A Guide to Similac Go & Grow vs. Else Toddler Nutrition
Updated April 23, 2024.
Deciding on the best toddler milk for your child’s development can be challenging. ‘Similac Go and Grow’ offers tailored nutrition for toddlers aged 12 to 36 months, but how does it stand up against competitors like ‘Else Toddler Nutrition’? This guide provides an unbiased look at these products, focusing on what truly matters for your toddler’s health and well-being, including immune support and essential nutrients, without overwhelming details.

Introduction to Similac Go & Grow Products
In the realm of toddler nutrition, few names resonate as profoundly as Similac Go & Grow. With options crafted to cater to various nutritional requirements and preferences, the series stands out as a beacon for growth and development. Here are the best options from the Similac Go & Grow series as well as Else Nutrition, as a real viable dairy-free, clean label alternative to Similac Go and Grow:
Best for immune support: Go & Grow by Similac® Step 3
Best for overall toddler nutritional needs: Go & Grow by Similac®
Best for plant-based nutrition: Else Toddler Nutrition
Detailed Review of Go & Grow by Similac® Step 3 - The Best for Immune Support
Pros:
Contains 2’-FL for immune support
Blend of five human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) prebiotics for digestive health
28 essential nutrients for growth and development
Additionally, this product includes ascorbic acid among its 28 essential nutrients, highlighting its role in supporting the infant's growth and development alongside other vital vitamins and nutrients.
Cons:
Specific for toddlers 12-36 months, not suitable for younger babies
May not be suitable for children with certain allergies
As a parent, finding a nutritional drink that enhances your toddler’s immune system is crucial. Focus on Go & Grow by Similac® Step 3, a product that excels with its novel immune support features.
The presence of 2’-FL, a valuable component also present in human milk, is the cornerstone of this robust formulation. This prebiotic powerhouse feeds the good bacteria in the gut, creating a fortress against harmful pathogens and nurturing the developing immune system.
Moreover, the inclusion of an exclusive blend of DHA, lutein, vitamin E, and folic acid ensures that your little one’s growth and development are supported holistically, providing a solid foundation for a healthy future. Bear in mind, this formula is intended for toddlers aged 12-36 months, restricting its use for younger babies. Also, it’s always necessary to evaluate possible allergies when introducing any dietary product.

Comprehensive Analysis of Go & Grow by Similac® - Perfect for Toddlers' Nutritional Needs

Pros:
Enriched with DHA, lutein, and vitamin E
Free from artificial growth hormones and GMOs
Eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits
Cons:
May not cater to specific dietary sensitivities as well as specialized formulas
Limited to toddlers aged 12-36 months
Go & Grow by Similac® is a top contender when addressing the comprehensive nutritional needs of toddlers, complementing the toddler's diet with essential nutrients like DHA, lutein, and vitamin E.
This Similac toddler nutritional drink is designed to be an integral part of a toddler's diet, offering a proprietary blend of nutrients crucial for brain and eye development while being easy to digest for toddlers with lactose sensitivity. The commitment to purity is evident, as the series prides itself on being free from artificial growth hormones and GMOs, an assurance for health-conscious parents.
Designed to support toddlers in the critical 12-36 month age range, Go & Grow by Similac® stands as a versatile option. It offers the following benefits:
Aids in immune function and brain development
Contributes to digestive health with its blend of HMO prebiotics
Available for purchase with SNAP benefits, enhancing its accessibility to families from various socio-economic backgrounds
However, for those with specific dietary sensitivities, specialized formulas may be more appropriate.
A Look at Else Toddler Nutrition - The Best Plant-Based & Dairy-Free Nutrition Option, as an Alternative to Similac Go and Grow

Pros:
Provides a clean-label, plant-based formula with coconut oil, soy oil, and high oleic safflower oil, free from dairy and gluten, except for the inclusion of soy lecithin. Made with over 80% real, wholefood ingredients.
Rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
Cons:
Contains almonds, which may not be suitable for children with nut allergies. Not an issue for those without almond allergy.
Finding a nutritional drink that adheres to plant-based principles while meeting a growing child’s nutritional needs can be difficult. Else Nutrition rises to this challenge, offering a toddler formula that celebrates the power of plant-based ingredients like almonds, buckwheat, and tapioca. This exclusive blend delivers a nutrient-rich profile, ensuring that children receive the essentials for growth and development.
Endorsed by pediatricians and revered by parents, Else Nutrition has clinched the Clean Label Project Purity Award, signifying its commitment to quality and purity. The toddler formula’s enrichment with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids is a testament to its suitability for brain development.

