Finding the right nutritional shake for your little one can be tricky. As a parent, you want to make sure your child is getting the vitamins, minerals and calories they need for healthy growth and development. This is where a pediatric nutrition shake like Parents Choice Pediatric Shake can come in handy.

Parents Choice Pediatric Shake is designed specifically for kids ages 1-13 years old. With 350 calories per serving, this shake provides complete, balanced nutrition in every tasty sip. But before you grab a pack off the shelf, it’s important to understand what sets Parents Choice Pediatric Shake apart from other kids’ shakes.

In this buying guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Parents Choice Pediatric Shake, including:

• Key ingredients
• Nutritional value
• Flavors and taste
• Safety for kids
• Where to buy
• Cost
• Reviews and ratings

I’ll also compare Parents Choice to the leading brand, Pediasure, so you can determine which pediatric shake is best for your child. Let’s get started!

Key Ingredients in Parents Choice Pediatric Shake

When choosing a nutritional shake for kids, the ingredient list is incredibly important. You want to avoid unnecessary sugars, fillers and artificial flavors.

The main ingredients in Parents Choice Pediatric Shake include:

• Nonfat milk – Provides protein for growth and development
• Corn maltodextrin – A complex carbohydrate for energy
• Sugar – Added for taste
• Whey protein concentrate – High quality protein
• High oleic sunflower oil – Healthy fat for brain development
• Natural and artificial flavors – For taste
• Vitamins and minerals – Essential nutrients kids need

Notably absent are artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. Compared to other kids shakes, the ingredients in Parents Choice are relatively clean and straightforward.

Nutrition Profile of Parents Choice Pediatric Shake

The true value of a pediatric shake lies in its nutritional profile. Parents Choice Pediatric Shake provides 350 calories per 8 fluid ounce serving.

Here is the nutrition breakdown for one serving:

• Calories: 350
• Total fat: 11g
• Carbs: 50g
• Protein: 14g
• Vitamin A: 500IU (10% DV)
• Vitamin C: 45mg (75% DV)
• Calcium: 350mg (35% DV)
• Iron: 5mg (28% DV)
• Vitamin D: 100IU (25% DV)
• Potassium: 750mg

This shake delivers complete, balanced nutrition to help kids grow strong and healthy. The blend of carbs, protein and fat provides lasting energy and satisfaction.

Notably, Parents Choice has 40% less sugar than Pediasure. It relies on nonfat milk and whey for nutrition rather than added sugars. This makes it a smarter choice for many kids.

Flavors and Taste

Kids can be picky eaters. That’s why Pediatric Shake comes in kid-friendly flavors:

• Vanilla – Sweet, creamy classic
• Chocolate – Rich chocolate taste
• Strawberry – Sweet berry flavor

The shakes have a smooth, creamy texture with pleasant taste. They are flavored with natural and artificial flavors to entice even the pickiest palates.

Many parents say their kids love the tasty shakes. They provide an easy way to get nutrition into stubborn eaters. Kids are more likely to drink up than eat a meal, so shakes work well for supplementation.

Is Parents Choice Pediatric Shake Safe for Kids?

When it comes to your child’s health, safety is the number one priority. The good news is Parents Choice Pediatric Shake is perfectly safe for kids ages 1-13.

It is free from choking hazards that can harm little ones. The liquid formula is designed specifically for growing kids.

Parents Choice meets FDA guidelines for nutrition shakes. It is produced in facilities that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This ensures quality and purity throughout the production process.

Where to Buy Parents Choice Pediatric Shake

The convenience of Parents Choice Pediatric Shake is that it’s available at major retailers. You can usually find it at:

• Walmart – Sold under the Parents Choice store brand
• Amazon – Available for home delivery through Amazon
• Walmart.com – Can be ordered online and shipped
• Jet.com – Parents Choice shakes sold on Jet

Because it’s a store brand, Parents Choice is not as widely available as national brands. But between Walmart, Amazon and other online retailers, it’s easy to find.

Brick and mortar Walmarts will have the best in-stock selection. Be sure to check availability online before heading to the store.

How Much Does Parents Choice Pediatric Shake Cost?

One of the main benefits of Parents Choice is that it’s very affordable, especially compared to brand name shakes.

