Toddler milks, also called growing-up milks, are a relatively new product to the market aimed at 1-3 year olds. Their sales are growing fast – 46% of parents who had a child over one were asked by Which? if they had used them.
However, the government’s advice is that they are not necessary and in October 2013 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also published an opinion stating that these milks provide no additional value to a balanced diet.
The EFSA opinion also said their ‘scientific experts could identify “no unique role” for young-child formula in the diet of young children.’ Furthermore, while the composition of baby milk and follow-on formula is strictly regulated, toddler milks are not covered by similar composition legislation and there are no controls on how they can be promoted.