Key Differences Table Between Pediasure and Aptagrow
| Features/Aspect | Pediasure | AptaGrow |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Milk protein concentrate, soy protein isolate | Milk solids, whey protein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn maltodextrin, sugar | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Vegetable oils, DHA (from tuna oil) | Fish oil (DHA), milk fats |
| Suitability | Lactose-intolerant kids (not for galactosemia) | 1-10 years old, no added sugar, no artificial additives |
| Added Sugars | Yes | No |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Not mentioned | Prebiotics (GOS), probiotics (B. breve M-16V) |
This article will compare two popular toddler formulas: Pediasure and AptaGrow.
We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional compositions to help you make the best decision for your little one.
Let’s get after it!
Related read: Enfagrow vs AptaGrow
Our Short Answer
After reviewing both formulas, we’ve settled on AptaGrow for the following reasons:
- It utilizes a more natural source of proteins, such as milk solids and whey protein, instead of milk protein concentrate and isolated soy protein.
- It uses lactose instead of corn maltodextrin and added sugars.
- Its fat blend is superior, thanks to avoiding soy oil and including natural milk fats.
- It contains both prebiotics and probiotics, something Pediasure lacks.
The only reason to opt for Pediasure would be if your child is lactose intolerant; in that specific case, and only then, it would be the better choice.
With all that said, there are other toddler formula milks that are nutritionally superior, more natural, and contain fewer additives. We recommend reading our section on the alternative toddler milks we typically recommend.
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Overview of the Two Formulas
Pediasure supports child growth with 23 vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients, focusing on muscle and immune health, without GMOs, gluten, or artificial hormones.
Aptagrow targets 1-10-year-olds, emphasizing balanced nutrition, digestive support with prebiotics and probiotics, and no added sugar or artificial additives.
Pediasure
Pediasure is a well-known option designed to help kids grow, especially if they’re at risk for malnutrition.
It’s packed with 23 vitamins and minerals, plus 7 key nutrients to build muscles and support immune health. These include protein, vitamins A & D, zinc, and antioxidants such as vitamins C & E and selenium.
It’s also free from GMO ingredients, gluten, artificial growth hormones, and is suitable for kids who are lactose intolerant (though not recommended for those with galactosemia).
With its mix of milk protein concentrate, vegetable oils, and added vitamins and minerals, Pediasure aims to be a comprehensive nutritional supplement.
Aptagrow
Aptagrow by Aptamil® targets picky eaters aged 1-10 years by delivering a nutrient-dense formula that supports normal growth and immune function.
It’s rich in vitamins like A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D3, E, and folic acid, as well as essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and iodine.
One of Aptagrow’s key features is its focus on specific protein levels suitable for toddlers to aid in the growth and maintenance of lean muscle mass.
It includes prebiotics (short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides) and probiotics (Bifidobacterium breve M-16V) to support digestive health and immune function.
It’s free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and has no added sugar.
Nutritional Composition
Pediasure blends milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate, catering to lactose-intolerant kids, while AptaGrow uses milk solids and whey for a natural protein source.
Pediasure opts for corn maltodextrin and sugar for carbs, and a mix of vegetable oils plus DHA for fats, whereas AptaGrow relies on lactose for carbs and combines fish oil and milk fats for a healthier fat profile.
Protein Content
Pediasure’s protein comes from milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate, providing a blend that supports the needs of growing children with no traces of lactose.
Aptagrow, on the other hand, uses milk solids and whey protein as its protein sources.
Both formulas approach protein in different ways. Pediasure makes sure that its formula is suitable for babies with lactose intolerance. That’s why it uses protein concentrate (which eliminates all possible traces of lactose and other components from milk, and soy protein, a plant-based protein that unfortunately, it’s not as bioavailable as animal-based protein.
AptaGrow opts for a more natural protein source: milk solids and whey protein. These are the natural approach, with high availability but unsuitable for lactose sensitivities.
Carbohydrate Content
Carbohydrates fuel your child’s day-to-day activities and support brain function.
Pediasure uses corn maltodextrin and sugar as carbohydrate sources, providing energy for active kids.
AptaGrow uses lactose from milk solids, the natural sugar in ordinary milk, as its main carb source.
Pediasure uses maltodextrin (a suitable alternative to lactose, much better than corn syrup solids) but adds simple sugars, which is not ideal.
