Similac vs Enfamil — Which Is Better?

The Short Answer

The best choice between Similac and Enfamil depends entirely on your baby's gut. For most healthy babies, Similac is the better standard option because it strictly avoids palm olein oil. This controversial fat source is used by Enfamil and is known to cause constipation and reduce calcium absorption.

However, neither brand is perfect. Both companies have faced recent controversies over heavy metals and bacterial contamination. If your baby needs a sensitive or hypoallergenic formula, the lines blur—Similac relies heavily on added sugars like corn syrup, while Enfamil's specialty lines tested highest for lead in a 2025 Consumer Reports study.

Why This Matters

Choosing a baby formula feels like a high-stakes decision, and the marketing from these two giants doesn't make it easier. Enfamil and Similac control over 70% of the US infant formula market. They dictate what pediatricians recommend and what hospitals stock for newborns.

But what works for the hospital might not work for your baby's digestion. The fat and carbohydrate sources differ drastically between the two brands. While they both provide the required nutrients mandated by the FDA, the sources of those ingredients dictate whether your baby will sleep peacefully or wake up screaming with gas. Is Formula Fda Regulated

Safety is also a major concern for modern parents. Both Abbott (Similac) and Mead Johnson (Enfamil) have been embroiled in recalls and lawsuits. From the massive 2022 Similac bacterial recall to a 2025 Consumer Reports study finding lead in popular Enfamil lines, parents are rightfully questioning the safety of these mega-brands. Baby Formula Recalls

What's Actually In These Formulas

• Palm Olein Oil — Used heavily by Enfamil to mimic breast milk fats, but clinical studies show it causes harder stools and decreases calcium absorption. Palm Oil Baby Formula
• Corn Syrup Solids — Similac uses this as the primary carbohydrate in its Sensitive and Alimentum lines, meaning more added sugars compared to lactose-based options. Corn Syrup Baby Formula
• Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) — A key selling point for Enfamil NeuroPro, this compound supports brain development and immunity, mimicking real breast milk components.
• Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) — Similac 360 Total Care includes a blend of 5 HMOs, which act as prebiotics to feed good gut bacteria and improve digestion.
• Hexane-Extracted DHA — Both brands use chemically extracted DHA and ARA from lab-grown algae to support brain health. Hexane Extracted Dha

What to Look For

When comparing formula labels, look past the marketing claims and check the ingredient list.

Green Flags:

• Lactose as the primary carb — It is the natural sugar found in breast milk and should be the first ingredient in any standard formula.
• Clean heavy metal tests — A 2025 Consumer Reports study found that Similac Advance and Enfamil Gentlease tested clean with little to no detectable heavy metals. Heavy Metals Baby Formula

Red Flags:

• Palm olein oil — Found in almost all Enfamil formulas, this fat source is a leading cause of formula-induced constipation. Palm Oil Formula Bad
• Corn syrup as the first ingredient — While necessary for severe allergies, standard "sensitive" formulas often use it as a cheap and highly processed lactose replacement. Is Corn Syrup Formula Bad

The Best Options

Here is how the standard and specialty lines stack up across both brands.

The Bottom Line

1. Choose Similac for standard formulas. Their 360 Total Care line avoids palm oil, making it significantly easier to digest with less risk of constipation.

2. Be cautious with sensitive lines. If you switch to Similac Sensitive, you are swapping natural lactose for processed corn syrup solids. Best Formula Gassy Babies

3. Consider alternative brands. If you want to avoid hexane-extracted DHA, palm oil, and heavy metal risks entirely, look into cleaner options like Kendamil or Bobbie. Safest Formula Brands

FAQ

Is Similac or Enfamil closer to breast milk?

Enfamil NeuroPro has a slight edge in mimicking breast milk components. It includes MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane), a compound found naturally in human milk that supports cognitive development. However, Similac's HMO blend is also highly beneficial for immune and gut health. Closest To Breast Milk

Which formula is best for gas and constipation?

Similac is universally better for preventing constipation. Enfamil uses palm olein oil, which reacts with calcium in the baby's gut to create "soaps" that harden stools. If your baby struggles to poop, Similac 360 Total Care is the better standard choice. Best Formula Constipation

Are there heavy metals in Similac and Enfamil?

Yes, trace amounts have been found in both brands. A March 2025 Consumer Reports test found lead in 18 out of 41 tested formulas, with Enfamil Nutramigen testing at a concerning 4.2 ppb. Meanwhile, Abbott is facing a 2025 class-action lawsuit over undisclosed heavy metals in powdered Similac. Heavy Metals Baby Formula

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