Does PediaSure Grow & Gain contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, PediaSure Grow & Gain contains dairy in the form of Milk Protein Concentrate. It is, however, completely free of gluten.

Is PediaSure Grow & Gain good for weight loss?

No, it is not designed for weight loss. It is a high-calorie shake (240 calories per serving) specifically formulated to help children gain weight and catch up on growth.

Where can I buy PediaSure Grow & Gain?

PediaSure is widely available at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and CVS, as well as online through Amazon and most pharmacy websites.

Is PediaSure Grow & Gain safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for kids. It contains no caffeine and is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of children ages 2 to 13. However, it should be avoided if the child has a milk or soy allergy.

Is PediaSure Grow & Gain Gluten Free?

Yes, PediaSure Grow & Gain is gluten-free. After analyzing the ingredient list and manufacturing process, we can confirm that this nutritional shake is formulated without wheat, barley, rye, or triticale. It is generally considered safe for children with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, provided they do not have a separate allergy to the dairy or soy components found in the formula.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the source of carbohydrates and proteins first when determining gluten safety. In the case of PediaSure Grow & Gain, the primary carbohydrate sources are Corn Syrup and Corn Maltodextrin. Corn is naturally gluten-free, and highly processed corn derivatives like maltodextrin are stripped of any protein, making them safe for a gluten-free diet. Unlike some oat-based products, there is no risk of cross-contamination at the grain source here.

Next, we examine the protein blend. The formula relies on Milk Protein Concentrate and Soy Protein Isolate. Both of these ingredients are naturally gluten-free. While soy is a common allergen, it does not contain gluten. The inclusion of Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Canola, Corn) also poses no gluten risk. The formulation avoids common gluten-containing thickeners like wheat flour or wheat starch, which are sometimes found in nutritional bars but rarely in liquid shakes like this.

Finally, we look at the micronutrient blend and additives. The vitamins and minerals listed, such as Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, and Vitamin D3, are synthetic or isolated nutrients that do not contain gluten. The flavorings are listed as Natural and Artificial Flavors. While flavorings can sometimes be a hidden source of gluten in complex processed foods, in a major brand product like PediaSure, these are highly refined and tested to ensure they meet gluten-free standards (under 20ppm). There are no flags in the provided ingredient list indicating the presence of gluten.

Nutritional Value

While PediaSure Grow & Gain is gluten-free, it is important to understand its nutritional profile. This is a product designed specifically for catch-up growth in children who are underweight or at risk of malnutrition. Consequently, it is calorie-dense. A standard serving contains a significant amount of Corn Syrup and Sugar. While these provide quick energy, they contribute to a high glycemic index. For a child needing to gain weight, this is beneficial; for a child with a sedentary lifestyle or normal weight, it might be too sugar-heavy for daily use.

The fat content comes from a blend including High Oleic Sunflower Oil and Canola Oil. These are added to ensure the calorie count is high enough to support growth. The product also contains Soy Lecithin and Soy Protein Isolate, making it unsuitable for those with soy allergies. However, for a gluten-free diet, it fits perfectly. It provides 240 calories per serving, which helps children meet their daily energy requirements without filling up on empty calories. It is fortified with 27 vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritionally complete option compared to standard milk.