On average, an 8-pack of Parents Choice Pediatric Shake costs about $20. That breaks down to just $2.50 per 11 ounce shake.

Here’s how Parents Choice compares to other top shakes:

• Parents Choice: $2.50 per shake
• Pediasure: $4 per shake
• Ensure: $3 per shake
• Boost: $3 per shake

As you can see, Parents Choice is significantly cheaper than big name brands. You get the same nutrition for less. For families on a budget, Parents Choice provides quality at a fraction of the cost.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Parents Choice Pediatric Shake is generally very well tolerated in kids. However, there are a few possible side effects to be aware of:

• Gas or bloating – Extra fiber may cause digestive upset
• Allergic reactions – Milk ingredients may cause issues for lactose intolerant kids
• Dehydration – Can occur if shakes replace water

Most kids have no issues drinking Parents Choice shakes. But you may want to introduce it slowly to watch for any individual reactions.

As with any change in diet, pay attention to how your child responds. Discuss any concerns with your pediatrician.

Reviews of Parents Choice Pediatric Shake

Parent reviews provide helpful insights into real experiences with Parents Choice shakes. Here are some common thoughts:

• “My underweight toddler loves the chocolate flavor. His weight has improved with daily shakes.”
• “I use this to supplement my picky eater’s diet. She actually drinks it willingly unlike most foods.”
• “No strange aftertaste like some other shakes. My kid says it tastes like chocolate milk.”
• “Great nutrition for the price. Much cheaper than Pediasure but my son likes it just as much.”
• “Helps keep weight on my underweight daughter who has food sensitivities. She tolerates it well.”
• “My son needs extra calories to grow but doesn’t have a big appetite. This shake helps a lot.”

The consensus is Parents Choice Shake provides quality nutrition kids love at an affordable price. For picky eaters or underweight kids, it can make a real difference.

How Does Parents Choice Compare to Pediasure?

Pediasure is the #1 doctor recommended pediatric shake. So how does Parents Choice measure up? Here’s a side by side comparison:

	Parents Choice	Pediasure
Calories per serving	350	350
Protein	14g	9g
Sugar	11g	16g
Net carbs	50g	44g
Added Fiber	5g	4g
Vitamins & minerals	25% DV	25% DV
Cost per shake	$2.50	$4

The shakes are nutritionally close. The main advantages of Parents Choice are more protein, less sugar and a lower cost.

However, Pediasure comes in more flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, banana and mixed berry. And it’s available just about everywhere.

Overall, Parents Choice stacks up nicely against the leading brand for a fraction of the price. It provides comparable nutrition in fewer flavors.

Is Parents Choice Gluten-Free?

For kids with food allergies like gluten intolerance, diet is critical. Parents Choice Pediatric Shake is NOT gluten-free.

It contains barley malt – a natural grain derivative that contains gluten proteins. Kids with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should not drink Parents Choice shakes.

Instead, a gluten-free shake like Boost Breeze, Ensure ClearJunior or Elecare Jr Unflavored may be better options. Always check with your child’s doctor for diet recommendations.

Can Parents Choice Replace Meals?

Pediatric shakes work well as occasional meal replacements for kids. When your child needs extra calories but has a small appetite, a shake can deliver the nutrition they need.

However, shakes should complement meals rather than fully replace them. Whole foods provide complete nutrition important for growth. Shakes lack some benefits of solid foods.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends:

• 1-3 shakes per day – Use shakes to supplement meals or snacks
• Eat 1-2 meals per day – Continue offering regular meals for optimal nutrition

Talk to your child’s doctor to determine suggested usage based on their unique needs. In moderation, shakes provide an easy nutrition boost.

How Many Shakes Per Pack?

When purchasing Parents Choice shakes, it’s useful to know how many come in a standard pack.

Most retailers sell 8-packs of 11 ounce shakes. So a pack provides eight 11 ounce individual shakes.

On Amazon, you can purchase packs with anywhere from 6 to 24 shakes. Buying in bulk typically saves you money per shake.

One 11 ounce shake is considered one serving. Only open what will be consumed in one sitting, and refrigerate the rest.

