Key Differences Table Between Similac and Nan
| Aspect | Similac Pro-Advance | Nan Supreme Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate | Enzymatically hydrolyzed whey protein (easier to digest) |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose (primary source) | Lactose (primary source) |
| Fat Content | High oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil, Schizochytrium sp. Oil, M. Alpina Oil | Vegetable oils, LCPUFAs from fish oil (no soy oil) |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Contains 2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) prebiotic | Contains 2’-O-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) and Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) prebiotics, Bifidobacterium lactis culture probiotic |
| Whey-to-Casein Ratio | 48:52 (Similac) | Approximately 70:30 (Nan) |
This article will compare two popular formulas in the US: Similac vs Nan. We have chosen Similac Pro-Advance and Nan Supreme Pro as the two candidates for this comparison as they are the two most popular formulas of both brands.
We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional composition to help you make the right choice for your baby.
Let’s get after it!
Related read: Enfamil vs Nan
Our Short Answer
The winner between the two formulas is Nan for the following reasons:
- It uses hydrolyzed protein, something not common among conventional formulas, but which makes it easier to digest and a better choice for babies who have trouble digesting cow’s milk protein.
- Its fat content is slightly better because it does not use soybean oil, which can cause allergies more easily than other oils.
- Its prebiotic and probiotic content is more potent than Similac Pro-Advance.
Although Similac Pro-Advance is a very acceptable formula, Nan Supreme Pro wins on all fronts.
That said, we recommend you learn more about the alternatives below, as there are better options on the formula market.
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Overview of the Two Formulas
Similac Pro-Advance mimics breast milk components for brain and eye development, includes 2’-FL HMO for immunity, and is free from palm olein oil and artificial growth hormones.
Nan Supreme Pro offers hydrolyzed whey protein, eco-friendly packaging, and balanced nutrition with oligosaccharides and immunity support.
Similac Pro-Advance
Similac Pro-Advance is a very popular infant formula made by the #1 infant formula brand recommended by pediatricians for immune support. But what makes it unique?
A key feature of Similac Pro-Advance is its exclusive blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E. Derived from non-genetically modified produce for safety and quality assurance; this nutrient-rich blend is designed to mimic components found in natural breast milk that supports baby’s brain and eye development.
It also introduces you to a world-class formulation fortified with 2’-FL HMO (a prebiotic) that works towards strengthening your baby’s immune system.
As a bonus, it promotes excellent calcium absorption for strong bones without any palm olein oil found in its composition. No artificial growth hormones were used in the production phase, making it free from unwanted chemicals.
A substantial attribute worth mentioning is its gluten-free categorization, making it suitable for sensitive tummies.
While all these establish Similac Pro-Advance as one of the leading choices for infant care, the ultimate success lies in its composition, carefully engineered to ensure complete and balanced nutrition for your little ones.
Nan Pro
Nan Supreme Pro emerges from Nestlé’s diligent research of 155 years to deliver high-quality nutrition to your infants. Falling under starter infant formula category, it incorporates partially hydrolyzed whey protein sourced from cow’s milk.
Another standout point for Nan Supreme Pro is its unique packaging design, providing a hygienic environment and a convenient scoop storage solution – an instance showing the manufacturer’s thoughtful detailing!
Whereas innovation extends towards environmentally friendly practices, including lids and scoops made of at least 66% plant-based plastic​, minimizing carbon footprints significantly.
Employing their latest scientifically advanced formulation, Nan Supreme uses oligosaccharides (2’-FL and LNnT) sourced from wholesome milk to ensure a balanced infant diet.
Accompany by a rich blend of essential vitamins, minerals, LCPUFAs (DHA/AA from fish oil), and Bifidobacterium lactis culture, aiding in building strong immunity from an early age.
Meticulously crafted to attend to every nutritional requirement of your growing baby, Nan Supreme Pro becomes an excellent choice for ensuring balanced nourishment for your infant.
Nutritional Composition
Protein: Similac Pro-Advance uses nonfat milk and whey protein, while Nan Supreme Pro employs enzymatically hydrolyzed whey protein for easier digestion.
Carbs: Both use lactose as the primary carbohydrate source, offering essential energy for babies.
Fats: Similac includes high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil with Schizochytrium sp. Oil and M. Alpina Oil. Nan Supreme Pro uses vegetable oils and LCPUFAs from fish oil, excluding soy oil.
Protein Content
Similac Pro-Advance’s protein sources come primarily from nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate. Whey Protein is an essential building block for a baby’s muscle growth, immunity enhancement, and overall energy level.
On the other hand, Nan Supreme Pro uses enzymatically hydrolyzed whey protein derived from cow’s milk as its primary source of protein. It’s important to note that partial hydrolyzation makes proteins easy to digest for infants, aiding in smoother digestion.
The protein source varies significantly between both formulas.
Similac uses skimmed milk and whey protein, the two main protein sources for conventional formulas. It has a whey-to-casein ratio of 48:52.
Nan Supreme has hydrolyzed protein, which has been broken down, making it easier to digest. We could not find their whey-to-casein ratio, but Nan formulas usually have a 70:30.
