Why Does Baby Formula Smell So Bad?

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Have you ever wondered why baby formula smell so bad? Its not just you baby formula has a distinct, unpleasant smell that many people cant stand.

But, what causes the bad smell? There are a few different factors that contribute to it, but the main reason is the types of ingredients used and the manufacturing process.

In this post, Ill talk about why baby formula smells so bad and if theres anything you can do about it.

Why Does Formula Stink?

If you have ever opened a can of baby formula, you know that it has a distinct smell. Some people say it smells like metal, while others say it smells sweet and some often mistake its smell and think that it has gone bad. 

Most of the formula brands out there usually tend to have a bad smell because of the vitamins and minerals used to make it. Baby formula is created to have almost the same nutritional value as breast milk, so it is necessary to use these vitamins and minerals.

The smell of formula is often different from brand to brand and the ingredients it’s made with. It can either smell like metal, fish, cheese or even iron. Plus, it could smell sour.

Also Read: Can babies have whipping cream?

If your babys formula smells sour, like a bit acidic, theres a good chance that it’s bad and it’s best that you throw it out.

Why Does Similac Formula Smell Sour?

It is normal for the Similac formula to smell bad but it is not normal for it to smell sour. If it has a sour odor or if it smells different, it might be an indication that the formula is getting spoiled. If that is the case,  you will also notice that the ingredients separate.

Why Does Nutramigen Smell So Bad?

Nutramigen baby formula is made with a special blend of vitamins, minerals and proteins that are easily digested by infants. However, just like most other formulas, these proteins can also cause it to smell bad. Additionally, Nutramigen is hypoallergenic (which means it has been hydrolyzed) and these types of formula tend to smell a lot more than others.

What Does Spoiled Formula Smell Like?

It is very likely that you are familiar with the smell of your babys formula as you smell it all the time. And if the formula smells different than it was before, it means that your formula is spoiled.

What Does Spoiled Formula Smell Like

On a can of spoiled formula, you might even see the ingredients having different consistencies separately. 

Same goes for powdered formula, the spoiled smell can be easily noticed and the powder will break down and separate

Remember, most of these formulas should be used within a month after opening them!

Which Formula Smells the Best?

Most of the baby formulas stink but there are some that smell better than rest. 

One of these better smelling ones is Earths Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula. This formula is one of the best organic formulas out there and the price is also cheaper compared with other organic baby formulas. Plus, most parents like the packaging (easy pull seal under its lid) of this formula! 

However this formula is only available as powder.

Which Formula Smells the Best

And for more formulas that smell better, parents seem to favor brands such as Similac sensitive as they do not smell as strong as compared to other brands.

Also read: Peakaboo Vs Sneak Peak

FAQs

Does Enfamil Gentlease Smell Bad?

Enfamil Gentlease does smell bad and most parents complain that it smells like rotten milk and even tastes worse that they almost threw up! However it is only common that it smells so bad as the rest of other brands.

Why Does Baby Formula Smell Like Cheese?

Baby formula tastes like cheese due to ingredients that make the formula lactose-free and hypoallergenic. Not all brands would smell like cheese.

Why Does Baby Formula Smell Like Metal?

Baby formula smells like metal mostly because of the iron and other vitamins & minerals present in the formula.

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