Today, families have more options regarding the different types of milk available for them to buy. Plant-based milk has grown in popularity as more people explore alternatives that align with various dietary needs, lifestyle choices, and environmental values. But, if you’re thinking about swapping out cow’s milk for a plant-based substitute in your toddler’s diet, you should know plant-based milks may not meet the nutritional needs of young children.
In a recent study, Lomte (2025) examined what happens when cow’s milk is replaced with plant-based alternatives—such as soy, almond, or oat milk—in the diets of toddlers ages 1 to 3. The researchers found that most plant-based drinks, especially non-fortified or organic options, do not provide the same levels of essential nutrients found in cow’s milk (Lomte, 2025).
What the Study Found
The study analyzed how different plant-based drinks impacted toddlers’ intake of key nutrients. The results showed that children did not receive enough of the following nutrients:
- Calcium (important for strong bones and teeth)
- Vitamin B12 and B2 (needed for energy and brain development)
- Iodine (supports healthy thyroid and growth)
- Protein (helps build strong muscles and supports overall growth)
Why This Matters
During toddlerhood, children grow very fast. Their bodies and brains need specific nutrients every day to be healthy and thrive. If milk is removed from the diet without an adequate replacement, children may experience deficits in bone strength, brain development, overall growth, and energy levels (Matsuyama et al., 2016). Some U.S. organic-labeling standards restrict the addition of synthetic nutrients, which may influence the nutrient content of certain plant-based drinks sold in the United States (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2023). Similarly, European regulations prohibit the fortification of certified organic foods with synthetic vitamins and minerals (Lomte, 2025), which may also affect the nutrient content of imported organic products. Consequently, parents may believe they are making a healthier choice by choosing options labeled “organic,” but those labels may guide people towards diets that are deficient in important nutrients.
What Parents Can Do
If you are using or considering using plant-based milk for your toddler, you may want to do the following:
- Wait until after your child is 12 months old – In general, cow’s milk and milk alternatives should not be introduced into your child’s diet until he or she is 1 year old. However, if your child has a diagnosed allergy or special dietary need, follow your pediatrician’s guidance (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023).
- Read the label carefully – Choose a drink that is fortified, which means vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin B12, and iodine have been added to make the drink more nutritionally complete (Shoemaker, 2019).
- Consider fortified soy milk – Fortified soy beverages are currently the only plant-based milk alternative that contains the correct amount of essential vitamins and minerals to meet your child’s dairy needs. Look for versions that are unsweetened, unflavored, and fortified with calcium and vitamin D (CDC, 2023).
- Talk to your pediatrician or dietitian – This professional can help you decide if a milk alternative is suitable for your child’s dietary needs and whether additional supplements or nutritional adjustments are necessary.
Bottom Line
Plant-based milk can be part of a healthy toddler diet, but not all milks are created equally. Fortified options, especially those made for young children, may be the better choice if you want to replace cow’s milk in your child’s diet. Remember to read labels carefully and seek support from your child’s doctor so you can feel confident your toddler is getting the nutrients he or she needs to grow strong and healthy.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, August 24). Cow’s milk and milk alternatives. https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/cows-milk-and-milk-alternatives.html
Lomte, T. S. (2025, March 31). Study reveals most plant-based milks don’t meet toddlers’ nutrient needs. News Medical.net. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250331/Study-reveals-most-plant-based-milks-done28099t-meet-toddlerse28099-nutrient-needs.aspx
Matsuyama, M., Harb, T., David, M., Davies, P. S., & Hill, R. J. (2016). Effect of fortified milk on growth and nutritional status in young children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Public Health Nutrition, 20(7), 1214. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980016003189
Shoemaker, S. (2019, September 3). What is fortified milk? Benefits and uses. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fortified-milk
United States Department of Agriculture. (2023, March 31). Allowed and prohibited substances in organic foods. https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/labeling