An Expert Weighs In On Vegan Milk’s Biggest Myth: What’s Best for Children?

Parents are increasingly turning to bloggers for advice on vegan milk alternatives for their children, according to new research from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The study showed that nearly half of the most influential bloggers in this space are not qualified dieticians or medical professionals, leading to concerns about misinformation and unsupported recommendations. While soy milk and pea milk were the most recommended alternatives, homemade milks were also suggested, raising worries about nutritional deficiencies in toddlers.

Stephanie McBurnett, RDN, Nutrition Educator for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, debunked myths about dairy milk being essential for childhood development and provided insights on choosing non-dairy milk alternatives. She advised against rice milk due to high arsenic levels and recommended opting for oat, soy, and pea milk instead. McBurnett also addressed concerns about phytoestrogens in soy milk and emphasized the importance of checking labels for fortified nutrients like calcium and vitamin D in non-dairy milk selections.