Pediasure vs Enfagrow: Which Toddler Formula Is Better?

Key Differences Table Between Pediasure and Enfagrow

Features/Aspect	Pediasure	Enfagrow
Main Protein Source	Milk protein concentrate, soy protein isolate	Nonfat milk
Carbohydrate Source	Corn maltodextrin, sugar	Corn syrup solids, sugar
Fats and Oils	High oleic safflower oil, soy oil, MCTs	Palm olein, coconut oil, soy oil, high oleic sunflower oil
Prebiotics/Probiotics	None	GOS (prebiotics)
Non-GMO/Gluten-Free	Yes/Yes	Not specified/Not specified
Real Milk	No	Yes
Coconut Oil	No	Yes
Added Sugars	Yes	Yes
Use of Corn Syrup/Sugar	Yes	Yes

This article will compare two popular toddler formulas: Pediasure and Enfagrow.

We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional composition to help you choose the best one for your little one.

Let’s get after it!

Our Short Answer

After analyzing both toddler formulas, if we had to choose between Pediasure and Enfagrow for our child, we would opt for Enfagrow for the following reasons:

• Its main protein comes from real milk
• It uses coconut oil
• It adds GOS (a prebiotic very beneficial for the intestinal flora).

That said, both Pediasure and Enfagrow use ingredients that are unhealthy such as: corn syrup solids or maltodextrin, simple added sugars, soy oil, palm olein, among others.

That is why we have included the three alternatives we would personally give our child, if you are looking for a nutritious and healthy toddler formula.

Overview of the Two Formulas

Pediasure supports kids’ growth and immune health with 23 vitamins & minerals, 7 for immune support, non-GMO, gluten-free, and suitable for lactose intolerance.

Enfagrow focuses on toddlers’ brain development with omega DHA, prebiotics for gut health, and vitamins for transitioning from breast milk.

Pediasure

Pediasure is a well-known brand that claims to support kids’ growth and immune systems. The formula contains 23 essential vitamins & minerals along with 7 key nutrients specifically chosen for immune support, including protein, vitamins A & D, zinc, and antioxidants (vitamins C & E and selenium).

Here’s the short of Pediasure:

• It includes a mix of high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), milk protein concentrate,
  and soy protein isolate.
• With 6 grams of protein per serving, it helps in building muscles.
• It also comes fortified with vitamins and minerals such as potassium phosphate
  and calcium carbonate, among others.
• Non-GMO (ingredients not genetically engineered), gluten-free, without artificial growth hormones, and suitable for those lactose intolerant.

Pediasure aims to support health while catering to sensitivities like lactose intolerance, making it versatile in its use. Its claim of being clinically proven to aid in kids’ growth puts it in an appealing position for parents concerned about their child’s nutritional intake.

Enfagrow

Next up is the Enfagrow Premium Toddler Drink, which stands out primarily because it includes real milk and added nutrients important for toddlers’ development.

Key features include:

• The incorporation of galactooligosaccharides+ polydextrose+, acting as prebiotics supportive
  of healthy gut flora.
• A blend of vegetable oils like palm olein oil and corn syrup solids as its carbohydrate source.
• It significantly emphasizes brain development by providing 26mg of omega DHA per serving, which is important since a substantial portion of brain growth occurs during the first three years.
• It comes packed with vitamins like Vitamin D3, which play into its comprehensive nutrient blend to fill gaps during the transition from breast milk to baby formula.

Enfagrow takes pride in focusing on brain nourishment through critical omega DHA inclusion, making it a contender for parents prioritizing cognitive development alongside general health.

Nutritional Composition

Pediasure relies on milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate, suitable for muscle development in toddlers, while Enfagrow uses nonfat milk for a more natural protein source.

Pediasure’s carbs come from maltodextrin and sugar; Enfagrow uses corn syrup solids and sugar, with maltodextrin being slightly better due to lower sugar content.

Both have similar fat blends, with no clear winner due to the inclusion of less ideal oils like soy and palm olein.

Protein Content

Pediasure: This formula includes milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate as primary protein sources. With 6 grams of protein per serving, it is designed to help build muscles that are important for toddler activity.

Enfagrow: Enfagrow uses nonfat milk as its main source of protein, catering more toward a natural intake similar to what toddlers might get from regular cow’s milk but with added benefits.

