Tip of the Month

If your kids don’t like milk, there are other options to help them get their recommended daily calcium intake. Milk products have large quantities of calcium and the calcium found in milk products is easily absorbed. However, that does not mean you should force your children to drink milk. Other great calcium options include:

• Flavored yogurts that come in kid-friendly packages

• Cheese fortified with calcium

• Cottage cheese snack packs

• Low-fat flavored milk

• Flavored or plain soy milk

Vegetables also contain calcium and should be included in their meals. These include dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas and tofu (soybean-based food product).

The goal for children should be three servings of milk or milk products daily to ensure adequate calcium intake. For example, a flavored yogurt, 1/2 cup of beans or peas and a slice of cheese should provide a child with adequate calcium for one day.