Health bodies recommend unsweetened fortified plant-based drinks for young children who avoid dairy and urge parents to check labels and avoid 'growing-up' or 'toddler' milks that contain added sugars
The latest joint guidance from paediatricians, dentists and dietitians cautions parents against giving young children commercially produced, **sweetened plant-based milk** alternatives because of their potential to contribute to **obesity**, **tooth decay** and **malnutrition**. Clinicians report that many of these products, often promoted as healthy or specialist toddler formulas, actually contain substantial amounts of added sugars and are sometimes low in the nutrients that growing children need.
The guidance stresses that families can be misled by packaging claims and that organic labeling does not guarantee fortification with vitamins and minerals.
For caregivers who avoid dairy and for non-breastfed infants beyond the first year, the advice is to select **unsweetened, fortified plant-based drinks** — such as soya, oat or pea options — rather than sweetened versions or branded “growing-up” and “toddler” milks.
Healthcare teams are being asked to ask families which drinks are used at home and to provide clear, practical advice. The recommendations come from clinical groups that emphasise both oral health and appropriate nutrient intake during early childhood.
Why clinicians are concerned
Experts point to the unusually high levels of added sugar found in many products aimed at young children. A single large 350ml serving of a typical soya “growing-up” drink can contain up to 30g of added sugars, while an oat-based alternative can carry around 21g — figures that far exceed recommended limits. Public health guidance suggests that two- to three-year-olds should have less than 14g of added sugars per day, so these drinks can quickly push a child past safe intake. Research by a children’s health charity found that daily consumption of toddler milks was associated with an accumulation of hundreds of grams of extra added sugars per month, increasing the risk of weight gain and dental decay.
What the guidance recommends
The new statement, supported by several UK clinical organisations, urges families to pick **unsweetened, fortified plant-based drinks** and to avoid products described as **’growing-up’** or **’toddler’ milks**. The guidance also asks health professionals to proactively inquire about what children are drinking during consultations and to educate parents on label reading. Clinicians highlighted concerns that some added nutrients in plant-based drinks may not be absorbed as effectively as when present in traditional cow’s milk, meaning fortification on a label does not always equal adequate nutritional benefit in practice.
Practical label and choice tips for caregivers
When choosing a milk alternative, look closely at the ingredient list for sources of free sugars such as glucose syrup, maltodextrin, sucrose and fructose, and select products labelled **unsweetened** and **fortified** with essential micronutrients. Caregivers should be particularly mindful of key nutrients to monitor in children avoiding dairy: calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and omega-3 fatty acids. If a child tolerates cow’s milk, it remains a straightforward source of many of these nutrients; if not, a registered dietitian can advise on suitable fortified plant-based options and, where necessary, supplements to ensure balanced growth.
Industry response and calls for regulation
Industry representatives maintain that fortified plant-based products can be valuable for families who follow plant-based diets or have lactose intolerance, noting the inclusion of nutrients such as iron and vitamin D. Meanwhile, child health charities and clinicians have urged stronger oversight, saying that marketing practices and current regulatory gaps allow sweetened, expensive products to be promoted to parents of young children without adequate safeguards. There are calls for clearer rules on composition and labeling of drinks marketed for children over one year old to prevent confusion and protect health.
Conclusion and next steps for families
In short, parents and carers should be cautious about trendy, sweetened plant-based milks for young children and prioritise **unsweetened, fortified** alternatives where a non-dairy option is needed. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to discuss drink choices with families and to help interpret labels. By focusing on nutrient content rather than marketing claims, families can reduce the risk of excess sugar intake and support healthy growth and dental health in early childhood.