Regarding protein, Enfagrows wins thanks to using proteins from real milk exclusively. Soy protein is not as bioavailable as milk protein but can be better for kids who have problems digesting cow’s milk protein.

Learn more: Soy Protein in Formula

Carbohydrate Content

Pediasure: The main carbohydrate source in Pediasure comes from corn maltodextrin, followed by sugar. These ingredients provide energy crucial for active toddlers throughout their day-to-day explorations and learning activities.

Enfagrow: For Enfagrow, carbohydrates largely stem from corn syrup solids and sugar in its composition. This mix aims to ensure that your little ones get the necessary energy they need while keeping it balanced with other nutrient intake.

Considering that both formulas use alternatives to lactose (which is not ideal), Pediasure wins here since maltodextrin is better than syrup solids because it has around 20% less sugar content. Both formulas use free sugars on top of everything, which is not a good thing at all.

Learn more: Corn Syrup in Formula | Maltodextrin in Formula

Fats and Oils

Pediasure: Pediasure combines high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, plus medium-chain triglycerides, among others, providing a blend rich in good fats needed for healthy brain development, among other physiological functions.

Enfagrow: Vegetable oils, including palm olein, coconut, and soy, along with high oleic sunflower oils, make up the fat content here designed to support cell growth alongside cognitive development thanks to fats like DHA sourced from tuna fish oil included in this mix.

It is a draw in fat content. Both formulas use soy oil (not ideal at all). Enfagrow has palm olein, which is even worse, but at least adds coconut oil, the best vegetable oil. Therefore, there is no real winner in fat content.

Learn more: Vegetable Oils in Formula

Prebiotics and Probiotics

Good gut health is key to overall well-being, especially for toddlers who are developing at a rapid pace both physically and cognitively.

Probiotics and prebiotics contribute significantly towards maintaining a healthy digestive system by supporting the balance of good bacteria in the gut.

Pediasure: Pediasure does not include probiotics or prebiotics within its formulation.

Enfagrow: Enfagrow incorporates galactooligosaccharides (GOS), a prebiotic. GOS serves as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut, fostering a healthy microbiome, which is crucial during these early stages of development when children’s immune systems are still developing.

Best Places to Buy Pediasure and Enfagrow

Pediasure

Buy it at Target

Buy it at Walmart

Enfagrow

Buy it at Target

Buy it at Walmart

What are the Best Alternatives to Pediasure and Enfagrow?

If you have read the rest of the article, you will know by now that we are not very fond of Pediasure or Enfagrow. This is because they use certain ingredients that are just unhealthy in the long run.

We should always aim to provide our children with the best nutrition.

That’s why, if you want a nutritious and natural toddler formula, these are our top three in the market currently:

Kendamil Stage 3

Kendamil Stage 3 is a standout option known for its commitment to natural ingredients. This formula:

• Eschews the use of corn syrup solids and maltodextrin in favor of milk as the primary carbohydrate source.
• It promotes full cream nutrients, which makes it closer to natural whole milk.
• It is free from artificial colorings, flavorings, or preservatives, ensuring your child’s diet is as clean as possible.

Nannycare Stage 3

Nannycare offers another excellent alternative with its Stage 3 formula based on goat milk. Why consider Nannycare?

• It avoids synthetic fillers like corn syrup solids or maltodextrin by choosing simpler, more natural ingredients.
• The base of goat milk offers an easier-to-digest option than cow’s milk-based formulas, which might benefit sensitive infants.
• Emphasizes a close-to-nature approach, making it suitable for parents looking for minimally processed options.

Holle Stage 4

Holle stands out by offering an organic milk made with ingredients from Biodynamic farming that strictly uses high-quality organic components.

• Like others mentioned above, it doesn’t include corn syrup solids or maltodextrin, focusing instead on simple sugars closer to what would be found naturally in dairy products.
• Their dedication to using the best organic milk offers benefits comes with easier digestibility, which can be crucial during toddler years when digestive systems are still developing.

Last Words

We hope this comparison between Pediasure and Enfagrow has helped you make the best choice for your little one.

If you have further questions, do not hesitate to comment below or contact us at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to help.

Happy feeding!