Key Differences Table Between Similac and Pediasure
| Features/Aspect | Similac Go & Grow | Pediasure Grow & Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | Toddlers with no allergy or lactose issues | Toddlers with cow’s milk protein allergy or lactose sensitivities |
| Type | Toddler formula | Nutritional drink/formula for ages 1-13 |
| Primary Protein Source | Nonfat milk | Milk protein concentrate, soy protein isolate |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Corn maltodextrin, sugar |
| Fats and Oils | High oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil | High oleic safflower oil, soy oil, MCTs |
| Nutritional Support | DHA, lutein, vitamin E, 2’-Fucosyllactose (HMO) | DHA, antioxidants, balanced energy distribution |
| Suitable Ages | Toddlers transitioning to new foods | Children ages 1-13 |
| Unique Features | 2’-Fucosyllactose (HMO) for digestive and immune health, no GMOs or artificial growth hormones | Suitable for lactose-intolerant children, includes antioxidants |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | 2’-Fucosyllactose (HMO) prebiotic | Dietary fiber for gut health (no specific prebiotics or probiotics mentioned) |
This article compares two popular toddler formulas: Similac Go & Grow vs Pediasure Grow & Gain.
We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional composition to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s get after it!
Related read: Neosure vs Similac Advance
Our Short Answer
The choice between Similac and Pediasure will depend on your child’s needs.
Choose Similac if your child:
- Has shown no allergy or digestive problems from cow’s milk protein.
- Has not shown any problems with lactose intolerance or sensitivities.
Choose Pediasure if your child:
- Has shown allergy or digestive problems from cow’s milk protein.
- Has lactose sensitivities or lactose intolerances
Having said this, we strongly recommend you to take a look at the alternatives we’ve left at the end of this article before you make a purchasing decision, since there are much better options than Similac and Pediasure.
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Overview of the Two Formulas
Similac Go & Grow complements toddlers’ diets with DHA, lutein, vitamin E, and 2’-Fucosyllactose (HMO), supporting digestive and immune health without GMOs or artificial growth hormones.
Pediasure, for ages 1-13, offers balanced nutrition including DHA from tuna oil and antioxidants, suitable for lactose-intolerant children.
Similac Go & Grow
Similac Go & Grow is designed to complement the diet of toddlers transitioning to new foods. As they begin exploring a wider variety of solid foods, ensuring they still receive all the necessary nutrients for proper development can be challenging. This is where Similac Go & Grow wants to step in.
Go & Grow by Similac contains an exclusive blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E – critical ingredients that mirror natural food sources like fish, spinach, and broccoli. This formula stands apart by introducing 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’FL), a human milk oligosaccharide*(HMO), which acts as a prebiotic to promote digestive health and support the immune system.
The formula includes:
- No GMO ingredients or artificial growth hormones.
- At least 40% daily value for essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamins C, D, and E in just two four fl oz servings.
- The support for brain and vision development thanks to its nutrient-rich composition.
- Recognition as the #1 baby formula brand chosen by moms in the US.
Pediasure
Pediasure serves as both a complete nutritional drink and a supplement for children ranging from ages 1 to 13. It is specifically formulated to meet or exceed the daily recommended intakes (DRI) for protein and essential vitamins and minerals across various age groups when consumed in appropriate volumes.
Key highlights include:
- Balanced energy distribution from protein, fats, and carbohydrates amounting to about 240 calories per 8 fl oz serving.
- An inclusion of DHA omega-3 fatty acids derived from Tuna oil, vital for brain and eye development.
- A composition rich in antioxidants (vitamins C & E, selenium) for robust immune support.
- The absence of artificial growth hormones† and suitability for children who are lactose intolerant.
Nutritional Composition
Similac Go & Grow uses nonfat milk for high-quality, easily digestible protein, while Pediasure combines milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate, accommodating lactose sensitivities.
Go & Grow’s primary carbohydrate is lactose for energy and calcium absorption, whereas Pediasure uses corn maltodextrin and sugar, suitable for kids with lactose issues.
Pediasure includes MCTs for easy fat absorption, a slight difference compared to Go & Grow’s blend of healthy fats.
