--- title: "Enhancing children’s nutrition with the power of dairy" date: 2025-11-03 author: "Sanni Jussila" featured_image: "https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/10/3_kids_laughing_2500x1668.jpg" --- # Enhancing children’s nutrition with the power of dairy ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/10/3_kids_laughing_2500x1668.jpg)# Enhancing children’s nutrition with the power of dairy [Solutions](#solutions) [Applications](#applications) [Research](#insights) [Contact](#contact) ## 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-3s Children’s nutritional needs extend across a wide range of nutrients. Alongside high-quality protein, adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids 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. ![](https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2026/06/icon_contact_white.svg) ## Ready to take the next step? Our experts are ready to help you find the right approach for your product and market. Get in touch to start the conversation. [Contact our sales team](#contact) ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/10/2024_09_10_TK_Valio_1213.jpg) 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. [Read More about lactose free](https://www.valio.com/offering/lactose-free/) [Lactose free dairy is booming—here’s why that’s good for business](https://www.valio.com/articles/lactosefree-business-growth/) [Lactose intolerance and digestive wellness: what food manufacturers need to know](https://www.valio.com/articles/lactose-intolerance-and-digestive-wellness/) [Lactose free white paper](https://www.valio.com/events-and-publications/lactose-free-business-guide/) ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/09/boy_milkglass_2400x1600.jpg)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. [Read More about Sugar reduction](https://www.valio.com/offering/sugar-reduction/) 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. [More about protein](https://www.valio.com/offering/protein) [Why are milk products nutritionally the best source of protein?](https://www.valio.com/articles/why-milk-protein-is-the-smart-choice-for-functional-food-innovation/) [How to overcome challenges in high-protein product development with Valio](https://www.valio.com/articles/overcoming-high-protein-product-development-challenges/) [White paper: Unlock the business potential of the protein trend](https://www.valio.com/articles/whitepaper-unlock-the-business-potential-of-the-protein-trend/) ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2023/10/7675e6b3a4bc0155f70e8e773ce5d1ed.jpeg) 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. [Nestlé and Valio collaborate to make a premium product even tastier](https://www.valio.com/articles/nestle-and-valio-collaborate-to-make-a-premium-product-even-tastier/) [Premium quality infant nutrition products from state-of-the-art Lapinlahti plant](https://www.valio.com/articles/lapinlahti-infant-nutrition-plant-delivers-premium-quality/) [Organic purity you can trust: Valio’s Organic Whole Milk Powder for sensitive nutrition](https://www.valio.com/articles/valios-whole-milk-powder-for-sensitive-nutrition/) ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/10/2400x1350px_Jauheet_Mitta_27374.jpg)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. [Read more](https://www.valio.com/applications/nutritionally-tailor-made-milk-formula-for-toddlers-and-young-children/) ## 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, pro- and prebiotics or micronutrients, our solutions support healthy growth with taste and tolerability at the core. [ ![Lactose free milk.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/lactosefreemilk-768x512-1-400x267.jpg) ### Gut Comfort Family Milk Powder ](https://www.valio.com/applications/gut-comfort-family-milk-powder/) [ ![Lactose free milk.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/lactosefreemilk-768x512-1-400x267.jpg) ### Nutritionally Tailor-Made Milk Formula for Toddlers and Young Children ](https://www.valio.com/applications/nutritionally-tailor-made-milk-formula-for-toddlers-and-young-children/) [ ![Lactose free milk.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/lactosefreemilk-768x512-1-400x267.jpg) ### Tummy Friendly Milk Powder for Kids ](https://www.valio.com/applications/tummy-friendly-milk-powder-for-kids/) [ ![Lactose free milk.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/lactosefreemilk-768x512-1-400x267.jpg) ### Lactose-Free Milk ](https://www.valio.com/applications/lactose-free-milk/) [all applications and products](https://www.valio.com/product-search/?lifestages=kids) ## 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. [![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2026/03/whitepaper_mockup_infant_mfgm_cover_2026-400x336.png) Downloadable ##### White paper: MFGM is essential for children’s neurodevelopme… 2. March 2026 ](https://www.valio.com/articles/infant-mfgm-whitepaper/) [![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/08/2024_09_10_TK_Valio_0200_169-400x225.jpg) Article ##### Valio’s clinical study shows that protein-hydrolysed milk is… 15. August 2025 ](https://www.valio.com/articles/valios-clinical-study-shows-that-protein-hydrolysed-milk-is-well-tolerated-and-alleviates-gut-symptoms/) [![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/05/2024_09_10_TK_Valio_1323_compressed-400x267.jpg) Article ##### Lactose intolerance and digestive wellness: what food manufa… 17. June 2025 ](https://www.valio.com/articles/lactose-intolerance-and-digestive-wellness/) [![Boy drinking lactose free milk.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/Rectangle-2-400x298.jpg) Article ##### Lactose free dairy is booming—here’s why that’s good for bus… 20. February 2025 ](https://www.valio.com/articles/lactosefree-business-growth/) [![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn.valio.fi/mediafiles/D6D6F1AB-B74C-4420-9D7C-733AFEDF688C/800x500-large-banner-with-image) Article ##### Digestive health is a globally growing trend ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2023/09/Tuula-Hietanen-04-128x85.jpg) Tuula Hietanen 16. February 2024 ](https://www.valio.com/articles/digestive-health-is-a-globally-growing-trend/) [![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn.valio.fi/mediafiles/B40B6371-53DF-44A8-9A79-07BD90A9AE6A/800x500-large-banner-with-image) Article ##### Valio Eila® lactose free ingredients for the food and dairy … 7. October 2024 ](https://www.valio.com/articles/valio-eila-lactose-free-ingredients-for-the-food-and-dairy-industries/) ## 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. ![Sari Vahla](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2024/04/hlo_sari_vahla-300x400.jpg) #### Sari Vahla Head of sales Customised Nutrition First Name Last Name Email Company CountrySelectAfghanistanAland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmer.Virgin Is.AndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua/BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, SabaBosnia-Herz.BotswanaBouvet IslandsBrazilBrit.Ind.Oc.TerBrit.Virgin Is.Brunei Daruss.BulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCARCayman IslandsChadChileChinaChristmas IslndCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCook IslandsCosta RicaCote d’IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzech RepublicDem. Rep. CongoDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican Rep.EcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuinEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslndsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrenc.PolynesiaFrench GuayanaFrench S.TerritGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard/McDon.IslHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaosLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslndsMartiniqueMauretaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMinor Outl.Isl.MoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarN.Mariana IslndNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandsNorth KoreaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestinePanamaPap. New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairn IslndsPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRep.of CongoReunionRomaniaRussian Fed.RwandaS. Sandwich InsS.Tome,PrincipeSaint HelenaSaint MartinSamoaSamoa, AmericaSan MarinoSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSt BarthelemySt Kitts&NevisSt. LuciaSt. VincentSt.Pier,Miquel.SudanSurinameSvalbardSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTaiwanTajikistanTanzaniaThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelau IslandsTongaTrinidad,TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurksh CaicosinTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited KingdomUruguayUSAUtd.Arab Emir.UzbekistanVanuatuVatican CityVenezuelaVietnamWallis,FutunaWest SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe Message Dairy commodityInfant nutrition Email Contact Form Baby Send messageFill in all fields correctly.A technical error occurred.Thank you for your message. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.