Why long-life and flavoured milk may harm your toddler’s health

Flavoured and long-life (UHT) milk is increasingly showing up in baby bags and kitchen cabinets across Kenyan households.

With colourful packaging and claims of added nutrients, many parents are easily convinced that these products are ideal for toddlers. But Nanyuki-based nutritionist Wincate Wangari is raising the red flag, urging caregivers to avoid these milk varieties for the sake of their children's health.

“At around one year and above, a toddler’s digestive system is still maturing. What you give them during this stage sets the tone for their future health — and flavoured or UHT milk should not be part of that foundation,” says Wangari.

The biggest culprit, she notes, is added sugar — sometimes up to 3 to 5 teaspoons per serving.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), children under two should not consume any added sugar. Early exposure has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay, particularly when toddlers sip flavoured milk throughout the day.

Added sugar also contributes to addiction-like behaviour and poor eating habits, as sweetened products can dull children’s taste for natural foods like vegetables and fruits.

“Giving your child chocolate or strawberry-flavoured milk may feel like a treat, but it’s setting them up for sugar dependence. They begin rejecting plain milk and water — the most important fluids they need.” Wangari warns.

In Kenya, popular flavoured milk brands sold in supermarkets often carry no “added sugar” warning, making it easy for unsuspecting parents to assume they are safe.

What about long-life milk?

Ultra-Heat Treated (UHT) milk, commonly referred to as long-life milk, is processed at temperatures above 135°C to extend its shelf life for up to six months.

While convenient for households without refrigerators or for bulk buying, it is not recommended for toddlers under two years for regular consumption.

“UHT milk loses some of the natural enzymes and B-vitamins essential for growth and immunity,” says Wangari. “You may be filling the child’s tummy, but not fully nourishing them.”

Some long-life milk products also contain stabilisers and additives to improve texture and shelf life — compounds that are not always suitable for young children.

What should toddlers be drinking?

At 20 months (or under two years), toddlers need full-fat, fresh pasteurised milk in moderation, and breast milk if still nursing — in line with recommendations by the Ministry of Health and the American Academy of Paediatrics.

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“Clean drinking water should be the main fluid offered, alongside breast milk,” Wangari advises.

She recommends fresh pasteurised cow’s milk and ideally sourced from trusted suppliers.

Also encouraged is natural plain yoghurt, rich in calcium and probiotics, without added sugars.

“Parents and caregivers can also make homemade smoothies — bananas, avocados, mangoes, and a splash of milk or yoghurt — for an immunity boost,” she adds.

Breast milk remains the most recommended option up to age two and beyond, if both mother and child are willing.

“Toddlers don’t need ‘kid-friendly’ sweet drinks. Their taste buds are still developing, so this is the best time to train them to enjoy healthy, natural foods,” Wangari advises.

A 2023 study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that children exposed to sweetened beverages before age two had significantly higher risks of metabolic disorders by age six.

Meanwhile, a joint UNICEF and WHO report emphasises reducing early exposure to sugary foods to help prevent non-communicable diseases later in life.