Clever Ways to Hide the Taste of Kids’ Supplements
Picky eater refusing their omega-3s? Try these parent-approved tricks for masking the flavor of fish oil and other dietary supplements for kids.
It turns out the dietary supplements that deliver important nutrients and may ease ADHD symptoms sometimes taste awful. Getting your child accustomed to the taste of fish oil might seem like a lost cause, especially if they are already a picky eater. But don’t give up just yet. We turned to the experts — our ADDitude readers—for tasty recipes and tips for sneaking in fish oil and other not-so-savory supplements. Add your own pro tips in the comments section, linked above.
Dietary Disguises
“My 6-year-old is a super smeller and taster with texture issues. I put 1/2 teaspoon of orange sherbet-flavored fish oil in orange juice. I mix a capsule of supplements in a peanut butter and honey sandwich. I sprinkle a probiotic in a sports drink.”
“Eating a popsicle before taking any medicine or supplement freezes the taste buds so the taste isn’t as strong.”
“Thick chocolate milkshakes work for us. In a blender, pour in milk, the powder or liquid supplement, and chocolate ice cream. Blend until no longer chunky.”
“Homemade waffle and pancake mix can hide protein powder and flax seeds.”
[Download: Free Guide to ADHD Brain Food]
“There are vegan alternatives to fish oil that provide omega-3 nutrients, like chia seeds and hemp. I use these in smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal.”
“I drip the liquid from a fish oil capsule into a shot of fruit juice, then have my kids eat dinner to overshadow any lingering tastes.”
“My son loves the protein café latte shakes and they’re loaded with vitamins and minerals. They also have caffeine, which I think helps him.”
“Protein powders, spinach, and hemp, flax, and chia seeds go in smoothies with frozen fruit and non-dairy almond or coconut milk.”
[Read: ADHD and Fish Oil Supplements — What’s a Safe Dosage?]
“My child is autistic and has gut issues. He needs to take a laxative daily. I mix the powder in flavored water to make it taste better.”
“I put fish oil in smoothies and make popsicles out of the smoothies.”
“I always put powdered supplements in applesauce. For the ones that taste bad, I give a juice chaser afterward.”
“I have my own challenges with supplements and find that using yogurt with a drizzle of honey helps.”
“I sprinkle my son’s capsules into a small spoonful of pre-made cake frosting. A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down!”
“I put powder or liquid supplements in banana smoothies, chocolate milk, and pudding.”
“I give my kids gummies.”
“I mix liquid fish oil into tea with lemon and sugar.”
Picky Eaters with ADHD: Next Steps
- Download: Everyday Foods Filled with Omega-3s
- Read: The Parent’s Guide to Mealtime with Picky Eaters
- Read: ARFID, SPD, & Other Conditions Linked to Feeding Difficulties in Kids
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