Examination of Else Nutrition - Ideal for Balanced Diet

Pros:
Clean-label formula with a short list of recognizable ingredients, including magnesium chloride
Includes essential macronutrients and micronutrients, such as calcium carbonate
Well-suited for non-dairy diets
Cons:
Slightly higher priced Organic version, but for those seeking a lower price point, you can try Else Toddler Omega, loaded with Omega 3 & Omega 6 Fatty Acids.
Else Nutrition offers a compelling option for families keen on integrating a balanced, non-dairy diet into their children’s nutrition. With a clean-label formula that boasts a short and recognizable list of ingredients, Else Nutrition assures parents of its commitment to natural, essential nutrients without artificial substances. The inclusion of almonds, buckwheat, and tapioca provides a balanced profile of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
User reviews often highlight Else Nutrition’s nutritional adequacy and its ability to cater to different dietary needs, making it a versatile choice for many households.
This makes it an appealing option for those seeking a balanced diet for their children, especially for those with specific dietary preferences or restrictions. However, it’s important to evaluate if it fulfills each toddler’s unique nutritional needs.
Selecting the Best Similac Go & Grow Product for Your Needs
Choosing the right toddler nutritional drink for your little one is more than just a matter of brand preference. It encompasses considerations around dietary restrictions, nutritional content, and, importantly, the age appropriateness of the product.

Understanding Nutritional Content
The nutritional content of toddler drinks is a cornerstone of your child’s development. Similac Go & Grow products shine with their unique blend of DHA, lutein, and natural vitamin E, which play a pivotal role in brain and eye health.
Comprehending the importance of these nutrients, particularly DHA for brain and eye development, is key when choosing the most suitable product for your toddler.
Considering Dietary Restrictions
For those concerned with dietary restrictions, it’s reassuring that options like Go & Grow by Similac Step 3 and 360 Total Care are made with non-GMO ingredients and are devoid of artificial growth hormones, aligning with health-conscious caregiver’s preferences.
Such considerations ensure that you can introduce new foods to your toddler’s diet with confidence, knowing that their sensitive tummies are taken into account.
Age Appropriateness
Your toddler’s age plays a significant role in selecting a suitable nutritional drink. Products like Go & Grow by Similac Step 3 and Similac’s Go & Grow 360 Total Care are specifically formulated to cater to the developmental needs of toddlers between 12 to 36 months. This age specificity ensures that your toddler receives the right balance of nutrients during this crucial stage of growth, making them ideal grow toddler drinks.
Summary
As we wrap up this comprehensive guide, it’s clear that whether you choose Similac Go & Grow or Else Nutrition, the ultimate goal is to support the growth and development of your toddler with the best nutrition possible. We’ve traversed the landscape of immune support, plant-based options, and tailored nutritional content, all designed to meet the unique needs of your child.
Take a moment to reflect on the insights shared and consider the benefits and limitations of each product. Let this knowledge be the catalyst in making a nourishing choice, one that will foster your toddler’s health and happiness for years to come.

Why Might You opt for Else Toddler Nutrition over Similac Go and Grow
Else Toddler Nutrition and Similac Go & Grow are both popular options for toddlers, but they have distinct differences that may influence a parent's decision.
Ingredients: Else Toddler Nutrition distinguishes itself by offering a clean label, whole food-based formula. It's made from almonds, buckwheat, and tapioca, providing essential nutrients without added sugars or artificial ingredients. In contrast, Similac Go & Grow contains ingredients like corn syrup solids and maltodextrin, which are common in many conventional formulas but may not align with some parents' preferences for natural, whole foods.
Nutritional Profile: Else Nutrition focuses on providing a balanced nutritional profile that mirrors the natural composition of breast milk, with a particular emphasis on healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Similac Go & Grow offers similar nutrients, but may contain higher levels of added sugars and processed ingredients.
Digestibility: Some parents may prefer Else Nutrition for its hypoallergenic formula, which is free from dairy, soy, and gluten. This can be beneficial for toddlers with food sensitivities or allergies. Similac Go & Grow contains dairy-based ingredients, which may not be suitable for children with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Philosophy: Else Nutrition is committed to providing plant-based alternatives that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. For eco-conscious parents, this may be a compelling reason to choose Else over conventional formulas like Similac Go & Grow.

Overall, someone might opt for Else Nutrition over Similac Go & Grow if they prioritize clean, whole food-based ingredients, a balanced nutritional profile, hypoallergenic options, and a commitment to sustainability. Else offers a unique approach to toddler nutrition that resonates with parents seeking a healthier, more natural alternative for their child's growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Go & Grow by Similac Step 3 suitable for infants younger than 12 months?
No, Go & Grow by Similac Step 3 is specifically tailored for toddlers aged 12-36 months and may not be suitable for infants younger than 12 months.
Are Similac Go & Grow products non-GMO and free from artificial growth hormones?
Yes, Similac Go & Grow products are made with non-GMO ingredients and are free from artificial growth hormones.
Can Else Nutrition's toddler formula be used for children with dairy or soy allergies?
Yes, Else Nutrition's toddler formula is suitable for children with cow's milk protein allergies or soy sensitivities because it is vegan and dairy-free.

How do I know if a toddler nutritional drink is age-appropriate for my child?
Consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations and choose products specifically formulated for toddlers 12-36 months old for an age-appropriate nutritional drink.
The content and advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice for specific medical conditions. Always consult a pediatrician to understand the individual needs of your child. The article expresses the views of the brand editor.