Inside the Youth Grow: Sunflower, Hemp and Quinoa

What the Youth Grow is built for

Growing bodies need a lot from food: protein, energy, vitamins and minerals, spread across the day. Youth Grow is a shake built from three seeds that supply several of those in a compact serving.

It is intended for older children and teenagers as an occasional snack, not a meal substitute, and it fits best alongside a balanced diet.

What each seed brings

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.

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.

Quinoa: Quinoa brings plant protein with all nine essential amino acids, along with complex carbohydrate, fibre, magnesium and iron. Its flavour is light and earthy, and it gives a shake a little substance.

Sunflower brings vitamin E, selenium and B vitamins, hemp adds a complete plant protein, and quinoa contributes carbohydrate, more protein and minerals such as magnesium and iron. The three have a mild flavour that is easy for younger palates.

Who it suits

It suits children and teens who are picky about food, are active in sport, or struggle to eat regular snacks. Parents who prefer a plant-based option for after-school snacking may also like it.

When to drink it

After school or after practice is a natural time. Avoid giving it right before dinner if it reduces appetite for the meal. A Small 12 oz is generally a good fit for younger children.

For children, how the shake is introduced matters. Let them choose the fruit, sit down together while they drink it, and treat it as a normal snack rather than a special health food. That keeps eating relaxed, which matters as much as any nutrient in the glass.

How to customise it

Banana, strawberry or mango are the most child-friendly. Milk gives extra calcium and protein, while a plant drink suits dairy-free households. Keep sweetener light, because fruit usually supplies plenty of sweetness. For younger children a Small 12 oz is plenty, and for hungry teens a Medium 16 oz may be better. Let appetite guide the size, and never push a child to finish a drink they have had enough of. 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

Ask your child's doctor or paediatric dietitian first if your child has allergies, asthma linked to allergies, a growth concern, or a medical condition. Children under the age at which thick shakes are safe should not drink them, and young children should always be supervised.

This article is general information, not medical advice.