AptaGrow uses lactose exclusively, which is what we want to see in conventional formulas.
Fats and Oils
Pediasure features a blend of vegetable oils (high oleic safflower, soy, medium chain triglycerides) that contribute to the healthy fat intake necessary for children’s growth. Tuna oil, a source of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), is also included to support brain health.
AptaGrow incorporates dried omega LCPUFAs (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) from fish oil alongside an emulsifier (soy lecithin), suggesting its intention to provide essential fatty acids crucial for brain development and overall health. It also has milk fats from the milk solids.
AptaGrow has a better fat blend than Pediasure, thanks to avoiding soy oil and adding milk fats, the most nutritive type of fat.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics are essential in promoting a healthy gut microbiome, vital for digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. These components are especially important in toddler formulas, as they can help support the digestive health of young children transitioning from milk to more solid foods.
Pediasure does not mention the inclusion of specific prebiotics or probiotics within its formula.
Aptagrow, however, includes both prebiotics and probiotics in its formulation. It contains short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides (milk) and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides as prebiotics, which help to feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. For probiotics, Aptagrow has added Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, a specific strain known for its benefits in supporting healthy digestion and immunity in children.
What are the Best Alternatives to Pediasure and Aptagrow?
While Pediasure and Aptagrow offer compelling benefits for toddler nutrition, some parents, including us, prefer formulas closer to nature. They utilize organic ingredients when possible and adopt lactose—the natural carbohydrate found in milk—as their primary sugar source.
Here are our favorite toddler formulas that align with these principles:
- Hipp Stage 3: Known for its blend of prebiotics and probiotics alongside exceptional digestibility, Hipp Stage 3 supports gentle digestion while nurturing the gut microbiome. Its careful selection of ingredients caters well to toddlers’ developing digestive systems.
HiPP uses probiotic lactic acid cultures cultivated from real breast milk to make a natural formulation that aids with your baby’s digestion. Stage 3 is designed with less lactose and doesn't contain whey, starch, or maltodextrin.
- EU organic certified
- No artificial sweeteners or GMOs
- Enriched with prebiotics & probiotics
- Lactose only, no starch
- Contains ARA (Omega-6) & DHA (Omega-3)
- Holle Stage 4: With its Demeter Certification, Holle Stage 4 reassures parents of its biodynamic farming origins, ensuring high-quality organic ingredients free from synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This stage offers balanced nutrition with an ethical approach to sourcing.
Holle Stage 4, for ages 12 months to 3 years, complements breastmilk with organic ingredients, supporting brain development and digestion with nutrients like DHA, iron, and Vitamin D.
- Demeter certified organic
- NO artificial sweeteners, flavors, GMOs or preservatives
- Gluten and soy free
- Short ingredients list
- Filling
- Contains DHA (Omega 3) & ARA (Omega 6)
- Nannycare Stage 3: Utilizing whole goat milk as its foundation, this formula is easy to digest and highly nutritious. Its composition mirrors many benefits of human milk and is suitable for toddlers showing sensitivity to cow’s milk proteins.
Nannycare Stage 3, from 12 months, complements breastmilk with full cream goat's milk, free from palm oil and maltodextrin, supports digestion, and is rich in Omega-3 (DHA), vitamins, and minerals for growth.
- Whole goat's milk
- Low-allergen milk protein
- Free of palm oil, whey, maltodextrin, and soy
- Contains DHA (Omega-3)
- Rich in vitamin C, D3, calcium, and iron to support growth and development
- Kendamil Stage 3: This formula uses whole milk as its base, providing a natural and wholesome approach to toddler nutrition. Kendamil’s commitment to natural ingredients offers a nutritionally rich option for parents seeking an alternative closer to real milk.
Kendamil Organic Formula Stage 3 is designed for toddlers 12+ months, offering essential nutrients from 100% organic cow's milk without additives. It's EU Organic Certified, ensuring a high-quality, healthy choice for your baby.
- 100% Organic Cow's Milk
- Rich in Vital Nutrients
- Free from Unwanted Additives
- EU Organic Certified
- Environmentally and Health-Conscious
Last Words
We hope you found this comparison between Pediasure and AptaGrow useful in finding the best toddler formula for your baby.
If you have any comments or questions, leave them below or contact us at [email protected]
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!