Mature breastmilk has a whey-to-casein ratio of 60:40.
Learn more: Hydrolyzed Infant Formulas
Carbohydrate Content
Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for your baby’s bodily functions and physical activities.
Similac Pro-Advance uses lactose as the main source of carbohydrates, imparting necessary energy to your little ones.
Nan Supreme Pro also includes lactose as the primary carbohydrate source, contributing significantly to your infant’s energy demands while keeping their appetite satisfied.
There are no differences in carb content, with both formulas using lactose as their only source of sugar. This is what we want to see in conventional formulas.
Fats and Oils
Fat plays a crucial role in child development by providing essential fatty acids, aiding in vitamin absorption, promoting brain development, etc.
Similac Pro-Advance uses high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil along with healthy Schizochytrium sp. Oil (Source Of DHA) and M. Alpina Oil (Source Of ARA) providing good fats to support overall growth.
Similarly, Nan Supreme Pro also recognizes the importance of fat in infant growth by incorporating sustainable sources like vegetable oils (high oleic sunflower oil, low erucic rapeseed oil, sunflower oil) and LCPUFAs (DHA/AA from fish oil) into its formulation. They ensure proper weight gain in infants and support cognitive development.
As with carbohydrates, there are no important differences in fat content between both formulas. If we had to choose a winner in fat content, it would be Nan because it does not include soy oil, known to be allergenic.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Similac Pro-Advance and Nan Supreme Pro both contain prebiotics like 2′-FL, 2’-O-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL), and Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) and probiotics for gut health and immunity.
Probiotics and prebiotics are essential for a healthy gut as they promote a balanced microbiota in your baby’s digestive system.
Similac Pro-Advance has integrated its formula with 2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL), a prebiotic similar to that found in breast milk, which helps to strengthen the baby’s immune system.
Likewise, Nan Supreme Pro incorporates two types of oligosaccharides [2’-O-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL), Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT)], functioning as prebiotics that aim to build strong immunity from an early stage. It also includes Bifidobacterium lactis culture, a probiotic for promoting gut health.
Best Places to Buy Similac and Nan Formulas
Similac
Nan
Buy Nan Supreme Pro at Walmart
What are the Best Alternatives to Similac and Nan?
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Buy NowLess is more. That is the saying of Bobbie.
Crafted with care, focussed on essential, high-quality ingredients.
Bobbie is your go-to if you want a US-based product with an Organic European Formula quality.
- Organic American Grass-Fed Milk: Sourced from Organic Valley cows
- Iron meets FDA and EU standards
- Perfect Whey:Casein Ratio
- Organic Expeller-Pressed Fat Blend
- Organic Lactose
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Buy at Organic's Best Buy at My Organic Company
Kendamil Classic uses a premium blend that mirrors breast milk.
- Whole Milk Base
- DHA & ARA from Marine Algae
- Prebiotic Blend
- UK Red Tractor-certified farms
- No palm oil, corn syrups or maltodextrin
- Vegetarian Friendly
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Buy at Organic's Best Buy at The Milky Box
Hipp formula is the best to provide your baby with a wholesome and easily digestible formula.
- Breastmilk-Like Composition: Natural probiotic lactic acid cultures from real breast milk and lactose as the main carbohydrate.
- EU Organic Certified: Sourced from biodynamic farms.
- Nutrient-Enriched: Contains prebiotics (GOS) and essential fatty acids (DHA & ARA)
- Allergen-Free: Free from artificial sweeteners, GMOs, gluten, soy, peanuts, and eggs.
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Buy at Organic's Best Buy at The Milky Box
Holle stands out for its organic and natural ingredients.
- Demeter Certified: The highest organic standard in Europe, ensuring biodynamic, chemical-free farming.
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with essential vitamins (A, D, E), minerals, and fatty acids (DHA & ARA).
- Pure & Simple: Free from artificial sweeteners, GMOs, chemicals, hormones, gluten, and soy.
- Organic Lactose & Milk Fats: Mimics natural breast milk carbohydrates.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Read how they compare here:
- Kendamil vs Similac | Kendamil vs Nan
- Holle vs Similac | Holle vs Nan
- Bobbie vs Similac Pro-Advance
- Hipp vs Similac | Hipp vs Nan
Last Words
We hope this comparison between Similac and Nan helps you make the right decision. Before you decide, we strongly encourage you to read about the alternatives above.
Remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Check with your pediatrician regularly.
Happy feeding!
We’re Maria and Alberto, a married couple and educators who are nutrition enthusiasts. Even before we had kids, we were already crazy about nutrition.
We’d read scientific articles, watch videos from nutritionists, and spend hours listening to nutrition podcasts.
Today, we continue doing this, but in a different way, as we’ve learned to sift through the noise and trends. Nutrition, like any other field of knowledge, the more you read and learn, the more you develop a comprehensive understanding of reality, and that’s what has happened to us.
Before having our first child, we focused on learning everything we could about child nutrition, using the same techniques we had already employed, backed by our extensive knowledge in nutrition.
Our mission is to help other parents with their children’s nutrition, to help them become the best versions of themselves.
If we are what we eat and drink, which is absolutely true, let’s do it right!
