Infant formula, Similac, NFS
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Similac NFS is a ready-to-feed infant formula designed to be nutritionally complete for babies. It has a smooth, milky texture and a mild, slightly sweet taste that mimics the profile of breast milk. Its nutrition is carefully balanced, providing a precise blend of protein, carbohydrates, and fats to support infant growth.
Calorie split: 8% protein · 42% carbs · 49% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
Parents and caregivers love it for its convenience and reliability, offering peace of mind with a nutritionally complete, sterile option. Its consistent taste and formulation help maintain a baby's routine, especially when breastfeeding isn't possible.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary caution is that it is not suitable for infants with cow's milk protein allergy or galactosemia. For general use, the natural sugars (lactose) can contribute to tooth decay if a bottle is used as a pacifier. To counteract this, always practice good oral hygiene by wiping gums and never put a baby to bed with a bottle of formula.
Key benefits
- Provides complete nutrition for infants as a sole food source.
- Contains DHA and ARA for brain and eye development.
- Iron-fortified to prevent deficiency.
- Ready-to-feed format requires no mixing.
- Designed to be gentle on developing digestive systems.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'NFS' in the name stands for 'Not From Sterile,' a historical label that has been phased out, but the product is now manufactured to be sterile.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 87.6 g |
| Energy | 65.0 kcal |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.6 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 6.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 52.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.2 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 4.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 30.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 69.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 17.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.49 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.06 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.4 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 5.9 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.10 mg |
| Niacin | 0.69 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folate, total | 10.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 10.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 17.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 15.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.16 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.16 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) | 0.72 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.72 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 5.3 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.5 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.33 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.19 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.44 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.17 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.25 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.11 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.1 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.1 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.80 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.71 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.08 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 | 2.0 mg |
FAQ
What does NFS mean on Similac formula?
Historically, 'NFS' stood for 'Not From Sterile,' indicating the product was not sterile and required refrigeration. Modern Similac ready-to-feed formulas are now sterile, and the label has been updated.
Can I warm Similac NFS in the microwave?
No, you should never microwave infant formula or breast milk. Microwaving creates dangerous hot spots that can burn a baby's mouth. Instead, place the bottle in a bowl of warm water or use a bottle warmer.
How long is an opened bottle of Similac NFS good for?
Once opened, a bottle of ready-to-feed formula should be used within 48 hours if refrigerated. Any formula left in the bottle after a feeding should be discarded within one hour.
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 · 8% 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: 0.25 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.