For parents of picky eaters or babies with special dietary needs, finding the right nutritional shake can be a challenge. These supplements are designed to provide key nutrients for growth and development, but with so many options on the market, how do you choose?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the key factors to consider when selecting a nutritional shake for your little one. We’ve compiled tips from pediatric nutrition experts on how to evaluate quality, nutrition labels, and potential allergens. Whether your child needs a protein boost, has texture sensitivities, or avoids certain ingredients, we’ll cover shakes to suit a range of needs.
You’ll also find a detailed review of the top-rated toddler and baby shakes on the market right now. We break down the pros and cons of each, looking at nutrition profiles, quality of ingredients, and taste. No matter what you’re looking for—organic, allergens, or budget—we’ve got a recommendation based on expert guidance.
Choosing the right nutritional supplement to support your baby’s growth and health is an important decision. With this guide, you’ll feel confident you’re making the best choice for your child’s needs. Let’s dive in to find the perfect shake to nourish your little one.
Our Top Picks For 2025
PediaSure Grow & Gain is a pediatrician-recommended nutritional shake that provides a good source of protein and vitamins/minerals to help support growth and immune health in kids ages 2-13. Available in a convenient variety pack.
The PediaSure Grow & Gain Kids Nutritional Shake Variety Pack from Abbott is designed to support the growth and immune health of picky eaters or kids who need extra nutrition. This pack includes 12 bottles in three delicious flavors – Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Tasty, kid-friendly flavors they’ll love
- Formulated with protein, zinc, vitamins A, C, D & E to support growth
- Includes nutrients like selenium to support immune health
- Gluten-free, kosher and halal
- From the #1 pediatrician-recommended brand
- Convenient on-the-go nutrition for picky eaters
- Variety pack allows kids to switch between flavors
With great taste and essential nutrition, the PediaSure Grow & Gain Variety Pack provides an easy way to help make sure your kids are getting nutrients they need for growth and a healthy immune system.
PediaSure Grow & Thrive is a doctor-recommended, nutritionally complete shake that helps children grow and supports their immune health. Formulated by Abbott Nutrition.
PediaSure Grow & Thrive is a nutritionally balanced shake designed to help children grow and support their immune health. Made by Abbott Nutrition, the #1 doctor-recommended pediatric nutrition brand, this great-tasting shake provides complete, balanced nutrition with 7g of protein, 27 essential vitamins and minerals, and 7 key nutrients for immune support.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Clinically proven to help kids grow – Studied in children at risk for malnutrition
- 7 key nutrients for immune support including protein, vitamins A & D, zinc, and antioxidants
- 27 essential vitamins & minerals for complete, balanced nutrition
- 7g of protein to help build muscle
- 32mg of DHA omega-3 for brain & eye development
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and no artificial growth hormones
- Comes in delicious flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry
With its complete, balanced nutrition and great taste, PediaSure Grow & Thrive can help ensure your child gets the high-quality nutrition they need for growth and immune support. This doctor-recommended shake provides an easy way to help fill gaps in your child’s diet
PediaSmart is a USDA certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and kosher nutritional beverage powder for kids ages 1-13. It contains 27 vitamins and minerals, 7g of protein, and provides 240 calories per serving.
PediaSmart Organic Kids Nutrition Beverage Mix is a delicious way to provide your child with complete, balanced nutrition. This organic beverage powder from Baby’s Only Organic is specially formulated to support growing kids ages 1-13.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Ingredients: Contains organic rice oligodextrin, organic cane juice, organic milk protein concentrate and organic oils like coconut and sunflower for healthy fats. Sweetened with organic vanilla for great taste.
- Nutrition: Provides 27 vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, potassium and choline to support immunity and development. Also has 7g of protein, healthy fats and carbs.
- Organic: USDA certified organic and non-GMO. Free of artificial ingredients, colors, flavors and preservatives.
- Lactose-Free: Suitable for lactose sensitivity. Enzymatically processed to remove lactose.
- Convenience: Quick and easy nutrition on the go. Can be mixed with milk or water for a nutritious breakfast or snack beverage.
With excellent nutrition and great taste, PediaSmart Organic Kids Nutrition Beverage Mix helps ensure your child gets the high-quality nutrition they need for growth and development.
PediaSure’s ready-to-drink vanilla nutritional shake helps kids gain weight and grow properly with a balanced nutritional profile including protein, vitamins, and minerals.
The PediaSure Grow & Gain Kids’ Vanilla Nutritional Shake is a great option for picky eaters or kids who need extra calories and nutrition. This ready-to-drink shake provides complete, balanced nutrition with 25 vitamins and minerals and 10 grams of protein per serving.
- Contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals, providing 90% of the daily value in each 8 ounce serving.
- Provides 10 grams of protein to help build muscle and gain weight.
- Has no artificial growth hormones or gluten ingredients.
- Comes in convenient 8 ounce bottles that are easy for kids to drink on-the-go.
- Features a creamy, delicious vanilla flavor that kids love.
With 250 calories per serving, the PediaSure Grow & Gain nutritional shake can help underweight or undernourished children gain weight in a healthy way. It provides complete nutrition for picky eaters or kids with increased calorie needs.
PediaSure SideKicks are protein and nutrient-rich shakes designed to help kids catch up on growth and fill nutrient gaps. Formulated by Abbott Nutrition.