Protein Content
Similac Go & Grow: The primary protein source in Similac Go & Grow is nonfat milk. The inclusion of milk as a protein source ensures that your toddler gets high-quality protein that includes all the essential amino acids necessary for growth and development. Milk proteins are easily digestible and supportive of muscle development.
Pediasure: Pediasure provides its protein through milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate. These combined sources offer a complete amino acid profile, ensuring that children receive all necessary building blocks for muscles, enzymes, and hormones.
The approach to protein differs quite a bit between both formulas. Similac uses skimmed milk, which is the conventional approach.
Pediasure however, uses skimmed milk and soy protein. This means it has less lactose and cow’s milk protein, which helps those kids with difficulties digesting these nutrients.
Carbohydrate Content
Similac Go & Grow: Lactose is the primary carbohydrate source in Go & Grow by Similac, serving as an excellent energy provider. Lactose also has the additional benefit of aiding in the absorption of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Pediasure: Corn maltodextrin and sugar make up the principal carbohydrates in Pediasure. Maltodextrin, a polysaccharide derived from corn, offers a quick release of energy. Such carbs help support consistent energy levels throughout the day – especially important for active children.
Very different approach to carbohydrates. Similac uses lactose, which is what we expect from a conventional toddler formula.
Pediasure has corn maltodextrin and added sugars. This approach means that its lactose content is almost 0, which is suitable for kids with lactose sensitivities. If this is your child’s case, Pediasure is your best option.
Fats and Oils
Similac Go & Grow: The carefully selected blend of high-oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil in Similac Go & Grow provides a balanced mix of healthy fats needed for proper growth. These fats are important not only for energy but also for supporting brain development and absorbing vitamins.
Pediasure: Similarly, Pediasure combines high-oleic safflower oil with soy oil but also includes medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). The body easily absorbs MCTs, which may benefit children who have difficulty digesting or absorbing regular fats due to certain health conditions.
The main difference here is that Pediasure has MCTs, which are very easy to absorb and are very bioavailability. However, this difference should not make you decide, as there are many more important factors.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Similac Go & Grow includes 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’FL), a breast milk-derived prebiotic, boosting gut health and immunity in toddlers.
Pediasure, without specific prebiotics or probiotics, offers dietary fiber to aid gut flora health.
As parents, we often hear about the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics for our own gut health, but they’re just as important for toddlers as they build their immune systems and develop a healthy digestive tract.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and help digest food, while prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed these good bacteria.
Similac Go & Grow stands out for including 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’FL), an immunonutritive prebiotic originally found in breast milk. This unique component nourishment for good bacterial growth can help strengthen the child’s immune system and improve digestion.
While Pediasure does not specifically list prebiotics or probiotics among its ingredients, it does provide a source of fiber which can support the overall health of the gut flora.
Best Places to Buy Similac and Pediasure Formulas
Similac
Pediasure
What are the Best alternatives to Go & Grow and Pediasure?
Holle Bio Stage 3: For parents looking for an alternative rooted in organic ingredients, Holle Bio Stage 3 is an excellent choice. This formula comes from one of Europe’s oldest organic baby food manufacturers. Made with Demeter-certified milk (a level up from standard organic certification), it contains no added sugar or corn syrup—ingredients sometimes found in other formulas. Also known for its easy digestibility, Holle Bio aligns with strict European organic standards, ensuring a clean formula with high-quality ingredients that support a toddler’s nutritional development.
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)
Kendamil Stage 3: This British-made product prides itself on being crafted with full cream nutrients from grass-fed cows. Kendamil’s approach eschews palm oil and fish oil, instead opting for pure marine algae to deliver essential fatty acids. Furthermore, Kendamil includes prebiotics (GOS), natural Omega-3 sourced directly from plants (ALA, DHA), Omega-6 (ARA), and essential vitamins and minerals tailored to support the nutritional needs of toddlers as they grow.
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 this comparison between Similac and Pediasure toddler formulas helps you make the best decision for your child.
If you have further questions or need any help, contact us or leave a comment and we’ll be happy to help you.
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!
