Similac vs Cow and Gate: Which Formula Is Better?

Key Differences Table Between Similac and Cow & Gate

Features/Aspect	Similac Advance	Cow & Gate First Infant Milk
Type	Milk-based infant formula	Milk-based infant formula
Primary Protein Source	Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate	Skimmed milk, demineralized whey, whey concentrate
Whey:Casein Ratio	Approximately 48:52	50:50
Carbohydrate Source	Lactose	Lactose
Fats and Oils	High oleic sunflower, soy, coconut oils, Alpina Oil, Schizochytrium sp. oil	High oleic sunflower, rapeseed, sunflower oils, fish oil, Mortierella Alpina oil
DHA Source	Microalgae	Fish oil
Nutritional Support	DHA, Lutein, Vitamin E, vitamins, minerals	Essential fatty acids, DHA, vitamins, minerals
Prebiotics	Galactooligosaccharides	Fructooligosaccharides and Galactooligosaccharides
Palm Olein Oil	No	No
Non-GMO and Hormone-Free	Yes	Yes
Specific Benefits	Coconut Oil	Additional prebiotic (FOS)

This article will compare two popular formulas in the market: Similac vs Cow & Gate.

We have chosen their two most popular formulas: Similac Advance and Cow & Gate First infant milk. These formulas are designed to cater to the same type of baby.

We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional composition to help you decide between them.

Let’s get after it!

Our Short Answer

This comparison is one of the closest we have done in a long time.

The short answer is that there is no absolute winner and it will depend on your preferences.

If we had to pick one, we would choose Cow & Gate for the following reasons:

• It has a slightly better whey:casein ratio.
• It adds FOS in addition to GOS (an extra prebiotic).
• Uses fish oil instead of microalgae for DHA (this is our preference, we believe that higher bioavailability is more important than the fact that it is more allergenic).

As you can see, the differences are minimal, so whichever you choose, you will be making a wise decision.

Having said all this, we recommend you take a look at the alternatives below, as there are better options.

Overview of the Two Formulas

Similac Advance offers complete nutrition with vitamins and minerals, DHA, Lutein, Vitamin E, no palm olein oil for better calcium absorption, and is non-GMO and rbST hormone-free.

Cow & Gate provides essential fatty acids, a prebiotics blend, and is free from artificial preservatives and palm oil, serving as a breastmilk substitute.

Similac Advance

Similac Advance is designed as a complete nutritional offering for your baby’s first year. It’s a milk-based, iron-fortified infant formula emulating breast milk’s essential nutrients. Here are some of its core features:

• Nutrient-rich Composition: Enriched with vitamins and minerals, Similac Advance supports your baby’s overall growth and development.
• Exclusively Blended Ingredients: It includes a blend of DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E, formulated to foster brain and eye development.
• No Palm Olein Oil: This ingredient omission promotes better calcium absorption for stronger bones.
• Non-GMO and No Artificial Growth Hormones: The commitment to natural growth without rbST hormones aligns with many parents’ preferences towards organic dietary sources.

Cow & Gate

Rooted in over a century of experience from Britain, Cow & Gate First Infant Milk offers parents a trustworthy option when breastfeeding isn’t possible. Here’s what sets this formula apart:

• Breastmilk Substitute: Tailored as a complete substitute for breastmilk from birth until 12 months, ensuring proper nutrition as a standalone source or part of a weaning diet.
• Essential Fatty Acids: Contains DHA (Omega-3) catering to your baby’s cognitive development needs.
• Prebiotics Blend: Features GOS and FOS to nourish beneficial gut bacteria in infants, emphasizing digestive wellness.
• Free From Artificial Preservatives or Palm Oil: Conscious ingredient choices reflect a commitment to natural feeding practices.

Nutritional Composition

Similac Advance and Cow & Gate First Infant Milk both use dairy-based proteins (skimmed milk and whey), with Cow & Gate having slightly more whey for potentially easier digestion.

Both contain lactose as the sole carbohydrate, unsuitable for lactose sensitivities.

Similac’s fats include high oleic sunflower, soy, and coconut oils with microalgae-sourced DHA, while Cow & Gate uses rapeseed and sunflower oils with fish oil-sourced DHA.

The choice depends on individual preferences and tolerances.

Protein Content

Proteins are the building blocks for growth, making them essential in any infant formula.

