s needs:
In a Nutshell
It’s tough to choose between Enfamil and Similac, but if you prefer milk with less sugar for your baby, Enfamil has more products with fewer sugars.
Still, Similac also provides a wide range of products with lutein and doesn’t use palm olein oil (often associated with constipation in babies).
Check the labels and find the formula with ingredients comfortable for feeding your baby with many options available.
Both brands offer some great formulas with their combinations of prebiotics and other unique ingredients. Both will support your baby and ensure that they thrive and grow.
No matter which baby formula you choose, rest assured that the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and FDA have a strict set of nutritional requirements each approved product must meet.
Ultimately, formula choice comes down to preference—both yours and your baby’s.
A good rule of thumb- Make your decision based on the first few ingredients in the list. These makeup 98 percent of the formula and will have the biggest impact on your baby’s comfort.
Most experts recommend ignoring the marketing claims and heading straight for the ingredient list, then discussing with your pediatrician which options make the best choice for your baby’s digestive comfort.
If you are feeling unsure about which formula to choose, you can talk to your pediatrician. They can offer better advice on which formula they think is the best fit for your baby and their individual needs.
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