Would you give your toddler a healthy protein milkshake?

I think this is a great idea for children who are under weight or have trouble eating food for whatever reason

I would be extremely hesitant to give a toddler a protein supplement given how sensitive their kidneys are. This sounds like a protein overload

I also would be hesitant about it but if the GP recommended upping protein in toddlers diet I feel like this could help as long as it's GP approved

@Adriana Thanks so much for your comment — I totally get where you’re coming from! I’m also really mindful of the fact that toddlers have developing kidneys and very different needs from adults. That’s actually why I started this journey. Little Gains™ isn’t a high-protein gym-style supplement. It’s being designed as a gentle, clean-label nutrition shake — more like a fortified milkshake than a “supplement.” Think: small amount of plant-based protein, plus added nutrients to support toddlers who are picky eaters or on restricted diets (like dairy-free or vegetarian). I’m working closely with paediatric dietitians to make sure it’s safe, suitable, and actually beneficial — with no overload, just a simple, balanced option for busy little legends. 💚 I really value feedback like yours — it’s what makes this project stronger. 🙏

Id like to add that you can get more than enough protein from a vegetarian diet/dairy free diet so it wouldn’t be useful if it’s marketed for that purpose.

If you are getting g pedatric nutrition advice that’s probably a lot better than what most people on here will know. Not sure about children but most adults can’t agree on the amount of protein adults can have so not sure if it’s the same for children

May I ask what does toddler friendly mean?

Which plant based protein that ia allergy friendly were you thinking of?

My 5yo daughter would drink all my adult protein shake if it taste chocolate . I don’t buy a Huel next to her to she will drink half 🤣

@Liv Absolutely — you’re totally right. It’s absolutely possible to meet protein needs on a vegetarian or dairy-free diet when it’s well-balanced 🌱 Little Gains™ isn’t intended to replace meals or be a shortcut — it’s designed as a gentle, supportive option for: Picky eaters who regularly skip protein-rich foods Busy parents who worry their little ones aren’t getting quite enough day-to-day Children going through restrictive phases (which, let’s be honest, is most toddlers at some point 😅) We’re working with paediatric dietitians to ensure it’s light, clean, and supportive — not excessive. Think: a convenient, nutritionally responsible top-up when real life, food refusal, or texture aversions kick in 💚 I really appreciate you sharing this — thoughtful comments like yours help keep the mission clear and grounded 🙏

@Ami Totally agree — nutrition can feel like a minefield, even for adults! There’s so much conflicting info out there, and when it comes to toddlers, it gets even more complex. That’s exactly why I’ve chosen to work with qualified paediatric dietitians from day one — I didn’t want to rely on guesswork or general adult formulas. Every decision behind Little Gains™ is being guided by experts who specialise in young children, so it’s safe, supportive, and aligned with actual needs — not trends. And you’re so right — the protein debate even for adults is full of extremes. This isn’t about maxing out numbers — it’s about creating a light, accessible option for when real-life toddler eating habits don’t quite match the textbook 📚💚 Really appreciate your comment — makes me feel like I’m building this the right way 🙏

@𝔾𝕚𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕖 Such a good question — and thank you for asking. When I say “toddler-friendly,” I mean that the product is being designed with: Age-appropriate portion sizes Gentle, safe ingredients suitable for developing tummies and kidneys Textures, flavours, and nutrients tailored to toddlers aged roughly 1–5 years And input from paediatric dietitians to ensure everything meets safe nutritional standards It’s not just about being “safe” — it’s about being something little ones will actually enjoy, that supports real-world feeding challenges (like fussiness or food refusal), and gives parents peace of mind without replacing a healthy diet. Appreciate you giving me the chance to explain that properly! 💚

@𝔾𝕚𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕖 Right now, I’m exploring: Pea protein isolate – one of the most allergy-friendly options, easy on digestion, and often used in infant-safe blends Faba bean protein – newer, super clean, and naturally low in allergens Possibly hemp or rice protein in small amounts, depending on the nutritional profile and taste But I’m avoiding: Soy – too high on the allergen list Wheat – due to gluten concerns Nuts or seeds – for obvious allergy risk Final decisions will be made in consultation with specialists to ensure it’s not just safe, but smart for toddler nutrition 💚

@Elise 😂 This is EXACTLY what inspired Little Gains™! My toddler Jake does the same — he’ll snatch my shake if it even smells like chocolate. That’s what got me thinking: “Why isn’t there a fun, clean, child-safe version that still feels like a grown-up shake — just made for them?” So that’s what I’m creating 💚 A vegan, allergen-conscious, toddler-friendly shake that looks and tastes exciting to little ones — but is carefully developed with paediatric dietitians so it’s age-appropriate and safe.

OK, I have a couple of things to add about it. *Pea protein If there is another allergen that will make it into the top list of allergens, it would be peas. Given that now it is being added to everything, more people are becoming allergic to peas. Pea protein isolate is an hyper concentrated form of protein and hence more likely to cause allergic reactions to people who can handle eating peas. Peas also crossreact with peanuts and it can cause allergic reactions to people with peanut allergy. Pea protein is by itself high in sodium due to the production process, so it is not as healthy as it appears and something to consider. *Rice protein. Rice drinks, and possibly rice concentrates or rice protein, are prohibited or discouraged for children under 5 for concerns over high levels of arsenic. However in some countries there are baby formulas made of rice. *Faba protein. I haven't heard anything bad about it, it can cause allergic reactions but not as frequently as the other ones.

Have you considered mycoprotein? It is another common source of plant protein. Now, what I like is that it is an alternative to dairy. In the market there are already powders with nutritional purposes like Pediasure or Complan, but these ones contain milk, yours would be vegan or plant based. It would be good to understand who is already buying the existing product so you can fill up the "whole in the market". Have you tried those with your toddler? If you just want to make it fun, maybe you are offering a different packaging. In the UK there is already a powder milk for toddlers made of peas, maybe you heard about it, Grow with iris. I have seen another brand in the US, too.

@𝔾𝕚𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕖 Thank you so much for such an insightful response — this kind of feedback is exactly why I wanted to start the conversation on here 💚 You’ve raised some really important considerations, especially around pea protein isolate and rice-based ingredients. I had heard about concerns around arsenic in rice and potential cross-reactions with pea protein (particularly in peanut-allergic kids), but your breakdown really helped me see the broader picture. This is exactly why I’m working with paediatric dietitians before finalising any formulation — because I want to avoid exactly the kind of risks that might not be obvious from the outside, even if ingredients look “healthy” at first glance.

@𝔾𝕚𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕖 I’m really interested now to dig deeper into: Faba bean protein as a gentler option Mycoprotein — thanks for flagging that, I hadn’t explored it but I will now! And overall sodium levels from isolated proteins — I’ll bring this up in my calls Monday You’re also spot on about existing brands like Pediasure and Complan — they’re milk-based, and often full of fillers or sugar. And yes — I’ve looked into Grow with Iris (such a clean brand!) — but I feel there’s still a gap when it comes to something that feels fun, accessible and “grown-up” like Huel — but made safe for kids. This is honestly such a helpful comment — thank you for being generous with your thoughts 🙏

@𝔾𝕚𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕖 Also, just out of curiosity — are you in the nutrition or paediatric field? You clearly know your stuff and explained it so well. I’ve learned a lot just from your message! 🙏