PediaSure SideKicks Nutritional Shakes for Kids are a delicious way to help your child get the nutrients they need. Made by trusted brand Abbott Nutrition, these shakes provide complete, balanced nutrition with key ingredients to support growth and development:
- Contains 10g of protein per serving to help build muscle and bones
- Packed with 27 essential vitamins and minerals that growing kids require
- Includes calcium, vitamin D, potassium and fiber to fill top nutrient gaps
- Provides energy with 180 calories per 8oz serving
- Comes in kid-friendly Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry flavors
With PediaSure SideKicks, you can feel confident your child is getting extra nutrition to help them flourish. The convenient, resealable bottles make this shake easy to take on-the-go or enjoy any time kids need a nutritious boost.
PediaSure Grow & Gain is a kid’s nutritional shake from Abbott Laboratories that provides complete, balanced nutrition with 7g of protein, 27 essential vitamins and minerals, and 32mg of DHA omega-3 to help support growth and immune health in children.
PediaSure Grow & Gain is a nutritionally complete shake designed to help children grow and gain weight. Manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, this kids’ nutritional supplement provides the protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3s growing children need.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Contains 7g of protein per serving to help support muscle growth and development
- Provides 27 essential vitamins and minerals including calcium, vitamin D, and iron to help fill nutrient gaps
- Includes 32mg of DHA omega-3 fatty acids to support brain and eye health
- Clinically shown to help underweight children gain weight and grow in just 8 weeks
- Available in delicious flavors like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry that kids love
- Gluten-free, non-GMO formula suitable for lactose intolerance
- From the #1 pediatrician recommended nutritional brand, PediaSure
With its complete nutrition profile and great taste, PediaSure Grow & Gain is an excellent option to help support the growth and development of picky eaters or undernourished children.
PediaSure Grow & Gain is a nutritionally complete kids’ shake from Abbott Nutrition designed to help children ages 2-13 gain weight and catch up on growth. With 7g of protein, 27 vitamins and minerals, and 32mg of DHA omega-3, it provides balanced nutrition to support growth and immune health.
PediaSure Grow & Gain is a nutritious kids’ nutritional shake from Abbott Nutrition designed to help children ages 2-13 gain weight and catch up on growth when they are lagging behind. With clinically proven results, it provides complete, balanced nutrition with key ingredients to support growth, health, and great taste.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Contains 7g of protein to help build muscle
- Provides 32mg of DHA omega-3 for brain and eye development
- Includes 27 essential vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition
- Has antioxidants like vitamins C and E to support immune health
- Clinically proven to help kids gain weight and grow in just 8 weeks
- Comes in delicious flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry
- Gluten-free, non-GMO, and contains no artificial growth hormones
With its clinically proven growth results, balanced nutrition, and great taste, PediaSure Grow & Gain is an excellent nutritious shake to help kids ages 2-13 gain weight and catch up on growth milestones. It provides key proteins, vitamins, minerals, and DHA omega-3 to support overall health and development.
PediaSure Grow & Gain is a doctor-recommended nutritional shake that helps children grow and supports their immune systems. Formulated by Abbott Nutrition
PediaSure Grow & Gain is a nutritional shake designed to help kids grow and support their immune systems. It is clinically proven to help children catch up on growth in just 8 weeks. Formulated by Abbott Nutrition, PediaSure Grow & Gain contains a balanced blend of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals kids need for healthy development.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Contains 7g of protein to help build muscle
- Provides 32mg of DHA omega-3 for brain and eye development
- Includes 3g of fiber to support digestive health
- 27 essential vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition
- Delicious vanilla and strawberry flavors kids love
PediaSure Grow & Gain is the #1 doctor-recommended nutritional supplement brand for children. It provides tailored nutrition to help fill gaps in picky eaters’ diets. With a tasty, kid-friendly formula, PediaSure Grow & Gain makes it easier for children to get the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
PediaSure Grow & Gain is a nutritionally complete shake made by Abbott Nutrition to help kids grow. It contains protein, vitamins, and minerals.ummary
PediaSure Grow & Gain is a nutritious shake designed to help children grow and gain weight. This nutritional beverage provides complete, balanced nutrition with key ingredients like:
- Protein: Contains 7g of protein per serving to support muscle growth and development.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Provides 27 essential vitamins and minerals that growing kids require.
- Calcium & Vitamin D: Includes calcium and vitamin D for strong, healthy bones.
- Prebiotic Fiber: Contains prebiotic fiber to support digestive health.
- DHA: Provides DHA omega-3 fatty acids to support brain development.
PediaSure Grow & Gain comes in great tasting chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and banana flavors that kids love. It is suitable for picky eaters, underweight kids, and those with increased nutritional needs.
With 240 nutritious calories per serving, this pediatrician-recommended shake helps little ones achieve a healthy weight and catch up on growth when they are falling behind. It is gluten-free and can be used as a nutritious between-meal snack or supplement.
PediaSure SideKicks are a line of nutritional shakes from the leading pediatrician-recommended brand, Abbott Nutrition. The shakes provide protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals to help fill nutrient gaps in kids’ diets.
PediaSure SideKicks Nutritional Shakes for Kids are a great option for picky eaters or kids who need extra nutrition support. SideKicks shakes are made by Abbott Nutrition, the #1 pediatrician-recommended brand for nutritional shakes and drinks for children.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Contains 7g of protein and 3g of fiber per serving for balanced nutrition
- Provides 25 essential vitamins and minerals that growing kids need
- Comes in delicious kid-approved flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry
- Convenient 8oz bottles are perfect for on-the-go nutrition
- Gluten-free, kosher, and suitable for kids with lactose intolerance
- Can help fill nutrition gaps for kids who are selective eaters or have increased nutrition needs
With great taste and balanced nutrition, PediaSure SideKicks Nutritional Shakes can help make sure your child gets the nutrients they need, even when they are being picky with foods. SideKicks are a tasty and nutritious choice from the pediatrician-trusted brand, Abbott Nutrition.
