Thinking about buying a Similac formula, but not sure which one?
After writing over 100 articles on infant formula, and comparing dozens and dozens of different formulas, we’ve created this article with the Best Similac Formulas to help you choose the best one for your baby.
Let’s get after it!
*We have not included any “buy here or purchase links” since we want this information to be as transparent and wholesome as possible. We are not trying to sell you anything. We want to help, for real.
Related read: Best Infant Formulas of 2024 | Best Enfamil Formulas
Our Similac Formula Podium: The Three Best
If you are in a hurry, here are our top three Similac formulas. Based on our criteria, these are the three best Similac formulas for every digestive need, excluding Galactosemia.
Our Top Pick: Similac Pure Bliss
Simply the best conventional formula from Similac. Milk from grass-fed cows, lactose only, DHA and ARA… Sad it does not add HMOs.
Best for Lactose Sensitivities: Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive
With 5 types of HMOs, lactose-free and no palm oil, 360 Total Care is the best one if your baby has lactose sensitivities.
Best for Allergies: Similac Alimentum
If your baby suffers from cow’s protein sensitivities or severe allergies, Alimentum should be your choice. Forget about Soy formulas; they are not worth it.
Quick Comparison Table between Similac Formulas
| FORMULA | SPECIALTY | PREBIOTICS | PROBIOTICS | LACTOSE | CORN SYRUP | PALM OIL | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIMILAC ADVANCE | Standard | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | 5/10 |
| SIMILAC PRO-ADVANCE | Standard | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | 6/10 |
| SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE | Standard | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | 7/10 |
| SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE SENSITIVE | For Lactose Sensitivity | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | 7/10 |
| SIMILAC SENSITIVE | For Lactose Sensitivity | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | 5/10 |
| SIMILAC PRO-SENSITIVE | For Lactose Sensitivity | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | 6/10 |
| SIMILAC TOTAL COMFORT | For Lactose Sensitivity and Hypoallergenic | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | 6/10 |
| SIMILAC PRO-TOTAL COMFORT | For Lactose Sensitivity and Hypoallergenic | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | 7/10 |
| SIMILAC PURE BLISS | Standard | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | 8/10 |
| SIMILAC ALIMENTUM | Reducing colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity. Hypoallergenic. | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | 7/10 |
| SIMILAC NEOSURE | Promotes Catch-Up Growth Post-Discharge for Premature Babies | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 5/10 |
| SIMILAC FOR SPIT UP | Reduces Spit-Up | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | 5/10 |
How We Chose the Best Similac Formulas
We’ve been meticulous in our selection criteria to identify the top Similac formulas for 2024.
Here’s our methodology for choosing the best formulas:
- Ingredients: Source and Purity
- Natural Ingredients: We prioritize formulas with natural, superior ingredients.
- Organic Preference: Formulas that are organic or close to being organic, free from pesticides and GMOs, take precedence.
- Nutritional Composition
- Lactose Focus: We favor formulas where lactose is the main carbohydrate (if they are standard).
- Protein Balance: We select formulas that maintain a proper balance of proteins, either partially hydrolyzed for digestibility or intact.
- No palm olein and DHA/ARA
- Special Dietary Needs
- We have considered the best formula options for lactose or cow’s milk protein sensitivities.
- Expert and Parental Feedback
- Pediatrician Insights: Our selection heavily relies on global pediatrician recommendations. However, not all pediatricians may have extensive nutritional knowledge based on our experience.
- Parental Experiences: We value real-life feedback from parents, as their day-to-day experiences offer crucial insights into the formulas’ effectiveness.
- Product Accessibility
- Availability: Formulas easily obtainable from major retailers are preferred to ensure hassle-free access for parents.
How Should You Choose the Best Formula for Your Little One?
The following infographic summarizes the essentials you should know before choosing a formula for your little one.
Best Standard Similac Formulas
1. Similac Pure Bliss
$1.32/ounce on average
Similac Pure Bliss is a premium infant formula designed to closely mimic natural breast milk. Made with milk from free-range, grass-fed cows, it’s free from artificial growth hormones, antibiotics, and palm olein oil, ensuring a non-GMO product that’s gentle on baby’s digestion.
Why we chose it.
Similac Pure Bliss stands out for its commitment to natural, high-quality ingredients. The formula begins with fresh milk from free-range cows, offering a composition that closely resembles breast milk. This choice reflects our emphasis on ingredient quality and nutritional integrity, making it our top pick for parents seeking a formula that’s as close to natural as possible. Includes DHA and ARA, which support brain and eye development.
Pros
- Happy cows = Happy milk.
- Nothing fake—no artificial hormones.
- Prebiotics help keep your baby’s belly smiling.
- Its Non-GMO tag means it’s clean and green.
- Daddy and mommy-approved: supports brainy babies and eagle-eyed tots.
Cons
- A bit pricey💰 (but hey, quality matters!)
- Some babies with special tummy needs might need to skip this one
- Not everywhere has it—you might have to hunt a bit
Enfamil Alternative: Enfamil Enspire. | Read: Enfamil Enspire vs Similac Pure Bliss
2. Similac 360 Total Care
$1.62/ounce on average
Similac 360 Total Care is designed with five types of HMOs, matching the special prebiotics found in breast milk. It’s crafted to boost your baby’s immune system and brain development, without palm olein oil, which helps with better fat absorption.
