Is fortified soy beverage ok for kids over 12 months?

What the evidence says

Fortified soy beverage is soy milk that has extra calcium and vitamin D added. In Canada, health experts say it should not become your toddler's main drink until they turn 2 years old. Before age 2, breast milk, formula, or whole cow's milk (if they can have dairy) should still be the main drink.

That said, Canadian guidance does allow giving fortified, plain, full-fat soy beverage occasionally after 12 months, alongside other calcium-rich foods, as long as it is not replacing most of their milk intake. If soy beverage becomes the main drink before 2, some toddlers have ended up not getting enough calories, fat, or protein, because soy beverage has less energy and fat than cow's milk or infant formula.

Interestingly, American guidance is a bit different. A joint statement backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics says fortified soy milk is nutritionally similar enough to cow's milk that it can be used as a main drink from 12 months onward. So if you are following an American source, you may see different advice than what Canadian dietitians recommend.

If your child cannot have cow's milk at all, for example because of an allergy, it is worth talking to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can check that your toddler is still getting enough fat, protein, calcium, and vitamin D from their whole diet, not just from soy beverage.

Other plant-based drinks, like almond, rice, oat, or coconut beverages, are lower in protein and fat than soy beverage and are not recommended as a main drink until at least age 2, and only then if the rest of the diet fills the gaps.