Similac Pro Advance Vs Similac 360 (A Complete Buying Guide 2023)

One way to get information about the different types of baby formula in the market, especially when choosing a formula for your baby, is to compare them.

Between Similac Pro Advance Vs Similac 360, one may wonder which of the two is better.

Since there are many high-quality infant formula formulas in the baby formula section of any local store, you need to research before deciding on the one to go for.

One way to get information about these formulas is to read articles that compare their similarities and differences, such as Similac pro advance vs Similac 360, so that you know what these formulas offer and what they don’t.

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Baby formula

Baby’s formula, as the name implies, is majorly for babies and not for adults, and when you mention baby’s formula, what comes to mind?

These are manufactured food with a strong and striking resemblance to breast milk, and they intend to nourish your baby the same way as breast milk.

The essence of a baby’s formula is to have a substitute for mothers who cannot breastfeed their babies due to reasons like unwillingness to breastfeed due to a busy work schedule, medical conditions, or breastfeeding difficulties.

While manufacturing formulas, it is necessary that the formula resembles breast milk. Formula manufacturers achieve this by using ingredients that are almost the same as the makeup of breast milk.

Similac Pro Advance Vs Similac 360

The Similac Pro Advance and Similac 360 Total Care formulas are almost identical. 

They contain nonfat milk protein and whey protein concentrate as protein sources and 100% lactose as a carbohydrate source.

The main difference between Similac Pro Advance vs Similac 360 is that Similac 360 contains 5 HMO prebiotics. In comparison, Pro Advance has 2 prebiotics plus OptiGro, a blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E for eye and brain development.

Read on as we discuss the complete comparison between Similac Pro Advance vs Similac 360.

Similac Pro Advance

Similac pro advance is one of the products produced by Similac infant formulas. The Similac formula is one formula that has been in existence for almost 100 years.

It is good and recommended for babies because it contains an iron-fortified, milk-based formula that includes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-an omega-3 fatty acid- lutein, and vitamin E.

It is suitable for babies except those with lactase deficiency, galactosemia, or allergy to cow’s milk or soy.

The manufacturing ingredients of Similac Pro Advance include the following 

  • Nonfat milk
  • Lactose
  • Whey protein concentrate
  • High oleic safflower oil
  • Soy oil
  • Coconut oil
  • DHA/ARA

Features                  

  • It lacks palm olein
  • It contains Linoleic acid
  • Contains DHA

Pro

  • The formula contains lutein which enhances eye development and better vision.
  • It has no added sugar in it. 
  • The manufacturing ingredients help the formula strengthen your baby’s immune system.
  • It contains DHA, which is essential in developing your baby’s brain.
  • It contains lutein which plays a vital role in supporting the vision.
  • The presence of Vitamin E helps in cell development
  • The presence of nucleotides in it aids in the development of the immune system
  • The presence of Antioxidants plays a vital role in the protection of cells 
  • The presence of prebiotics aids promotion of digestive health

Cons 

  • It can cause gas in some babies

Read: Enfamil vs Similac vs Nan Pro

Similac 360

Similac 360 is one of the products produced by the Similac brand handled by Abbot Nutrition, and the manufacturers claim that it is the product that has the closest resemblance to breast milk because of the manufacturing ingredients.

The manufacturing ingredients of Similac Pro Advance include the following 

  • Nonfat milk
  • Lactose
  • Whey protein concentrate
  • 5 HMO prebiotics
  • DHA/ARA
  • High oleic safflower oil
  • Soy oil
  • Coconut oil

Features

  • It contains 5 HMO Prebiotics 
  • It is a Non-GMO Baby Formula 
  • It is in the Ready-to-Feed
  • The product is essential for immune support, brain development, and digestive health. 
  • It contains no artificial growth hormones
  • They are non-GMO

Pros

  • Improved Eye Q plus nutrition
  • Laden with natural vitamin E
  • Contains Lutein
  • Contains DHA that supports brain and eye development
  • It contains 5 HMO Prebiotics blend
  • It contains DHA 

Cons

  • It is not suitable for infants or children with galactosemia.
  • The manufacturing ingredients are not genetically engineered.