Why we chose it.
Similac 360 Total Care brings the power of five HMOs into your baby’s bottle, helping to shield your little one from germs and give their brain a big boost. We’re all about giving your baby the best start, and this formula skips the palm olein, which some other formulas have, but that can mess with how well some babies digest and use the fat. Plus, it sticks to lactose for energy, just like the sweet stuff in mom’s milk. With this formula, your baby gets a blend that’s as close to what nature intended as we can bottle up.
Pros
- Five prebiotics to keep baby guarded
- No palm olein oil for better fat love in little bodies
- Natural lactose, not the fake sugars
- Non-GMO, so it’s super clean and safe
- Hospital pick: they trust it, so you can too
Cons
- It might be pricier
- Some might look for a closer whey-to-casein ratio like the one in breast milk
- Not every store has it, so get your detective hat on
Enfamil Alternative: Enfamil Neuropro. | Read: Enfamil Neuropro vs Similac 360 Total Care
3. Similac Pro-Advance
$1.20/oz on average
Similac Pro-Advance is packed with key ingredients like 2′-FL HMO for gut health, avoiding palm olein for better bone-building calcium absorption, and providing complete nutrition to support your baby’s development.
Why we chose it.
Similac Pro-Advance is made without palm olein oil, which means your baby can grab all the good calcium to build strong bones. It’s got a special prebiotic that’s found in breast milk, so your baby’s tummy has the good bugs to keep them happy. And let’s not forget, it includes DHA – it works like magic to make your baby’s brain super smart and their eyes super sharp.
Pros
- No palm olein oil
- Prebiotic like in breast milk
- Non-GMO
- Hospitals trust it
Cons
- Low whey protein ratio (like most Similac Formulas)
- It lacks other benefits from Pure Bliss and 360 Total Care
Enfamil Alternative: Enfamil Neuropro. | Read: Enfamil Neuropro vs Similac Pro-Advance
Best Similac Formulas for Babies with Lactose Sensitivities
1. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive
$1.66/ounce on average
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is made with care for babies with tender tummies. It has special prebiotics found in breast milk and everything needed for brain and eye health—without palm olein oil for better calcium for your baby’s bones.
Why we chose it.
We like Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive because it’s specially made with no lactose, perfect for babies with lactose sensitivities.. This formula is more than just gentle—it’s got smart stuff like HMOs that are also in mommy’s milk to help your little one fight germs. And with no palm olein oil, your baby can soak up the good stuff for strong bones.
Pros
- Takes it easy on baby tummies
- HMOs for happy, strong tiny bodies
- No palm olein oil—great for bone health
- Brain-building nutrients are all in there
- No artificial growth hormones, 100% non-GMO
Cons
- Corn syrup solids are not the most ideal alternative to lactose.
Enfamil Alternative: Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease. | Read: Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease vs Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive
2. Similac Pro-Total Comfort
$1.39/ounce on average
Similac Pro-Total Comfort is designed for tiny tummies that can’t handle regular milk. It’s made with a special kind of protein that’s super easy to digest and has 2′-FL HMO—just like in breast milk—to help your baby’s immune system.
Why we chose it.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort is like a gentle hug for your baby’s tummy. It’s got broken-down proteins, making it super easy for your baby to digest. It’s just right for little ones who get fussy with regular milk. Plus, it comes with 2′-FL HMO, that magic stuff found in mommy’s milk, to help protect your baby from germs. And you know what else? This formula doesn’t have palm olein, so your baby’s bones can grab all the calcium they need to grow big and strong.
Pros
- Partly broken-down protein for happy tummies
- Boosts your baby’s defenses
- Helps with fussiness and gas
- No palm olein oil – say hello to stronger bones!
- Added nutrients for sharp brains and bright eyes
Cons
- Not the usual milk because it’s for sensitive bellies
- Can be pricier than standard formula
- Some parents might miss the lactose
Enfamil Alternative: Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease. | Read: Enfamil Enspire vs Similac Pure Bliss
Best Similac Formula for Cow’s Milk Allergies (CMPA)
Similac Alimentum
$2.89/ounce on average
Similac Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula armed with broken-down proteins for babies with fussiness, gas, or colicky symptoms due to severe protein sensitivities. It’s designed for rapid relief and nutrient absorption.
Why we chose it.
Similac Alimentum is a lifesaver for little ones struggling with their regular formula. It’s filled with proteins that are all broken down, so your baby’s tummy can handle them with ease. If your baby cries a lot after feeding or has tummy issues, this formula could calm the storm. It’s perfect for bubs who can’t handle other kinds of milk.
Pros
- Quick colic relief—keep the tears away!
- For milk allergies and intolerances—super sensitive
- Nutrients are a breeze for babies to soak up
- Fights food allergy symptoms—no itchy rashes!
- Carefully crafted for smooth digestion
Cons
- More costly than basic formulas—quality care has its price tag
- Not suited for babies without allergies or intolerance
- Some parents prefer carbohydrate sources without added sugar
Enfamil Alternative: Nutramigen. | Read: Nutramigen vs Alimentum
Last Words
We honestly hope this article has helped you choose the best Similac formula for your baby.
Remember that many other brands and dozens of formulas are on the market.
Before you decide, we encourage you to keep exploring our blog until you find the one that fits you.
Above all, be patient and be prepared to pivot if the first formula doesn’t work.
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!