Safety for Kids with Allergies

Kids with food allergies need special care when selecting shakes. As we covered earlier, Parents Choice Pediatric Shake contains milk, soy and gluten. So it is not safe for kids with the following allergies:

• Milk allergy – Contains nonfat milk
• Soy allergy – Soy lecithin is an emulsifier
• Gluten allergy – Contains barley malt with gluten
• Corn allergy – Contains corn maltodextrin

Always check the label for your child’s dietary restrictions. Look for a pediatric shake made without their allergens if Parents Choice is not compatible.

How Often Can Kids Drink Shakes?

Most kids can safely consume 1-3 shakes per day, as needed for extra nutrition. This is within the recommendations of health organizations like the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.

However, each child is unique. Some may need more or less than the standard guidelines. Follow your pediatrician’s advice for the ideal frequency based on your child’s:

• Age
• Weight
• Growth needs
• Health conditions
• Eating habits

Aim to incorporate shakes in addition to, not in place of, regular well-rounded meals. Work with your child’s doctor to find the right balance.

Key Nutrients in Parents Choice Shakes

In addition to calories, fat, carbs and protein, Parents Choice Pediatric Shake provides vital vitamins and minerals.

Key micronutrients include:

• Vitamin A – For eyes, immune health and cell growth
• Vitamin C – Supports collagen production and iron absorption
• Vitamin D – For strong bones and muscle function
• Calcium – Essential for bone health
• Iron – Provides oxygen delivery through red blood cells
• Potassium – Important for fluid balance and muscle function

These nutrients help ensure kids get what they need for the rapid development that happens during childhood. The shakes complement the nutrients in regular meals.

Does It Help Kids Gain Weight?

Parents Choice Pediatric Shakes offer a helpful way to boost calorie intake for underweight kids who need to gain.

The 350 calories per serving can increase total daily calories to promote weight gain. This is especially helpful for:

• Underweight children
• Picky eaters
• Kids with increased calorie needs
• Children recovering from illness
• Fussy toddlers

The 14g of protein also supports growth by building and repairing muscles and tissues.

Just remember shakes should complement, not replace, regular meals as often as possible. But the extra calories and nutrients can make a real difference!

Is Parents Choice Recommended By Doctors?

Store brand formulas like Parents Choice aren’t as widely recommended as leading brands like Pediasure. But many pediatricians still recommend Parents Choice for its nutritional value.

Doctors may suggest Parents Choice shakes to patients if:

• The family has budget concerns – It provides quality nutrition at a fraction of the cost of big brands. This makes it accessible for more families.
• The child struggles with hunger or fullness cues – The shakes provide an easy way to supplement meals with extra calories and nutrients.
• The child needs higher calorie intake – The 350 calories help underweight kids gain weight healthfully.
• The child is a picky eater – Shakes provide reliable nutrition when getting kids to eat is a battle.

While not as iconic as Pediasure, Parents Choice has similar nutrition at lower cost. Many pediatricians are pleased such an affordable option exists for kids who need it.

Helping Picky Eaters

Fussy eaters and texture sensitivities are common in young kids. This can make it tough to ensure they get adequate nutrition.

Pediatric shakes offer an appealing option for kids who reject or limit foods. Reasons Parents Choice can help include:

• Smoothe, creamy texture – Easier to consume than many solid foods
• Pleasant taste – More palatable than some bitter veggies or sour fruits
• Fun flavors – Chocolate and strawberry flavors kids love
• Nutrient density – Packs nutrition into every tasty sip
• Calorie boost – Provides more calories than tiny appetites accept

While experts recommend continued exposure to new foods, shakes provide important supplemental nutrition during the picky eating phase. They ensure kids get the fuel they need to grow and stay healthy.

In Conclusion

I hope this comprehensive buying guide gave you all the details on Parents Choice Pediatric Shake. This affordable formula provides complete, balanced nutrition for just $2.50 per serving. It offers a cost-effective way to supplement your child’s diet with extra calories, protein and key nutrients.

While not as ubiquitous as category leader Pediasure, Parents Choice holds its own in terms of nutrition, taste and value. And it’s generally well tolerated by kids ages 1-13. Just check the ingredients for any allergies or sensitivities.

Any pediatric shake should complement, not replace, regular well-rounded meals. But used properly, Parents Choice can be a nutritious addition to help your child grow and thrive.