Enfagrow vs NIDO: Which Toddler Formula is Better?

Key Differences Table Between Enfagrow and NIDO

Features/Aspect	Enfagrow	NIDO
Protein Source	Skimmed milk	Skimmed milk and demineralized whey protein
Carbohydrate Source	Corn syrup solids and sugar	Maltodextrin and lactose
Fats and Oils	Palm olein, coconut, soy, high oleic sunflower oils	Corn oil, canola oil, palm oil
Digestion	Prebiotics for gut health	Prebiotics and probiotics for digestive and immune support
Sugar Content	Contains corn syrup solids and sugar	Uses lactose, a healthier carbohydrate option

This article will compare two popular Toddler Formulas for children who are 1+ years old: Enfagrow vs NIDO.

We will analyze their nutritional composition and ingredients to help you make the best decision for your toddler.

Let’s get after it!

Related reads: Pediasure vs NIDO | Enfagrow vs Pediasure

Our Short Answer

On paper, NIDO outperforms Enfagrow in terms of ingredients for the following reasons:

• It has demineralized whey, which makes it a bit easier to digest
• It avoids corn syrup solids and sugars and uses maltodextrin and lactose instead
• It avoids palm olein (the “evil sibling” of palm oil) and soy oil

These three reasons make NIDO the best option in this comparison.

Having said that, we strongly recommend you to take a look at the alternatives below before making a purchasing decision, because there are better toddler formulas out there.

Overview of the Two Formulas

Enfagrow promotes strong, smart growth with real milk, added vitamins, and a high Omega-3 DHA content for brain development, with less sugar than some alternatives.

NIDO caters to toddlers 1-3 years, offering 13 vitamins and minerals, plus a probiotic for immune support, including Omega-3 DHA for overall health.

Enfagrow

Enfagrow is made with real milk and added vitamins to help young kids grow strong and smart.

Enfagrow focuses on brain development. Why? Because it has Omega-3 DHA, a special ingredient that’s good for the brain, and more of it than some other toddler drinks.

Kids need this, especially when changing from baby formula or breast milk to regular cow’s milk, as they might get less DHA during this switch.

Enfagrow also has less sugar compared to some US-based alternatives.

NIDO

NIDO is another toddler drink for kids between 1 to 3 years old.

It packs 13 important vitamins and minerals in every cup, perfect for helping your little one grow up healthy and strong.

Recently, NIDO added a probiotic – to help keep your child’s immune system fighting fit.

It has Vitamin A, C, D, Iron, Zinc, and Omega-3 DHA, all essential for healthy development, including the brain.

Nutritional Composition

NIDO outperforms Enfagrow with added demineralized whey protein for better digestion and growth, and uses maltodextrin and lactose, offering a healthier carbohydrate option than Enfagrow’s corn syrup solids and sugar.

In fats, NIDO’s blend of less processed oils favors brain development without the less desirable soy oil found in Enfagrow.

Protein Content

Protein is essential as it supports muscle growth and repairs and creates body tissues.

Enfagrow: Enfagrow uses skimmed milk as its source of protein.

NIDO: NIDO combines skimmed milk and demineralized whey proteins with added vitamins and minerals to support overall growth, including strong muscles and a healthy immune system.

On paper, NIDO goes a step further thanks to adding demineralized whey protein, which means they are easier to process and digest. Apart from that, both formulas use real skimmed milk, so there is nothing to add here.

Carbohydrate Content

Carbohydrates are the main energy source for little ones, supporting their playing, learning, and growing needs.

Enfagrow: Enfagrow contains carbohydrates like corn syrup solids and sugar.

NIDO: NIDO also features key carbohydrates such as maltodextrin and lactose from milk.

Carb content is the real distinction between both drinks.

Enfagrow uses corn syrup solids and sugar. This is not ideal unless your kid is lactose intolerant, and even if that were the case, we still would not recommend Enfagrow.

NIDO uses maltodextrin, which is not the best, but it has less sugar than syrup solids. It also uses lactose, which is what we would expect from a formula.

Learn more: Corn Syrup in Formula

Fats and Oils

Fats are vital for a toddler’s diet, providing energy and helping absorb some vitamins.

Enfagrow: The blend of vegetable oils in Enfagrow—including palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils—supplies essential fatty acids that contribute to brain development.

NIDO: NIDO uses a mix of vegetable oils such as corn oil, canola oil, and palm oil to deliver the necessary fats. These contribute to healthy brain development and support the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.

NIDO also gets the upper hand in fat content for two main reasons: palm oil is less refined and processed than palm olein, and NIDO does not use soy oil, one of the worst seed oils. Enfagrow uses coconut oil, but this fact is insufficient to justify using the other two.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

Both Enfagrow and NIDO feature ingredients that support your toddler’s tummy health. Here’s how:

Enfagrow includes special fibers called prebiotics (like galactooligosaccharides and polydextrose). These fibers feed the good bacteria in the gut, helping to keep your child’s digestive system healthy.

NIDO steps it up by including both prebiotics (such as fructo-oligosaccharides and inulin) and a probiotic called Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Probiotics are like adding more good bacteria to the gut, directly helping to balance the digestive system and support immunity.

Best Places to Buy Enfagrow and NIDO

Enfagrow

Buy it at Target

Buy it at Walmart

NIDO

Buy it at Target

Buy it at Walmart

What are the Best Alternatives to Enfagrow and NIDO?

While Enfagrow and NIDO may provide important nutrients and are OKAY supplements for a balanced diet, there are MUCH better options for toddler drinks.

We always recommend organic formulas without additives, syrups, sugars, or harmful vegetable oils.

Here are our favorites and the ones we would give our own kid:

Kendamil Stage 3: This formula shines because it uses whole milk, making it closer to natural feeding practices. It also contains human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), components in breast milk that support brain development and immune function. This option is ideal for those looking for a formula as close as possible to natural breast milk.

Hipp Dutch Stage 3: If you prioritize gut health, Hipp Dutch Stage 3 is for you. This formula boasts a mix of prebiotics and probiotics to promote a healthy digestive system. It supports nutrition absorption and strengthens the body’s defense systems by maintaining a balanced gut flora.

Holle Stage 4: This formula is unique because it has Demeter certification and meets strict biodynamic farming standards. This certification ensures that every ingredient is sourced from farms prioritizing sustainability, animal welfare, and elimination of chemicals. If environmental impact and organic farming practices matter to you, this is the way to go.

Nannycare Stage 3: One of our favorites. It is made from goat milk, which many find easier for toddlers to digest than cow’s milk-based formulas. It is rich in natural nutrients beneficial for growth and development. This gentle formula is needed for tots with sensitive tummies or minor reactions to cow’s milk.

Last Words

We hope this comparison between Enfagrow and NIDO has helped you choose the best formula for your kid.

If you have further questions, please comment below or contact us at [email protected].

Happy feeding!