Experts recommend that children 5 years to 18 years old should primarily consume water and plain pasteurized milk, according to public health recommendations released today. These guidelines, developed by leading organizations in collaboration with Healthy Eating Research, highlight the need for beverage innovation to meet the evolving needs of children.
The recommendations, which build on a previous guidance for children under 5 years old, were developed after considering the latest scientific evidence and expert opinion. The top two recommended beverages for children were found to be water and milk, due to their importance in hydration and providing essential nutrients.
However, the recommendation for plain water also highlights the need for innovation in creating flavors that will not impact the pH levels of beverages. Flavored waters, even if unsweetened, can harm children’s oral health by changing the pH level of the water and increasing the risk of cavities.
The guidelines also suggest limiting 100% juice, plant-based milk alternatives, and flavored milk due to added sugar and unnecessary calories. To help children and caregivers follow these recommendations, beverage manufacturers could innovate around packaging sizes that align with the recommended serving sizes for different age groups.
Plant-based milk alternatives were also recommended to be limited as a replacement for cow’s milk, as evidence suggests they are not nutritionally equivalent. Flavored milk, which can contain as much added sugar as a can of soda, should be a last resort and unsweetened alternatives like yogurt or cheese should be offered instead.
Finally, the recommendations urge caregivers to avoid giving children under 18 years old beverages with caffeine, sugar-sweetened beverages, and those with non-sugar sweeteners. These guidelines were made to reduce unnecessary calories and potential negative side-effects, such as poor sleep quality and increased risk of chronic diseases.
In conclusion, the recommendations for children’s beverage consumption highlight the need for innovation, renovation, and enhanced communication from beverage manufacturers. By meeting the evolving needs of children, companies can gain a competitive edge and contribute to the overall health of our future generations.
Source: https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2025/01/29/experts-recommend-children-mostly-drink-water-and-plain-milk/