Inside the Kids Choco Seed: A Chocolate Shake with Chia, Hemp, Sunflower and Pumpkin

What the Kids Choco Seed is built for

Getting children to eat seeds is easier when the seeds arrive in a flavour they already love. The Kids Choco Seed shake is a chocolate-flavoured blend of chia, hemp, sunflower and pumpkin that turns a treat into something with more going on nutritionally.

It is meant as an occasional or regular snack for school-age children, not a replacement for meals, and parents stay in charge of portion and frequency.

What each seed brings

Chia: Chia adds body and fibre: left to sit in a liquid, the seeds swell and make the drink feel creamier and more filling. They are a plant source of ALA omega-3 and also carry calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Hemp: Hemp seeds provide complete plant protein, meaning all nine essential amino acids, together with omega-3 and omega-6 fats and magnesium. They taste soft and nutty, and the hulled seeds used in food are not the intoxicating part of the plant.

Sunflower: Sunflower seed is a standout source of vitamin E and also provides selenium, folate and other B vitamins. It gives a shake a smooth, lightly nutty creaminess.

Pumpkin: Pumpkin seeds, sometimes called pepitas, are a good plant source of magnesium, zinc and iron, along with protein and healthy fats. These are minerals involved in everyday metabolism, muscle function and normal immune function.

Chia provides fibre, hemp offers plant protein, sunflower adds vitamin E and pumpkin contributes zinc and magnesium. Children are growing and active, so a snack that brings several of these nutrients together is a handy option.

Who it suits

The shake is aimed at children who are old enough to drink a thick shake safely and enjoy chocolate, and at families who would like a better alternative to sugary desserts. Younger children, babies and toddlers have different needs and should follow their paediatrician's advice.

When to drink it

After school, on weekends, or as a pre-activity snack are all good options. It is best not served too close to bedtime, and it is usually enough as a snack-sized portion; the Small 12 oz is usually plenty for a child.

Remember that the chocolate flavour can be rich, so treat the shake as a snack rather than dessert on top of a meal. Letting children help choose the fruit and liquid makes them more likely to enjoy it, and sitting together while they drink keeps the moment relaxed and unhurried.

How to customise it

Banana is a natural pairing and reduces the need for extra sweetener, so consider choosing a smaller amount. Milk or an unsweetened plant drink works well. Strawberry makes it feel like a dessert. If your child has a nut allergy, tell the shop and ask how they handle cross-contact. Every Naturalition shake comes in Small 12 oz, Medium 16 oz or Large 20 oz, with a free choice of liquid, sweetener and one fruit.

Who should check with a doctor first

Speak with your child's paediatrician before introducing seed shakes if your child has food allergies, eczema linked to allergies, swallowing difficulties, or any medical condition. Whole or thick seeds can be a choking concern for very young children, so shakes are for older children and should be supervised.

This article is general information, not medical advice.