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Brand owned by Abbott (United States) · about the brand
Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula
Scored for ages 0–5 months — the pack says "up to 6 months".
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.9 ShowHide
Reviewed 7 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This infant formula is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of infants, with a composition designed to mimic breast milk, including a blend of vegetable oils and lactose as primary energy sources. However, the presence of Corn Syrup Solids as a significant carbohydrate source is a concern for infant nutrition, as it is a refined sweetener that can contribute to early exposure to added sugars. The lack of specific identification for 'Edible Vegetable Oils', 'Emulsifier', and 'Antioxidant' also raises transparency issues, making it difficult to fully assess potential sensitivities or specific health implications for a vulnerable population like infants.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Lactose
- Minerals
- Human Milk Oligosaccharide Blend
- Docosahexaenoic Acid
- Arachidonic Acid
- +8 more →
Declared allergens: Milk
Relevant if you have this allergy or intolerance.
Based on the declared ingredient list. This is a risk only to people with the allergy, not a general-population safety issue, so it does not lower the safety score.
Infant formula with refined corn syrup solids and undisclosed additives.
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This infant formula contains corn syrup solids, a refined sweetener, which is a concern for infant nutrition due to its contribution to added sugars. The product also uses generic terms like 'Edible Vegetable Oils', 'Emulsifier', and 'Antioxidant' without specific identification, which reduces transparency for parents. While it provides essential nutrients for infants, the presence of these ingredients warrants caution.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Corn Syrup Solids is declared.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for baby. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Saturated fat 13.3 g · trans fat 0.6 g per 100 g/ml
Infants under 1
LimitContains Corn Syrup Solids, a refined sweetener. While regulated for infant formula, parents concerned about early exposure to added sugars may prefer formulas with only lactose as the carbohydrate source.
Why the score is capped
Very high added sugar
Rule F-CAP-01
What's good
Contains Human Milk Oligosaccharide Blend, mimicking beneficial components of breast milk.
Fortified with essential fatty acids DHA and ARA, crucial for brain and eye development.
Includes a comprehensive blend of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients vital for infant growth.
Watch out for
Presence of Corn Syrup Solids as a significant carbohydrate source, contributing to refined sugars.
Lack of specific identification for 'Edible Vegetable Oils', 'Emulsifier', and 'Antioxidant' reduces transparency.
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is metabolised differently from glucose — fructose goes directly to the liver, where excess amounts promote fat synthesis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and insulin resistance. Regular consumption is linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; WHO
High Fructose Corn Syrup: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Corn Syrup Solids, a refined sweetener, which contributes to added sugars in infant formula. Early exposure to high levels of added sugars is linked to potential long-term health issues such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.
The ingredients 'Edible Vegetable Oils', 'Emulsifier', and 'Antioxidant' are listed generically without specific identification. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess potential allergens or specific health implications for infants.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
Brand names are regulatory designations that cannot be checked from the ingredient list.
This is the maker’s regulatory age/stage designation for the product — an ingredient list can’t confirm or deny it, so it’s classified separately rather than flagged as a doubtful claim.
This is the maker’s regulatory age/stage designation for the product — an ingredient list can’t confirm or deny it, so it’s classified separately rather than flagged as a doubtful claim.
The nutrition information states '5 HMOs* (2'-FL, LNT, 3-FL, 6'-SL, 3'-SL) 300 MG'.
The nutrition information states '5 HMOs* (2'-FL, LNT, 3-FL, 6'-SL, 3'-SL) 300 MG'.
The nutrition information states 'PHOSPHOLIPIDS 325 MG'.
The ingredients list 'Nucleotides' and the nutrition information states 'TOTAL NUCLEOTIDES 53.7 MG'.
The ingredients list 'Docosahexaenoic Acid' and the nutrition information states 'DHA 56 MG'.
The ingredients list 'Lutein' and the nutrition information states 'LUTEIN 85 MCG'.
The ingredients list 'Vitamins' and the nutrition information states 'VITAMIN E 4.1 IU' and 'VITAMIN E 2.8 MG α-TE'.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
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1.
Whole Milk PowderWHOLE MILK POWDER
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2.
LactoseLACTOSE
-
3.
Corn Syrup SolidsCORN SYRUP SOLIDS
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4.
Edible Vegetable OilsEDIBLE VEGETABLE OILS (COCONUT OIL, HIGH OLEIC SUNFLOWER OIL, SOY OIL, LOW ERUCIC RAPESEED OIL)
-
5.
Whey Protein ConcentrateWHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE
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6.
Fructo-Oligosaccharides 1.56% trace amountFRUCTO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES (FOS)
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7.
Minerals unnamedMINERALS
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8.
Human Milk Oligosaccharide BlendHUMAN MILK OLIGOSACCHARIDE BLEND (2'-FUCOSYLLACTOSE (2'-FL), LACTO-N-TETRAOSE (LNT), 3-FUCOSYLLACTOSE (3-FL), 6'-SIALYLLACTOSE (6'-SL), 3'-SIALYLLACTOSE (3'-SL))
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9.
EmulsifierEMULSIFIER (SOY LECITHIN)
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10.
Docosahexaenoic AcidDOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) FROM SCHIZOCHYTRIUM OIL
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11.
Arachidonic AcidARACHIDONIC ACID (AA) FROM M. ALPINA OIL
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12.