• Similac Advance: This formula derives its protein primarily from nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate. These dairy-based proteins are adjusted to mimic the protein profile of breast milk, aiming to be gentle on your baby’s developing digestive system.
• Cow & Gate First Infant Milk: Similar to Similac, Cow & Gate obtains its protein from skimmed milk, demineralized whey, whey concentrate, and cow’s milk protein. This blend ensures that the formula supports standard growth patterns seen in breastfed infants.

Both formulas have the same type of proteins: skimmed milk and a blend of whey and casein proteins. Cow & Gate has a 50:50 whey to casein ratio and Similac as a 48:52.

On paper, Cow & Gate offers a bit more whey, which could mean easier digestion for your baby. However, the difference is very small.

Carbohydrate Content

Carbohydrates provide essential energy for babies, and lactose is typically the primary carbohydrate found in breast milk and many formulas.

• Similac Advance: It contains lactose sourced from cow’s milk, making it the main carbohydrate component. This helps provide energy as well mimicking the sweetness and function of lactose in natural breast milk.
• Cow & Gate First Infant Milk: Lactose is also the principal carbohydrate here, coming straight from milk.

Both use lactose exclusively, which is what we want to see in a conventional formula. No traces of maltodextrin, corn syrup or starches. This means that they are not suitable for babies with lactose sensitivities.

Fats and Oils

Fats are critical in infant nutrition as they contribute to brain development and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

• Similac Advance: The fats in this formula come from high oleic sunflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil, Alpina Oil (source of ARA), and Schizochytrium sp. oil (source of DHA). These sources aim to mimic the fatty acid profile of breastmilk while promoting eye health and brain development without using palm olein oil for improved fat absorption.
• Cow & Gate First Infant Milk: This formula utilizes a blend of vegetable oils, including high oleic sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, fish oil (for DHA), and Mortierella Alpina oil (for ARA). The absence of palm oil is notable here, too, since it’s believed that avoiding it may benefit bone mineralization.

There are some differences in fat content.

On the one hand, we have Similac which uses soybean oil (which is one of the worst), but adds coconut oil (which is one of the best). On the other hand, Cow & Gate has neither, and opts for rapeseed oil.

Similac’s DHA comes from microalgae, while Cow & Gate opts for fish oil. On paper, the latter has higher bioavailability, but is more allergenic.

There is no clear winner when it comes to fats, it will depend on your preferences.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

Similac Advance includes prebiotic galactooligosaccharides for gut health, mirroring breast milk.

Cow & Gate contains both fructo-oligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides, emulating breast milk’s prebiotic balance.

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that can help to populate the gut with friendly organisms that aid in digestion and immune function. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible fibers that provide nourishment for these good bacteria, allowing them to thrive in the gut environment.

• Similac Advance utilizes prebiotic galactooligosaccharides to foster beneficial gut bacteria, which is similar to the oligosaccharides found in breast milk. The established balance in the formula aims to support digestive health and immunity.
• Cow & Gate First Infant Milk contains both fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). This combination of prebiotics emulates the natural proportions found in breast milk to help maintain a healthy intestinal flora.

What are the Best Alternatives to Similac and Cow & Gate?

There are better formulas than Similac and Cow and Gate if you know where to look. Here are our favorites:

• Kendamil Organic: Our top choice for those interested in organic formulas due to its use of whole milk, Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), and Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), which offer a closer structure to natural maternal milk. It’s also known for its organic certification and commitment to using high-quality ingredients. *Read: Kendamil vs Similac | Kendamil vs Cow & Gate
• Bobbie: Touted as an excellent formula option within the US thanks to its straightforward approach using simple and pure ingredients. Parents who seek a more minimalist composition without sacrificing nutrition might find Bobbie to align well with their values. *Read: Bobbie vs Similac
• Hipp: Recognized for specialty formulations targeted at babies coping with specific dietary issues such as colic or reflux. If you have an infant experiencing digestive troubles, Hipp’s meticulous blend may provide tailored nutrition suited for sensitive systems. *Read: Hipp vs Cow & Gate
• Holle: Esteemed for the purity of its ingredients under Demeter certification – one of the strictest organic regulations worldwide. Holle formula’s commitment to biodynamic farming offers the peace of mind for parents searching for the purest possible dietary options for their baby. *Read: Holle vs Similac

Last Words

We hope this comparison between Similac and Cow & Gate helps you make an informed decision for your baby.

If you have any questions, contact us or leave a comment and we’ll answer in less than 24 hours.

Happy feeding!