Infant formula, Gerber, NFS
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Gerber's NFS (Not From Source) infant formula is a precision-engineered, milk-based liquid designed to replicate the nutritional profile of breast milk for infants. It has a mild, slightly sweet, milky flavor with a smooth, watery consistency that is easy for babies to digest. Nutritionally, it is a balanced source of energy, providing 65 kcal per 100g with a careful ratio of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Calorie split: 9% protein · 45% carbs · 46% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
Parents and caregivers rely on it for its nutritional completeness and the peace of mind it offers, knowing their infant's growth needs are met. Its mild taste is generally well-accepted by babies, and its ready-to-feed format is a lifesaver for nighttime feeds or on-the-go convenience.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
As a processed formula, it lacks the live antibodies and dynamic composition of breast milk. Some infants may experience digestive sensitivity to the specific protein blend (whey/casein) or added nutrients. To counteract this, ensure proper preparation with clean water, follow feeding guidelines strictly to avoid overfeeding, and consult a pediatrician if signs of intolerance (like excessive gas or rash) appear.
Key benefits
- Provides complete nutrition for infants when breast milk is unavailable
- Contains DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
- Fortified with iron to prevent deficiency
- Lactose as the primary carbohydrate mimics breast milk
- Convenient and safe for consistent feeding
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'NFS' designation stands for 'Not From Source,' indicating it's a standardized, shelf-stable product not directly derived from a single farm's milk batch, allowing for consistent nutritional composition worldwide.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 87.4 g |
| Energy | 65.0 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 7.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 50.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.0 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 5.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 29.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 72.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 20.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.54 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 6.8 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.06 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.08 mg |
| Niacin | 0.73 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.05 mg |
| Folate, total | 10.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 10.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 17.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 15.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.21 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.21 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 59.0 ug |
| Retinol | 59.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.67 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.67 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 5.4 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.4 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.30 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.13 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.74 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.13 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.2 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.2 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.68 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.57 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 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) | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What does 'NFS' mean on the Gerber formula label?
NFS stands for 'Not From Source.' It signifies that the formula is a standardized, manufactured product designed to have a consistent nutritional profile, rather than being a direct, unprocessed derivative from a single raw material source.
Is this formula suitable for infants with cow's milk allergy?
No. Gerber NFS is typically milk-based and contains cow's milk proteins. Infants with a diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy require specialized hypoallergenic or amino acid-based formulas, which should be selected under a pediatrician's guidance.
How does the nutrition compare to breast milk?
It is designed to closely mimic the macronutrient profile of mature human breast milk, providing similar calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates. However, breast milk contains live immune factors and has a composition that dynamically changes to meet a baby's needs, which formula cannot replicate.
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 0.65 kcal/g · 9% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 6.9 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: 0.28 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.