Dairy-Free Yoghurt For Babies
Let's talk dairy-free yoghurts.
Off the back of the article we recently posted on the best yoghurt pouches we have been asked “what about dairy free options?"
We know that many bubs and toddlers suffer from CMPA (Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy) and it can be tricky to know what options are suitable.
Even if a dairy free yoghurt looks similar, are they nutritionally the same?
So, what is on offer?
When it comes to dairy free pouches there aren’t many on the market. In fact, as this is written there is currently only one we have found at major supermarkets:
Cocobella Coconut Yoghurt Pouches (often found at Woolies)
Yep - that is it. There have been a couple of others that have come and gone in the last few years, including a soy yoghurt, but sadly they didn’t last.
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How about other tub options?
Okay, now there are more options for you (thankfully!).
For dairy free kids that can have soy, then a soy yoghurt is going to be our best bet. We recommend the Vitasoy Greek Style Yoghurt.
Vitasoy Greek Style Yoghurt
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King Island Greek Style Dairy-Free Yoghurt
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For Dairy and Soy Free Bubs
Most options on the market are coconut-based yoghurt. Often you hear about the high saturated fat content but compared to a full fat Greek yoghurt the overall fat and saturated fat is often very similar.
However, most dairy free yoghurts are low in protein and have no calcium and some also have added sugar.
This means they aren’t a direct swap nutritionally to a cow’s milk yoghurt. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t offer them you to bub, but use them less and as part of a snack, not as the snack. Pairing these yoghurts with a protein food and looking at other calcium rich options over the day is also a good idea.
We are excited that there are now two brands of oat yoghurt on the market with added calcium in there too! One even has some added protein.
Chobani Oat Yoghurt
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Wise Bunny Almond Yoghurt
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Nakula Coconut Yoghurt
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Coyo Vanilla Bean Coconut Yoghurt
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Woolworths Plantitude - Dairy Free Coconut Yoghurt
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Cocobella Dairy Free Coconut Yoghurt
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Vitasoy Oat Yoghurt
A new one to the market in 2023-we are fans because unlike many other dairy/soy free options it has a good amount of added protein (from pea protein) and more added calcium that the others! Pros:
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Coles Dairy Free Coconut Yoghurt
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Okay…so which is best?
If your little one is dairy free and can have soy, then the Vitasoy Greek Style Yoghurt is the best option although the Kingland is also good. Both have a small amount of added sugar but do well in terms of protein, fat, live cultures and have that all important calcium.
If they can’t have soy, then:
- Cocobella pouches if you can find them! They do have some added sugar but also some added calcium. A good option if you really want a pouch for on the go.
- But ideally try to avoid anything that has added sugar. However, if you are really trying to get more calcium in, then it is totally fine not to worry about the sugar in the Chobani or Vitasoy oat because it has some added calcium.
- Unlike sugar, which we can’t take out, we can add protein in. Picking a coconut yoghurt without sugar and adding in protein is great. Think about adding nuts (butter or ground) or a sprinkle of seeds. Hemps seeds are a great addition with more protein per gram than most meat.
- Calcium- focus on other calcium rich foods over the day. A fortified plant milk like oat with at least 120mg per 100ml of calcium is great. Very few have 125mg/100ml which would make it a "good source of calcium". Adding in seeds, nuts and fish with bones (like salmon and sardines) to meals. Cereals with added calcium like little kids weetbix and cheerios low sugar are also helpful. Also, another favourite is unhulled Tahini which has 172mg per tablespoon- more than what’s in ½ a cup of milk.
- Of course, if you are worried about your little one’s calcium intake book in for a consult so their diet can be thoroughly reviewed- some dairy and soy free kid’s may need a supplement.
Have you seen any other yoghurts that deserve to be on this list? If so, let us know and leave a comment below.
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