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Chocolate formula? Just say no.

We keep hearing about the mini-kerfuffle launched by food writer Marion Nestle in response to manufacturer Mead-Johnson’s new chocolate formula (this includes chocolate- and vanilla-flavored toddler formulas). At Jolly Tomato, we don’t cover baby foods so we aren’t spending a lot of time talking about formula. But since the product (Enfagrow) is meant for toddlers and kids ages 12 to 36 months, which covers some of our territory, we wanted to get out there on record to say a big fat “no.” Just… no.

Do They Need Toddler Formula?

First of all, does your little one really need a “toddler formula?” Probably not, even if he or she is an erratic eater. Most kids’ appetites fall off after the first year when their growth slows. Even if they have strange or monolithic food habits, they are probably doing just fine. (See Should My Kids Take Vitamins? in our Articles section.)

Second, even if your kids need the added nutrition, do you really want them to get it this way? It seems to cater to those with the least imagination — those who think that the only way to make a food appealing to kids is to make it sweet and chocolate-y. So your toddler won’t drink milk? Give her some yogurt, or grill a cheese quesadilla, or let her help you make a fruit smoothie.

chocolate smoothie

Cut Down All Sugar

We’re not the first to bash the whole chocolate formula idea and we certainly won’t be the last. However, let’s be clear on one thing: It’s not cool to jump on the anti-chocolate-formula bandwagon if we give our kids the same amount of unnecessary sugar from other manufactured products (we’re looking at you, Trix Yogurt, with 14 grams of sugar in just four ounces). So let’s be consistent in saying “no” to this and other manufactured, sugar-ized foods that attempt to cater to young kids. As parents, we need to get out there and let manufacturers know when something is just plain wrong. We can all do better.

P.S. If you want to give your kids an easy and tasty drink, try a persimmon fruit smoothie instead.

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3 Responses to Chocolate formula? Just say no.

  1. Doris May 13, 2010 at 12:46 am #

    Somewhat related, regarding chocolate milk – I was just told by a mom that she just read a study where they found that chocolate inhibits the absorbtion of calcium. She forgot the source so I have no idea how true/valid this info is, but maybe the Jolly Tomato can look into it. 🙂

  2. jollytomato May 13, 2010 at 8:11 pm #

    Great question, Doris! The Mayo Clinic answers this question at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/calcium/an01294. Basically, it can inhibit the absorption of calcium – and if you are older and/or suffering from bone density problems, you may want to cut down on your chocolate and sugar. But if you and your kids eat a healthy diet that is otherwise rich in calcium it should not be a problem.

  3. Jolly Tomato May 14, 2010 at 7:10 pm #

    More on the chocolate formula issue from @SeattleMamaDoc – Seattle pediatrician Wendy Sue Swanson – here: http://seattlemamadoc.seattlechildrens.org/chocolate-formula-more-sugar-than-a-pop-tart/

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