Strawberry Milk Kids Recipe
Dr Nick Fuller
Leading Obesity Expert at the University of Sydney and founder of Interval Weight Loss.
If you’re after a fruity, creamy drink your kids will actually enjoy, this strawberry milk recipe is about to become a go‑to favourite. Not only does it taste delicious, it can help your kids meet important nutrient needs too. Milk is a powerhouse of calcium, protein and potassium, vitally important for strong bones, teeth and growing muscles, and contributes a big chunk of children’s daily calcium intake in modern diets. In fact, milk has been a staple in the diets of children around the world for decades, with surveys showing that 77–85% of children under five regularly consume it.
Research suggests that either plain or flavoured milks like this strawberry version can support overall nutrient intake without increasing body mass index when compared with kids who don’t drink milk at all. And because many children prefer a fruity flavour, offering strawberry milk may even increase total milk consumption and reduce the intake of less nutritious sugary drinks.
This recipe keeps things simple with fresh strawberries, milk and just a touch of natural sweetness, perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes or an after‑school treat. Let’s dive into how to make this creamy, pink drink your kids will love.
Make Sweet Drinks Smarter for Kids
When kids ask for flavoured drinks, parents often feel stuck. Dr Nick Fuller’s Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids offers practical guidance on supporting healthier choices while still keeping food and drinks enjoyable. It’s all about building positive habits without restriction or stress.
Feel confident about what’s in your child’s cup. Grab your copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids today and take the guesswork out of everyday choices.
Why Should You Give Strawberry Milk to Kids
Strawberry milk isn’t just a delicious treat; it can also be a nutritious addition to your child’s diet. Made with fresh strawberries and milk, this colourful drink provides a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and protein.
- Milk is packed with calcium, potassium, and protein, all essential for growing bones, teeth, and muscles.
- Strawberries add vitamin C, antioxidants, fibre, and other vitamins and minerals which can help support the immune system and overall health.
Offering strawberry milk can even help increase milk intake in children who might otherwise prefer sugary soft drinks or fruit juices, giving them the nutrients they need in a fun, fruity way.
Plus, making strawberry milk at home means you can control the sugar content, avoid artificial flavours or colours, and sneak in extra nutrition. It’s a win-win: kids get a drink they love, and parents get a nourishing option that supports healthy growth.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this strawberry milk for kids:
- Fresh or frozen strawberries: Just a small handful can contribute to daily needs for young children.
- Milk of your choice: Dairy or plant-based both work.
- A little sugar or honey: Just enough to balance the natural tartness of strawberries. A small amount goes a long way.
- Optional vanilla for a gentle flavour boost: Vanilla can help round out flavours without making the drink overly sweet.
Steps to Make Strawberry Milk for Kids
Making strawberry milk at home gives you control not just over ingredients, but also over flavour intensity, texture, and sweetness, all key factors in whether kids accept a drink.
Prepare strawberries
Wash and hull fresh strawberries, or partially thaw frozen ones. Studies show that repeated exposure to familiar foods in different forms (fresh, blended, chilled) can increase acceptance over time, even in picky eaters.
Blend with milk
Blend strawberries and milk until smooth. Research suggests that combining familiar foods with new flavours can make children more willing to try and accept new tastes. Milk often acts as a ‘safe’ base for introducing fruit flavours.
Add sweetener
Taste first, then add a small amount of sugar or honey only if needed. Children naturally prefer sweet flavours, but exposure to less-sweet versions may help moderate sweetness expectations as they grow.
Strain if needed
Strain the mixture to remove seeds if your child is texture-sensitive. Texture is a major driver of food refusal in young children, sometimes even more than taste. Smoother textures are often better tolerated.
Chill before serving
Serve the strawberry milk well chilled. Temperature can influence flavour perception. Cooler drinks may taste smoother and more refreshing, which can increase acceptance without altering ingredients.
Variations for Picky Eaters
Not every child likes the same thing. These easy tweaks help you adjust the recipe without starting over.
Seed-free version
Strain the blended milk thoroughly to remove seeds. This can make a big difference for texture-sensitive kids.
Extra creamy version
Use full-cream milk or add a spoonful of yoghurt. Creamier textures are often more appealing to younger children. Plus, yoghurt can also add protein and beneficial bacteria that may support gut health.
Lightly sweet version
Skip added sugar and rely on ripe strawberries. Naturally sweet foods can help reduce added sugar intake over time.
Smoothie-style version
Add a banana or a few ice cubes and blend thicker. Smoothies are a popular way to increase fruit and milk intake in kids.
Curious if smoothies actually help picky eaters? Read this article to find out.
Fruit-heavy version
Use more strawberries and slightly less milk for a stronger fruit flavour, which some kids prefer over milky drinks.
Tips to Serve Strawberry Milk
Small serving tweaks can make a big difference in whether kids say yes or no.
- Serve it very cold for a fresher taste
- Use a colourful cup or straw to make it more fun
- Keep the flavour mild to avoid overwhelming young taste buds
- Offer a small serving first to reduce pressure
- Pair it with a favourite snack for familiarity
- Let the child choose the cup or topping as choice increases food acceptance on children.
Summing Up
Strawberry milk can be a fun, kid-friendly way to add variety to your child’s drinks while keeping flavours gentle and familiar. Making it at home lets you adjust sweetness, texture, and creaminess to suit even picky eaters, using simple ingredients you already know and trust. Whether served icy cold, extra creamy, or blended smoothie-style, this recipe is all about meeting kids where they are and making nutritious choices feel easy, enjoyable, and pressure-free.
Stay informed with fresh tips, expert guidance, unique deals, and tailored support!
Meet Dr Nick Fuller
My Story
As a father, I know first-hand that raising healthy and happy children is tricky. Children are fussy, particularly at the end of the day when they are shattered. We also live in a society where companies seek to profit from what we feed our kids; incorrect and damaging advice is pushed on us and marketed towards our children, and we have no time.
But with these recipes and resources, you and your children can enjoy simple and well-founded food and lifestyle choices for lifelong health.
About Dr Nick Fuller
Dr Nick Fuller is the founder of Interval Weight Loss and is a leading obesity expert at the University of Sydney with a Ph.D. in Obesity Treatment. Dr Fuller is also the author of three best-selling books and his work been published in top ranked journals in the medical field, including JAMA, Lancet and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.