Infant formula, GERBER, GOOD START 2, PROTECT PLUS, powder
Whole food · Baby Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
Gerber Good Start 2 Protect Plus is a gentle, partially hydrolyzed infant formula powder designed for babies 6-12 months. It mixes into a smooth, creamy liquid with a mild, slightly sweet dairy taste. Its key nutrition highlight is the inclusion of 2'-FL HMO (human milk oligosaccharide) for immune support alongside DHA and probiotics.
Calorie split: 9% protein · 45% carbs · 46% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
Parents appreciate its gentle formula for sensitive tummies and the added immune-support ingredients, making it a trusted choice for supplementing or combo-feeding.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
As a formula, it can be costly and is a common allergen (contains milk). The sugar content (56.3g per 100g powder) is inherent to formula for energy but requires proper mixing to avoid over-concentration. Always prepare exactly as directed on the label.
Key benefits
- Contains 2'-FL HMO to support immune health
- Features partially hydrolyzed whey protein for easier digestion
- Includes DHA for brain and eye development
- Provides probiotics (B. lactis) for digestive balance
- Offers complete nutrition for the 6-12 month stage
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The '2'-FL HMO' in this formula is a prebiotic structurally identical to one of the most abundant components in human breast milk.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 2.9 g |
| Energy | 501 kcal |
| Energy | 2096 kj |
| Protein | 11.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 25.7 g |
| Ash | 4.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 56.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 56.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 956 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 10.0 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 36.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 543 mg |
| Potassium, K | 553 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 138 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 4.1 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.41 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.08 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 15.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 61.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.51 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.72 mg |
| Niacin | 5.4 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 2.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.38 mg |
| Folate, total | 77.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 77.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 131 ug |
| Choline, total | 123 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.7 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 1.7 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 457 ug |
| Retinol | 457 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 1523 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 4.5 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 4.5 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 307 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 7.7 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 41.0 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 11.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.44 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.29 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 2.3 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 1.0 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 5.8 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.0 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 9.6 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.07 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 9.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.07 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 5.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 4.4 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.50 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.15 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.07 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What does 'partially hydrolyzed' mean?
It means the whey protein has been broken down into smaller pieces, which can make it easier for some babies to digest and may reduce the risk of developing cow's milk protein allergies.
How is Good Start 2 different from Good Start 1?
Good Start 2 is formulated for babies 6-12 months and may have adjustments in nutrient levels to support the next stage of development, while Good Start 1 is for newborns to 12 months.
Can this formula be used for babies with diagnosed cow's milk allergy?
No. This is a partially hydrolyzed formula, not an extensively hydrolyzed or amino-acid-based formula. Consult a pediatrician for hypoallergenic options if a clinical allergy is present.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 5.01 kcal/g · 9% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 56.3 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.25 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.