Are you looking for baby formula for your child and wonder which is better between Similac Pro Advance vs. Enfamil Enspire?
With my decades of experience I am going to walkthrough the similarities and difference in order to help you make an informed decision on which formula to use.
Similac Pro Advance and Enfamil Enspire are two of the market’s biggest and most popular baby formula brands and they have quite a loyal following. Most parents are in one camp or the other.
Similar to cars, families tend to be loyal to one that has been tried and true in the past. I get it, we like what works, but sometimes there is a better option if we stay open minded to reviewing all possibilities.
As a new parent, you might be confused about which brand is better for your newborn.
The article explores the nutritional value, ingredients, unique features of each, potential side effects, similarities, and the pros & cons of each.
Table of Contents
- Similarities
- Differences
- Main Ingredient List for Each Formula
- Enfamil Enspire Special Features
- Similac Pro Advance’s Unique Features
- Cost Variations and Serving Sizes
- Negitive Effects / Cons
- Final Thoughts
Similarities
- Both formula brands serve as your baby’s primary source of nutrients for the first year of life.
- These two brands are certified by the food and Drug Administration (FDA) as suitable for consumption.
- The amounts of milk-based components in both products are similar. That is lactose, whey protein, and non-fat milk.
- Both have a matching blend of oils. The oils used are; soy oil, high oleic safflower oil, and coconut oil).
- Both brands’ sensitive formulae are available in a non-GMO variant.
- Both have loyalty programs available: Similac Strong Moms Rewards and Enfamil Family.
- Both contain probiotics. Enfamil has Galactooligosaccharides and polydextrose probiotics, while Similac advance has 2′-FL HMO probiotics. These probiotics help promote your baby’s digestive health and boost their immune system.
- Both have Choline, DHA, and vitamins A, D, E, K, B2, B6, B12, K, and C present in their formulas.
- Both brands provide a wide assortment of baby formulas from which you can choose the most suitable.
- They have the following minerals calcium, iron, zinc, copper, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium.
Differences
You can differentiate between Similac Pro Advance Vs. Enfamil Enspire through three methods: standard milk-based formulas, gentle baby formulas, and spit-up baby formulas.
Standard milk-based formulas. This baby formula is designed to mimic a mother’s breastmilk as much as possible. The Enfamil brand contains slightly higher amounts of fatty acids than the Similac pro brand.
The spit-up formula for Similac aims at reducing spit-ups by 54%, while Enfamil is estimated to reduce such episodes by 50%.
The gentle baby formula for Similac has 100% of the protein in Similac’s Pro-Total Comfort, while 60% of Enfamil’s Gentlease is whey and 40% is casein.
Research and case studies we reviewed online appear to be correlated to the given numbers by the respective manufacturers.
Other Differences
- Enfamil Enspire has more Vitamins C, B12, and K than Similac Pro Advance.
- Compared to Similac Pro Advance, Enfamil Enspire has higher chloride, inositol, and folic acid content.
- Similac Pro Advance has a higher copper content.
- Thiamin, vitamin D, riboflavin, niacin, and biotin are all present in more significant aounts in Similac Pro Advance.
- Enfamil is more expensive than Similac.
- In comparison to Similac Pro Advance, Enfamil Enspire contains more organic components.
- Compared to Similac, Enfamil contains less sugar.
- Iodine, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and selenium are in increased concentrations in Enfamil compared to Similac.
Main Ingredient List for Each Formula
The first three ingredients are essential for both formulas, while the rest are used to add flavor, texture, and form.
Enfamil Enspire
- Non-fat milk
- Lactose
- Vegetable oil
- Whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein-lipid concentrate
- Galactooligosaccharides and polydextrose
Similac Pro Advance
- Non-fat milk
- Lactose
- Whey protein concentrate
- Vegetable oil
Vitamins and Minerals Availability
Similac Pro Advance and Enfamil Enspire provide the same vitamins and minerals. They supply minerals such as folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, choline, and inositol.
They also provide your child with vitamins A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, and C. Additionally, they supply salt, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, and selenium. Although they are slightly different, they both turn out to be excellent choices.
Enfamil Enspire Special Features
This formula is made unique by the presence of two probiotics. That is galactooligosaccharides and polydextrose. The probiotics help to support the baby’s intestinal health. It is said that the MFGM content aids in cognitive growth while the lactoferrin concentration can support the immune system.
It also contains milk fat globule membrane (MFGM).it is a naturally occurring fat in human milk that boosts infants’ verbal, cognitive, and physical development. It also contains significantly higher concentrations of the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid (ARA), as well as DHA. The growth of a baby’s eyes and brain depends on these fatty acids,
Similac Pro Advance’s Unique Features
The fructooligosaccharides (2-FL HMO) and 2′-fucosyllactose (OptiGRO) blend – these probiotics are present in breast milk and are suitable for your baby’s immunity and gastrointestinal health.
The OptiGRO blend contains DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E to help your child’s eyes and brains grow and develop.
Those scientific confusing names essetially just mean they help your baby’s gastro health, eyes and brain.
Cost Variations and Serving Sizes
The cost of Similac Advance is $28.99 (23.2 oz tub) (current 2022 cost)
Serving size: 5 fl oz
per serving, 100 calories
per serving, 5.6 g of fat
Per serving, 1000 mg of linoleic acid
Per serving, 141 g of water
Per serving, there are 10.5 g of carbohydrates
Each serving contains 2.07 g of protein
The cost of an Enfamil Infant is $41.99 (20.5 oz tub) (current 2022 cost)
Serving size: 5 fl oz
per serving, 100 calories
per serving, 5.3 g of fat
Per serving, 800 mg of linoleic acid
Per serving, 113 g of water
Per serving, there are 11.3 g of carbohydrates
Each serving contains 2.1 g of protein
Negitive Effects / Cons
These two baby formulas are not recommended for lactose intolerant babies. They may cause stomach discomfort and fuzziness in your baby. Testing is the key. If after 10 – 14 days issues occur then consult your doctor and try another formula.
Both formulas contain cow milk and soy. If your child is intolerant to either, go for hypoallergenic baby formula.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding is magical, but not all mothers get to experience it, as some suffer from low breast milk. Some babies refuse to breastfeed, forcing mothers to express, which often leads to low supply.
At that time, mothers will have to supplement with formula. Similac pro advance and Enfamil Enspire formulas are some of the best formulas in the market, and this article provides all the information required to make the right choice for you and your family. Do not be afraid to test different brands and specialties until you find the best one for your child.
So the answer to your question of which is better between Similac Pro Advance vs Enfamil Enspire, the only true answer is to go with the formula that works best for your unique situation and that is done by trial and error. Hopefully this information allows you to make an educated guess on which is best.
My 2022 data is showing me a preference to Enfamil products, mainly do to the Similac recalls earlier in the year.
Have you tried feeding your child either of the formulas? Did you notice any reaction?
Let me know! Until next time,
Sharon
