Enhancing children’s nutrition with the power of dairy
Dairy-based nutrition solutions for children
Early childhood is a critical window for growth and development – not only physically, but also for cognitive, immune, and emotional wellbeing. Valio’s ingredient solutions help manufacturers create nutritious, enjoyable products that support children from three years and up. From digestive wellness and high-quality protein to nutrients that aid learning, immunity, and energy, our portfolio provides the building blocks for balanced, everyday nutrition in child-friendly dairy formats.
Specific nutritional needs in childhood
In comparison to a 70 kg adult, young children need higher amounts of several nutrients per kilogram of body weight, including:
3×
more calcium
2.6×
more iron
3.4×
more vitamin D
3.4×
more omega-3
Children’s nutritional needs extend across a wide range of nutrients. Alongside high-quality protein, adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, iron, and omega-3s is essential to support bone growth, immune development, and cognitive function during this intensive growth stage.
Dairy helps provide essential nutrients for children’s growth and development, while supporting the shift toward a balanced family diet. Together, these nutrients help children build strong foundations for lifelong health.
Digestive wellness
Gentle dairy nutrition for digestive comfort in children
Digestive wellness is a growing priority in childhood nutrition. Even in regions where lactose intolerance is less common, dairy products perceived as easier to digest are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers.
Valio’s Eila® lactose free specialty milk powders offer solutions that support well-tolerated, appealing dairy formats. Eila® Sweet is enzymatically treated, while Eila® PRO combines enzymatic treatment with ultrafiltration for a fresh milk taste and reduced sugar content. Both are lactose free, contain no added sugars, and are well-suited for developing digestive wellness dairy products for children.
Sugar reduction
Reducing sugar in children’s dairy without sacrificing taste
As childhood obesity and sugar consumption remain in the spotlight, many parents are actively seeking healthier food options for their children. But taste remains non-negotiable. That’s why Valio supports sugar reduction strategies that maintain great flavour while improving nutritional value.
Using lactose free dairy ingredients with natural milk sweetness, our formulations allow for reduced or no added sugar without sacrificing taste or texture. This makes compliance with evolving regulations, and parent expectations, much easier for product developers.
Protein
Protein for healthy childhood growth and development
Optimal protein intake is a cornerstone of child nutrition, supporting growth, immunity, and muscle development during the important years after age three. High-quality milk protein provides essential amino acids in a form that’s familiar, safe, and highly digestible, making it a valuable part of a balanced diet.
Valio’s milk protein ingredients, including Eila® PRO lactose free powders, contribute to complete nutritional value while supporting smooth textures and enjoyable taste. Combined with other key nutrients, they help brands create child-friendly dairy products that deliver both function and flavour.
Why Valio?
Why choose Valio for children’s dairy-based nutrition solutions?
We bring together over 100 years of dairy science with a deep understanding of children’s nutritional needs and sensory preferences. Our protein and digestive wellness solutions are backed by research, trusted in international markets, and crafted to deliver business results.
With Valio, you get end-to-end partnership, from ingredients and formulation to regulatory support and OEM delivery, all based on traceable, non-GMO milk from Finnish farms.
Family applications
Tailored dairy-based nutrition concepts for growing children
Valio’s milk powder concepts for children are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of early growth. From bone development and immunity to brain function and digestive wellness, these solutions combine essential nutrients with natural taste, all tailored for young children aged 3 and up.
Functional dairy ingredients for child-friendly nutrition
Valio’s ingredients offer a versatile foundation for formulating nutritious, child-appropriate dairy products, from milk powders and yoghurts to drinkables and snack formats. With protein-enriched dairy, lactose reduction, and added fibres, prebiotics or micronutrients, our solutions support healthy growth with taste and tolerability at the core.
Research in children’s dairy nutrition
Discover the research and insights behind our children’s dairy innovations, from protein needs in early development to market data on sugar-reduced trends.
White paper: MFGM is essential for children’s neurodevelopme…
Valio’s clinical study shows that protein-hydrolysed milk is…
Lactose intolerance and digestive wellness
Lactose free dairy is booming—here’s why that’s good for bus…
Digestive health is a globally growing trend
Tuula Hietanen
Valio Eila® lactose free ingredients for the food and dairy …
Let’s develop dairy nutrition children love – and parents trust
Valio’s experts are here to support your next product in the children’s nutrition space. Whether you’re formulating from scratch or expanding a line, we’ll help you deliver solutions that are scientifically sound, commercially strong, and ready for market.
