3 Top Milk Alternatives For Kids And Toddlers

Whether you drink cow’s milk or not, it’s up to you to do your research and form your own opinions. Whatever you decide and for whatever reason you decide it, perhaps that decision extends to your family and now you need to come up with some milk alternatives for kids to replace cow’s milk.

Kids need essential vitamins and nutrients to keep their brains and bones growing strong, and it can feel worrisome to not give them that through traditional milk. I’ve spoken with nutritionists and pediatricians, and these are a few milk alternatives for kids and toddlers that I’ve found.

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3 Top Milk Alternatives For Kids And Toddlers

Hemp Milk

Hemp Milk is made from cannabis seeds and is full of healthy fats in addition to 10 essential amino acids, which means it’s also packed with protein. Healthy Omega-3’s and protein are crucial for growing brains, so that makes this a better option than soy or almond milk. The main downside is that it doesn’t have much calcium. This can be supplemented with a children’s vitamin. It’s also a little pricey, so that’s something to consider as well.

Pea Protein Milk

This milk alternative is relatively new to me and to the health foods market in general. It’s made with peas, which are full of protein, checking that box off for your developing tots. Actually, the amount of protein is comparable to cow’s milk. It has more calcium than some of the nut milks, and less sugar than cow’s milk. I’ve tried Ripplemilk, the pea milk brand taking the shelves by storm, and was pleasantly surprised to find the texture thick and silky.

Healthy Diet

If you think about it, the only reason kids drink milk is to get nutrients like healthy fats, protein, calcium, and essential vitamins. All of these are naturally occurring in real, whole foods. A well balanced diet will provide you with everything that you could get with milk, and anything lacking can be made up with supplemental vitamins.

Foods like avocados, coconut oil, hummus, and plain, whole fat yogurt can provide many of these and luckily, kids typically love them! I guess the complaint here is that kids can be picky eaters and don’t eat many nutrient-dense foods, so if that’s your case then this may not be the option for you.

This of course can’t replace your doctor’s advice, but I hope it guides you and adds to your list of resources on your parenting journey. For suggestions on specific brands and other milk alternatives to consider, visit this link.