Choline BitartrateCHOLINE BITARTRATE
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13.
Vitamins unnamedVITAMINS
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14.
NucleotidesNUCLEOTIDES
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15.
TaurineTAURINE
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16.
Choline ChlorideCHOLINE CHLORIDE
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17.
M-InositolM-INOSITOL
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18.
AntioxidantANTIOXIDANT (MIXED TOCOPHEROLS)
-
19.
L-CarnitineL-CARNITINE
-
20.
LuteinLUTEIN
Trace amounts: some named ingredients appear in token quantities or low in the list. At these concentrations a meaningful benefit is unlikely, and their front-of-pack prominence may not reflect their level in the formulation.
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
These are major food allergens named on the ingredient list. They are a risk only to people allergic to them — not a general-population safety issue — so they do not lower the safety score. Anyone with the allergy should avoid this product, and check the pack’s own allergen statement.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
| Energy | 482 kcal |
| Protein | 13.85 g |
| Carbohydrate | 58.55 g |
| Total Sugars | 40 g |
| Added Sugars | 25 g |
| Total Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.25 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.6 g |
| Sodium | 140 mg |
| ENERGY | 2,017 KJ |
| MILK FAT | 12 G |
| MONOUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS | 4.8 G |
| POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS | 2.1 G |
| LINOLEIC ACID (OMEGA-6) | 1,680 MG |
| α-LINOLENIC ACID (OMEGA-3) | 278 MG |
| AA | 56 MG |
| DHA | 56 MG |
| PHOSPHOLIPIDS | 325 MG |
| CHOLESTEROL | 50 MG |
| ADDED SUCROSE | 0 G |
| FOS | 1.35 G |
| 5 HMOs* (2'-FL, LNT, 3-FL, 6'-SL, 3'-SL) | 300 MG |
| HMO (2'-FL) | 150 MG |
| TAURINE | 31 MG |
| INOSITOL | 32.9 MG |
| CARNITINE | 7.9 MG |
| CHOLINE | 100 MG |
| TOTAL NUCLEOTIDES | 53.7 MG |
| LUTEIN | 85 MCG |
| VITAMIN A | 1,300 IU |
| BETA CAROTENE | 272 MCG |
| VITAMIN D2 | 268 IU |
| VITAMIN E | 4.1 IU |
| VITAMIN K | 8.3 MCG |
| VITAMIN C | 30 MG |
| DIETARY FOLATE EQUIVALENT | 16.67 MCG |
| VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN) | 225 MCG |
| VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN) | 450 MCG |
| VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE) | 159 MCG |
| VITAMIN B12 | 0.44 MCG |
| NIACIN EQUIVALENT | 4.2 MG |
| PANTOTHENIC ACID | 2.2 MG |
| BIOTIN | 8.3 MCG |
| POTASSIUM | 500 MG |
| CHLORIDE | 275 MG |
| CALCIUM | 379 MG |
Nutrient colours use adult dietary reference values, which don't apply to infant formula — so the regulation-mandated breast-milk composition (sugar/lactose and fat) is shown neutral here rather than flagged as a concern. Sodium and trans fat keep their normal colour banding. The "added sugars" line on a formula panel normally counts lactose, so read it with that in mind.
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What are the ingredients in Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula?
The label of Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula lists 20 ingredients, in label order: Whole Milk Powder, Lactose, Corn Syrup Solids, Edible Vegetable Oils, Whey Protein Concentrate, Fructo-Oligosaccharides, Minerals, Human Milk Oligosaccharide Blend, Emulsifier, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Arachidonic Acid, Choline bitartrate, Vitamins, Nucleotides, Taurine, Choline Chloride, M-Inositol, Antioxidant, L-Carnitine, Lutein. Flagged by the analysis: Corn Syrup Solids.
Is Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula safe to eat?
Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula scores 3.9/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This infant formula contains corn syrup solids, a refined sweetener, which is a concern for infant nutrition due to its contribution to added sugars. The product also uses generic terms like 'Edible Vegetable Oils', 'Emulsifier', and 'Antioxidant' without specific identification, which reduces transparency for parents. While it provides essential nutrients for infants, the presence of these ingredients warrants caution.
Why does Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula score 3.9/10?
Flagged in the score: Presence of Corn Syrup Solids as a significant carbohydrate source, contributing to refined sugars. Also noted: Lack of specific identification for 'Edible Vegetable Oils', 'Emulsifier', and 'Antioxidant' reduces transparency.
Who should avoid Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Infants with corn allergies; Parents concerned about refined sugars; Milk allergy / lactose intolerance.
Is Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula suitable for babies or young children?
Infants under 1: Limit.
Does Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains milk (Whole Milk Powder, Lactose, Whey Protein Concentrate and Human Milk Oligosaccharide Blend). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula contain milk?
Yes — the ingredient list names Whole Milk Powder, Lactose, Whey Protein Concentrate and Human Milk Oligosaccharide Blend. People with milk allergy / lactose intolerance should treat it as containing milk, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Are the claims on the Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 10 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Abbott" — can't be verified from the label. "UP TO 6 MONTHS" — can't be verified from the label. "INFANT FORMULA" — can't be verified from the label.
Is Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula vegetarian?
Similac Plus Stage1 Infant Formula is marked vegetarian.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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