Addressing the growing gap in children’s nutrition: the need for more inclusive options – NP NEWS

The children’s nutrition market is facing a pressing issue: while dietary needs and preferences are becoming more diverse, suitable options for young children are still limited. In the UK, 8% of babies and toddlers have food allergies, and it’s estimated that another 8% follow plant-based diets.

As both a parent and industry professional, I have seen the difficulties families face when dealing with dietary restrictions. When my daughter Iris was diagnosed with several food allergies, including dairy, soya, gluten, eggs, and nuts, finding an appropriate fortified milk alternative was a constant struggle. Prescription alternatives were often unappetizing, and importing products from abroad was costly and impractical.

There’s a clear disconnect in the market. Despite 2-3% of UK children having cow’s milk allergies, the formula and growing-up drink market is still heavily focused on dairy. For these families, and those opting for plant-based diets, finding alternatives is often a frustrating experience.

This problem comes at a time when UK spending on plant-based food has surged by 250% between 2021 and 2022, especially among younger generations. About 25% of Gen Z and millennials—today’s and tomorrow’s parents—are following plant-based diets. This shift, alongside increasing allergy rates, highlights the urgent need for innovation in children’s nutrition.

The healthcare system is also feeling the strain. Children aged 0-4 have the highest rates of allergic reactions, emphasizing the need for better solutions. When suitable products are scarce, families might resort to less appropriate alternatives (i.e. plant milk alternatives for adults which have far less fortification), potentially compromising children’s health.

The industry’s response has been slow. While the adult market offers a wide variety of dairy-free and allergen-free options, the children’s sector has been more restricted, particularly due to tight regulations on infant formula. These regulations limit innovation, with most products for infants requiring prescriptions, leaving limited choices and a significant market gap.

To address these challenges, we need a shift in the way we approach children’s nutrition. Future products must be designed with inclusivity in mind, addressing allergies, dietary preferences, and sustainability from the beginning. This requires investing in research to create products that are safe, nutritious, affordable and environmentally responsible.

Collaborating with experts in paediatrics, dietetics, food science, and regulations has shown that it’s possible to create alternatives that meet the needs of children on restricted diets. The technology exists to make these products both nutritious and enjoyable.

The industry must embrace innovation while maintaining safety and nutritional standards. The message is clear: children’s nutrition needs to be more inclusive. Whether driven by medical necessity or personal choice, families deserve products that meet their children’s nutritional needs without compromise.

The demand is there—who will meet it?

By Amy Langfield, co-founder and CEO of Grow With Iris. Find out more about Grow With Iris here.