Parents of a baby under one who is starting to wean
Before choosing yoghurt for dinner, they should consider the role infant formula plays in their child’s diet. Ameli recommends continuing with it until the age of one; yoghurt is not a substitute.
Who is this guidance for?
Parents of a child aged 1 to 3 looking for a simple end to a meal
They can compare fruit yoghurt with a plain dairy product. Santé publique France’s guidance on weaning up to the age of 3 recommends plain, unflavoured dairy products.
Parents concerned about cow’s milk protein allergy
Yoghurt containing milk should not be chosen as an alternative without medical advice. Anses says specially formulated products may be prescribed for affected babies.
What should you check before choosing?
If you’re serving fruit yoghurt with a toddler’s dinner, first consider whether it’s suitable for your child’s age. Then check the product description and ingredients, as well as your child’s individual needs.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Age and place in the meal | Before adding yoghurt to dinner, check your child’s age and the role infant formula plays in their diet. Ameli recommends continuing with infant formula until the age of one. | Before the age of one, I want to know whether yoghurt can replace infant formula. Around 40% of consumers put this age-related role of the product first. |
| Ingredients and product description | Read the exact product description and the ingredients list. If the pot says “no added sugars”, this does not mean “sugar-free”, as Anses explains. | For dinner, I want to tell yoghurt apart from a milk-based dessert and understand what a fruit recipe contains. This is a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Individual suitability | If your child has, or may have, a cow’s milk protein allergy, seek medical advice before offering yoghurt containing milk. Also consider the textures your child can manage. | If milk could be an issue for my child, I want to clarify their situation before choosing. Texture matters during weaning, too. Individual suitability comes first for around 30% of consumers. |
Common misconceptions to avoid
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Confusing yoghurt with a milk-based dessert
A pot that looks like a dairy product doesn’t tell you which category it belongs to when you’re adding it to a meal.
Check the exact product description rather than relying on its appearance or packaging alone.
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Assuming “no added sugars” means “sugar-free”
According to Anses, this claim does not rule out sugars that occur naturally in the ingredients.
Read the claim alongside the full ingredients list and compare products in the same category.
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Replacing infant formula with yoghurt before the age of one
Ameli recommends continuing with infant formula until the age of one. Adding yoghurt to a meal is not the same as replacing it.
If you’re unsure about the role of dairy products during weaning, ask a healthcare professional for advice.
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Choosing dairy yoghurt when an allergy is suspected
If your child has a cow’s milk protein allergy, you’ll need medical advice to choose suitable foods. Anses says specially formulated products may be prescribed for affected babies.
Ask a doctor to clarify the situation before offering a product containing milk.
Brands to look at
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Frequently asked questions
Can fruit yoghurt replace infant formula before the age of one?
No. Ameli recommends continuing with infant formula until the age of one. If you’re thinking of adding yoghurt during weaning and aren’t sure where it fits into your child’s diet, ask a healthcare professional for advice.
Should you choose fruit yoghurt for a child under 3?
Santé publique France’s guidance recommends plain, unflavoured dairy products when weaning children up to the age of 3. If you’re considering fruit yoghurt, check the product description and ingredients rather than assuming all fruit recipes are the same.
Does “no added sugars” mean fruit yoghurt contains no sugars?
No. Anses points out that this claim does not rule out sugars that occur naturally in the ingredients. Check it alongside the product’s ingredients list.
What should you do if your child has a cow’s milk protein allergy?
Seek medical advice before offering yoghurt containing milk to a child with this allergy. For babies, Anses mentions specially formulated products that a doctor may prescribe.