• Posted February 21, 2025

Water, Plain Milk Are the Healthiest Drinks for Kids

Got milk? It turns out, plain cow’s milk, water and a bit of veggie juice are still the best drink choices for kids and teens.

That's the consensus of experts who recently issued healthy beverage recommendations for kids and teens aged 5 to 18.

The expert panel -- convened by Healthy Eating Research, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation -- included members from  the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association.

Its recommendations follow a five-month review of scientific literature, according to The Washington Post.

Unsurprisingly, the panel said water should be “primary beverage for meeting hydration needs,” with the recommended daily intake ranging from 16 to 88 ounces, depending on a child's age and sex. 

Tap water, the panel wrote, is preferred because it’s affordable, eco-friendly and often has fluoride added to prevent tooth decay.

Plain pasteurized milk -- preferably low-fat or fat-free -- was also recommended for its essential nutrients.

The panel said 100% fruit or vegetable juice is acceptable but should be limited due to its high calorie content.

The panel also said plant-based milks, like almond or oat, lack key nutrients and should only replace dairy if medically necessary.

It said flavored and sweetened milk should be avoided or limited.

Sugar-sweetened beverages, like sodas and sports drinks, “are not recommended as part of a healthy diet for children and adolescents,” the panel concluded.

Caffeinated drinks, which can disrupt sleep, mental health and heart health, are also not recommended.

“Choosing healthy beverages for children is just as important as choosing healthy foods,” Amy Reed, a pediatric dietitian and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ spokeswoman, said in a news release.

More information

Children's Minnesota has more on healthy drinks for kiddos.

SOURCE: The Washington Post, media report, Feb. 15, 2025