UK Rules Out Plant Milk for Toddlers

The UK government has stated that dairy-free alternatives will not be provided through the Nursery Milk Scheme. Health minister Ashley Dalton confirmed that current legislation only permits reimbursement for cow's milk and infant formula derived from cow's milk, with no immediate plans to change this policy.

The decision comes as a review by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition and the Committee on Toxicity highlighted potential nutritional risks associated with replacing cow's milk with plant-based options. These risks include increased sugar consumption and reduced intake of essential minerals and vitamins for infants.

However, the review also noted that fortified, unsweetened almond, oat, and soya drinks can be acceptable alternatives, with soya being the preferred choice due to its higher protein content. The government is currently reviewing these findings.