Toddler formula, Similac Go and Grow
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Similac Go and Grow is a toddler milk-based nutritional drink designed to bridge the gap between infant formula and regular milk. It has a smooth, creamy, and mildly sweet taste, similar to a rich, vanilla-flavored milkshake. Nutritionally, it's a calorie-dense source of protein and fats to support active growth and brain development.
Calorie split: 12% protein · 40% carbs · 48% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
Parents love it for its role as a reliable nutritional safety net for picky eaters or during growth spurts. Its familiar, sweet taste is generally well-accepted by toddlers, making it an easy way to supplement their diet.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is its sugar content (5.87g per 100g), which can contribute to dental cavities or a preference for overly sweet foods. To counteract this, always serve it with a meal or snack, offer water to rinse teeth afterward, and never put a toddler to bed with a bottle of it.
Key benefits
- Provides 22 key nutrients for toddler growth
- Contains DHA for brain and eye development
- Offers a convenient, balanced nutritional boost
- Easy-to-digest protein blend
- Fortified with iron and calcium
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'Go and Grow' line is specifically formulated for children aged 12-24 months, a critical period where brain development reaches about 80% of its adult volume.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 88.9 g |
| Energy | 58.0 kcal |
| Protein | 1.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 5.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 112 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.1 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 5.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 75.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 86.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 17.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.43 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 6.9 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.06 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.09 mg |
| Niacin | 0.60 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folate, total | 9.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 9.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 15.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 9.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.17 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.17 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 52.0 ug |
| Retinol | 52.0 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) | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.90 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 4.6 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.3 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.27 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.13 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.67 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.13 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.1 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 | 0.60 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.52 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.05 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
How does it differ from whole milk?
It's fortified with a specific blend of 22 vitamins and minerals, including higher levels of iron, vitamin E, and DHA, which are critical for toddler development but may be lower in regular milk.
Can I mix it with regular milk?
Yes, you can mix it with whole milk to gradually transition or to increase the nutritional density of a glass of milk, following package instructions for proper preparation.
Is it suitable for children with lactose intolerance?
No, it is a milk-based formula and contains lactose. Children with diagnosed lactose intolerance or cow's milk protein allergy should use a specialized formula as directed by a pediatrician.
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 0.58 kcal/g · 12% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 5.9 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: 0.20 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.