Dairy products such as fresh milk, full cream milk for babies, full cream milk for toddlers, etc. are loaded with a wide variety of essential nutrients that play an important role in a child’s growth and development. These health benefits apply to both physical and mental aspects of a child’s growth. However, there are cases when a child does not take too well to milk and milk products, something that causes a lot of worry to parents. Let’s see what could be the potential reasons for children disliking milk and try to find workable solutions.
The milk may be adulterated – Instances of milk adulteration has been on the rise. Even if only plain water is used as an adulterant, it significantly distorts the original rich, creamy flavor of fresh milk. No wonder, when children are given such adulterated milk, they tend to dislike it, as it tastes quite alien to them. The problem of adulteration can be avoided by simply buying branded, packaged products with FSSAI seal of approval. This will also help avoid other types of adulterants that include harmful chemicals.
Sugar addiction – Nowadays, most packaged products come with some form of added sugar, and it is likely that a child may have become addicted to it. When such a child is given fresh milk, he/she is bound to hate it since artificial sugar has a higher intensity as compared to natural, healthy sugars found in milk. Due to exposure to the harmful, artificial sugar in packaged foods, such a child would find the taste of fresh milk as bland and may refuse to drink it. To avoid such problems, scan the food labels before giving it to the child. Even formula milk contains added sugar, something that has shown to be harmful in research studies. Dairy based full cream milk for babies and full cream milk for toddlers has natural sugars in just the right quantity, making it perfect for children.
Some may just not like it – What one prefers to eat depends on individual liking. The same is applicable to children and some may simply not like the taste of milk. A person may like oranges and another one might hate it; it’s just the way things are. Parents can try to find alternatives to milk, or combine milk with other foods to broaden the taste range. For example, one can blend a fruit shake with the child’s favorite fruit. Chocolate is also a good option, which most children love to have. Tasty nuts such as cashews and almonds can also be used.