Read: Similac Pro Advance vs Enfamil Gentlease

Similac Pro Advance vs Similac 360 – Similarities & Differences

Similarities

  • Both have DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). 
  • Both contain lutein, 
  • Both contain Vitamin E 
  • Both Contain Lutein
  • Both contain 2’-FL HMO
  • Both lack added sugar
  • Both lack palm olein
  • Both products are essential for immune support, brain development, and digestive health.

Differences

Ingredients Used

             Formula       Similac Pro AdvanceSimilac 360
        Protein sourceNon-fat milk & Whey protein concentrateNon-fat milk & Whey protein concentrate
     Whey to casein ratio           48:52     48:52
    Carbohydrate source          100% lactose 100% lactose
          Fat sourceHigh oleic safflower oil, Soy oil, Coconut oil, DHA/ARAHigh oleic safflower oil, Soy oil, Coconut oil, DHA/ARA
          Prebiotics2’-FL HMO, short chain Fructooligosaccharides2’-FL HMO Lactose-N-Tetraose.   3-Fucosyllactose
      Generic brands      9 Generic brands9 Generic brands
       Source of ARA   Mortierella alpine oilMortierella alpine oil
       Source of DHA    Schizochytrium sp.oilCrypthecodinium cohnio oil
         Extra features      OptiGro5 HMO prebiotics

Nutritional Differences

    FormulaSimilac Pro Advance  Similac 360
  Carbohydrate (g)      10.7/100 Cal      10.5/100 Cal
         Fat (g)        5.6/100 Cal       5.6/100 Cal
       Protein (g)       2.07/100 Cal    2.07/100 Cal
      Vitamin A (IU)      300/100 Cal      300/100 Cal
      Vitamin D (IU)      60/100 Cal      60/100 Cal
      Vitamin E (IU)      1.5/100 Cal      1.5/100 Cal
      Vitamin C (mg)       9/100 Cal      9/100 Cal
        Inositol (mg)      24/100 Cal      24/100 Cal
        Calcium (mg)      78/100 Cal      78/100 Cal
       Phosphorus (mg)      42/100 Cal      42/100 Cal
        Iron (mg)       1.8/100 Cal      1.8/100 Cal
        Zinc (mg)      0.75/100 Cal      0.75/100 Cal
  Manganese (mcg)       5/100 Cal       5/100 Cal
      Sodium (mg)      24/100 Cal       24/100 Cal

Price Comparison

Similac Pro Advance powder is cheaper than 360 Total Care, but its ready-to-feed version of Similac 360 is more affordable. You can check each of the Similac formula prices here on Amazon.

Read Also: Enfamil Enspire Vs Similac 360

FAQs

Can I Switch Between Similac Pro Advance and Similac 360 Total Care?

Yes. Similac Advance and 360 Total Care are of the same type (standard milk-based formula) and have the same nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. 

As a result, if you cannot find Similac Pro Advance in stores, you should buy 360 Total Care, especially the ready-to-feed version, since it is cheaper.

Is Similac 360 total care good for newborns?

In my opinion, Similac 360 Total Care is the best infant formula money can buy because it is the closest to breast milk a newborn can consume. 

My daughter loves it, and she doesn’t have any problems with it. However, since every baby is different, finding a formula that works for your child is essential. 

Do all infant formulas have FDA approval?

Once an infant formula has its manufacturing base in the United States automatically, they are under the regulation of the FDA.

One of the works of the FDA is to ensure that the production of these formulas meets the minimum requirements of certain nutrients that have been approved for all US formula brands.

Additionally, the FDA regulates Good Manufacturing Practices, Quality Control Procedures, Quality Factors, Notification Requirements, and Records to ensure that lives are not at risk.

The FDA doesn’t “approve” or “deny” food products, including infant formulas. They only regulate them by making sure that they are safe for consumption.

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Final Verdict

Hopefully, I believe the break of the similarities and differences between Similac 360 and Similac pro advance has helped answer your question on Similac pro advance vs Similac 360.

Similac pro advance and Similac 360 are almost the same and can be used interchangeably, and since they taste great, your baby will like any of them.

They are milk-based formulas with the same nutrient, vitamin, and mineral values. 

The only difference between them is that Similac 360 has 5 HMO prebiotics and if you want a baby formula with it, go for Similac 360.

However, both formulas contain a blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E for eye, brain, and cell development and can serve your little one better.

See also  Aptamil Comfort Vs Similac Total Comfort - Which one is Better?