Toddler formula, Gerber Good Start, Stage 3
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Gerber Good Start Stage 3 is a liquid toddler formula designed for active little ones, offering a smooth, milk-like consistency with a mild, slightly sweet dairy taste. It's nutritionally tailored to support growth with a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats, but notably contains no fiber.
Calorie split: 11% protein · 41% carbs · 48% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
Parents appreciate it as a familiar, trusted brand that provides a reliable nutritional safety net for picky eaters or during transitions. Its mild flavor is generally well-accepted by toddlers, making it an easy supplement to their diet.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The 6.42g of sugar per 100g can contribute to a preference for sweet tastes and potential blood-sugar spikes if consumed in excess. It is a dairy-based product, so it is unsuitable for children with cow's milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance. Tip: Serve in controlled portions alongside meals with protein and fat to blunt sugar impact, and consult a pediatrician for suitable alternatives if allergies are a concern.
Key benefits
- Provides 1.72g protein per 100g for muscle and tissue growth.
- Contains 6.43g carbohydrates for active toddler energy needs.
- Includes 3.32g fat for brain development and calorie density.
- Offers a convenient, ready-to-drink or easy-to-mix nutrition source.
- Formulated with iron and other essential vitamins and minerals.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Stage 3 formulas like this one often have a higher calorie and nutrient density per ounce than whole cow's milk, specifically engineered to meet the elevated metabolic demands of toddlers on the move.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 88.0 g |
| Energy | 62.0 kcal |
| Protein | 1.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 6.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 6.4 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 121 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.1 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 5.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 80.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 86.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 21.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.55 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.4 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 7.4 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.06 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.09 mg |
| Niacin | 0.63 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folate, total | 10.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 10.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 16.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 12.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.18 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.18 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 56.0 ug |
| Retinol | 56.0 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) | 0.88 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.88 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.90 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 | 1.4 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.29 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.13 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.71 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.13 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.2 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.1 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.62 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.53 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.01 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
How is Stage 3 formula different from Stage 2?
Stage 3 is typically for toddlers 12+ months and is often higher in calories, fat, and certain nutrients to support increased activity and growth, sometimes with a different protein ratio or added ingredients like DHA.
Can I use this formula in cooking or baking?
Yes, it can be used as a liquid substitute in recipes like pancakes, muffins, or smoothies to add nutrients, though it may impart a slightly sweeter taste than regular milk.
Is the sugar content a concern?
The sugar includes naturally occurring lactose from milk. While the amount is standard for formula, it's important to account for it within your child's total daily sugar intake and prioritize whole foods.
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 0.62 kcal/g · 11% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 6.4 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: 0.24 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.