Almond milk is a derivative of powdered or pasted almonds. This paste or powder is combined with water and then strained to obtain milky white, nutty-flavored liquid (1). Almond milk for babies is a good alternative for infants who are allergic or intolerant to animal milk. This milk is commercially available in different variants but with added ingredients such as micronutrients (calcium and vitamin D), thickening, sweetening, and flavoring agents, and preservatives. Most people use almond milk as a substitute for animal milk in preparing sweets and savories. But you may wonder if almond milk is safe for a baby? Read this post to explore the nutritional value of almond milk compared to cow’s milk. Also included in this post are a few healthy almond milk recipes for toddlers.
Can Babies And Toddlers Consume Almond Milk?
Babies older than 12 months should drink fortified or whole cow milk (2). However, you may serve fortified almond milk to your toddler as a beverage, not as an alternative to dairy milk. Generally, almond milk is not recommended as a replacement for breast milk and dairy milk for children below 24 months of age (3). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), plant-based milk, such as almond milk, may lack essential nutrients, such as vitamin D, protein, and calcium. Except for soy milk, the academy does not recommend plant-based milk as a replacement for dairy milk (4). The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for babies up to the first six months (5). Breastfeeding, along with solid food, should continue for at least 12 months. If breastfeeding is not possible, fortified infant formula is advised (6) (7). If the baby has a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, a hypoallergeniciXLess likely to cause an allergic reaction. , soy-based formula is recommended (8). Vegan parents and parents with children who have dairy milk intolerancesiXCondition causing digestive symptoms after consuming food containing milk proteins without immune system involvement. should speak to a pediatrician before picking a suitable alternative to dairy milk (9).
Nutritional Value Of Almond Milk vis-a-vis Cow Milk
Almond milk contains less energy, protein, fat, and vitamin D per 100 grams than cow milk and soy milk (10). Even when fortified, almond milk has less protein, fat, and vitamin D than whole cow milk (11). Therefore, it is not recommended for children with protein-energy malnutrition, vitamin D deficiency and those at risk. Therefore, experts recommend using whole cow milk while weaning a toddler since it can provide an optimum amount of protein and fat. However, you may serve almond milk to the toddler as a beverage or as part of food preparations.
Are There Any Health Benefits Of Almond Milk For Toddlers?
Unsweetened, fortified almond milk served as part of a well-balanced diet may offer the benefits of almonds to the toddler. For instance, almonds have high amounts of MUFA (mono-unsaturated fatty acids) and essential nutrients, such as potassium, zinc, manganese, and vitamin-E (1) (12). Almond milk could be a source of these nutrients for toddlers. Almond milk also contains bioactive compounds that could impart health-benefiting properties, such as immunostimulationiXStimulation of the immune system upon exposure to xenobiotics (chemical substances foreign to the body) and pathogens. , over time. Additionally, whole almonds can be a choking hazard for toddlers (13), and almond milk could be a safer alternative if your toddler desires to eat almonds.
What Are The Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives?
If almond milk isn’t an option for your toddler, you may consider other plant-based milk, such as rice, oats, hemp, coconut, soy, and hazelnut milk. Consult a pediatrician or registered dietitian/nutritionist before choosing a non-dairy milk alternative. They can help you select the right plant-based milk after considering your toddler’s age, health, and dietary needs.
Precautions To Take While Using Almond Milk For Toddlers
In the next section, we share some simple and healthy almond milk recipes you can try for your toddler.
Almond Milk Recipes For Toddlers
If your doctor gives you a nod of approval, you may consider trying the following nutritious almond milk recipes for your toddler.
1. Almond milk yogurt
You will need:
2½ cups water 1 cup almonds (blanched) 1 pack non-dairy starter culture
How to prepare:
2. Almond milk smoothie
Image: Shutterstock You will need:
1 cup almond milk ¼ cup spinach (chopped) ½ frozen banana ¼ avocado (diced) 1tsp fig puree
How to prepare:
3. Creamy almond avocado dip
You will need:
½ cup almond milk 1 ripe avocado (diced) 1 garlic clove (minced) ⅛ tsp sea salt ⅛ tsp black pepper powder
How to prepare:
