On Monday 11 March 2024, the world’s first 100% oat-based toddler drink was launched by New Zealand premium infant nutrition company, Haven.
Joining Haven’s existing stable of New Zealand-made, whole milk toddler products, Haven’s Oat Toddler Drink has all the same nutrients as their A2 Cow and Goat formulations.
Haven’s new plant-based dairy alternative was developed over two years in New Zealand under the expert guidance of food scientist and infant nutrition advisor, Lynley Drummond, to be a trusted source of nutrition for toddlers aged 12 months and over.
Dairy and soy have been the main sources of protein in the global infant nutrition market since the industry’s beginnings.
Drummond says Haven’s new dairy-free and soy-free Oat Toddler Drink is nutritionally equivalent to similar dairy-based products so parents can trust their children are getting all the vital nutrients they need.
“This new oat-based drink includes all the vital protein, carbohydrates, fibre, fats, vitamins and minerals required to support healthy growth and development of busy toddlers,” she says.
Key ingredients include oat milk fortified with a unique oat protein, and an algae-derived DHA, an essential omega 3 fatty acid for brain development. There’s also lutein for healthy eye development, plant-based prebiotics and probiotics, 16 essential vitamins and minerals for growing toddlers and a proprietary gentle oil blend. It is both palm oil and GMO-free
“We are also proud of the taste and texture profiles we’ve created,” says Drummond. “It’s smooth, delicious and creamy like dairy, which has traditionally been a challenge for plant-based toddler milks.”
Haven CEO Kara Fleming, a mother to fo
ur and nana of two, says every child has unique needs and every family has a unique feeding journey.
“We suppo
rt parents in deciding what’s best for them and their child. Haven’s philosophy is to offer a range of premium nutrition products, both dairy and dairy-free, which allow modern parents to make informed decisions.”
According to Allergy NZ, around one in 10 infants have a food allergy by 12 months of age, and one of the most common allergies is to dairy1.
“Adding a plant-based option to the Haven portfolio was a logical progression for us, given the rise in childhood allergies and increasing consumer preferences towards healthy and nutritious plant-based options – especially for their children,” says Fleming.
Launched in early 2021, Haven is now a well-established and trusted company that caters to parents all over Aotearoa. It is one of the only brands worldwide that offers both dairy and non-dairy options: goat’s milk, A2 cow’s milk and a 100% plant-based formulation – the new Oat Toddler Drink.
As well as being a reputable brand, Haven is a heartfelt company that puts parents at the centre of everything it does. It aims to simplify the feeding journey while also adhering to strict regulatory requirements – and going above and beyond with premium, nourishing ingredients.
Fleming is also a passionate advocate for people getting the information they need, and plans to build a Haven community where parents can feel safe and supported.
“We know that the early stages of parenthood can be isolating, particularly if you’re facing challenges with feeding, and we know that information around infant nutrition is really hard to find,” she says. “We want to build a community for new parents to connect and easily find the information they need to hopefully make their journey less challenging.”
