Clinical Testimonials
From Clinicians
“As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and mother of a child with severe Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) to dairy protein, I am so grateful for Else Toddler. My daughter’s FPIES was diagnosed following severe, delayed vomiting and lethargy following dairy protein ingestion, after IgE allergy was ruled out. This was so scary, and also really limited our formula supplementation options. Although I desired to breastfeed exclusively, her growth curve and gross motor development began slowing down. I knew she needed supplemental nutrition in addition to my breastmilk and early solids. This was such a challenging place to be in because the ingredients of conventional infant non-dairy formula options did not meet my personal quality desires. Infant and toddler nutrition is so foundational to lifelong health and I wanted to give her the highest quality I could find. I am so grateful that Else Nutrition provides an organic, clean, gentle, dairy/soy free alternative. My daughter tolerates and enjoys Else Toddler wonderfully. With supplementation, and as she increased on solids, her growth curve caught back up to an appropriate rate for her genetic heritage, and she began exceeding developmental milestones. It brings me so much peace to see her now thriving!"
-Hannah Smith, DNP, ARNP, PNP-PC | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
"As a pediatrician, I frequently provide nutritional advice, and address parents’ concerns about their child’s diet. Although some children eat a wide variety of foods, others are more selective, and can be disagreeable at mealtimes. Vegetables seem to be the least favorite food group, and many children consume very carbohydrate-heavy diets. In these cases, some parents attempt to fill their child’s nutritional void by giving a supplemental kids beverage. Currently available products are marketed as a way to “provide vitamins” or to “help your kid grow.”
During my discussions with parents, I have discovered that they believe these claims. They assume that these beverages are nutritious, and appropriate to offer when their child refuses a meal. What parents fail to realize, however, is that the majority of the current options contain an excessive amount of sugar. Not all are fortified with vitamins, and many are low in protein or fiber. Except for situations where an illness or a developmental disorder impairs the ability to eat food, I have not recommended that parents give the currently available beverages to their children. The high sugar content does not outweigh their deceptively marketed nutritional value. Too much sugar in the diet contributes to obesity, and often affects a child’s behavior. I have heard parent complaints of their child becoming “hyper” or having difficulty sleeping after consuming one of these beverages at dinnertime.
However, there is finally a better product coming to the market: Else Kids Shakes. Its developers have found a way to make a great tasting supplemental beverage that is low in sugar. Unlike other options on the market, it is minimally processed. Its protein is uniquely sourced from almonds and buckwheat, and it is fortified with many essential vitamins and minerals. While still not a meal replacement, I feel that Else Kids Shakes are a more nutritious option for parents who choose to give their child a supplemental beverage."
- Leah Alexander, MD | Pediatrician
"Childhood is prime time for fostering a lifestyle that gives rise to gut health and optimal nutrition. The science is clear that childhood is one of the best times to prevent chronic disease and this begins with a thriving and diverse gut microbiota. That is why we are so happy to have found a company like Else that truly understands ingredients that foster microbial wellness, quality that stewards the Earth, and feeding dynamics that put whole food ingredients at the forefront."
- James Marin, RD, EN | Integrative Registered Dietitian, Environmental Nutritionist
- Jenn Trachtenberg | Board Certified Pediatrician
From Parents
We’ve been in and out of hospitals for y son Axel's 1st year of his life for Sandifers Syndrome, which is really intense acid reflux that causes seizure-like episodes, and he would go unconscious. Some symptoms began to get better, but he was starting to choke or vomit 6-8 times a day. We later found out he was allergic to eggs, milk, soy, avocado, and some tree nuts. Of course his formula had milk and soy. So we began a trial and error with every possible option of formula he was allowed. He refused all of them, and some even caused his puking to be worse. When he turned 12 months, we began trying all dairy-free milks: ripple milk, almond milk, oat milk, even yogurts with coconut. He refused them all.
Throughout this whole process, I had to knowingly feed him his formula he was allergic to. Then my mom sent over the link to Else and I ordered it right away. Axel loved it at 1st taste and has never touched his formula again. He’s eating his 3 meals a day now without any puking. To top it off, my son has never slept more then 3 hours and now since he is pain free and not sick he’s been sleeping 7+ hour stretches! He’s a much happier baby all around. We are very happy and thankful for your product. -Rebecca J
My niece was having stomach problem, she is lactose intolerant. Her mother, as suggested by her pediatrician, started her on soy milk. I noticed that my niece keep having stomach problem, so I searched online for a good milk for her and found Else. Since my16-month old niece started drinking Else, her stomach problems have almost disappeared and her sleep is greatly improved. We are very pleased with Else, thank you for creating this wonderful product. - Maritza C
My little man has a milk protein allergy and I am SO happy to have found this! He just turned one and is coming off his ridiculously expensive hypoallergenic formula. This is an awesome alternative to milk without all the chemicals! Tastes way better than infant formula too! - Kelly H
My toddler has Spina Bifida so she naturally has issues with constipation. When I was done nursing at 15 months, I was struggling to find a whole milk alternative that wouldn't contribute to her bowel issues. We found Else, ran it by her doctors who LOVED the ingredients, and have been using it for about 6 months now! We love knowing she is getting the nutrition she needs and she loves her 'moop'! - Sarah V
My daughter has had a sensitive stomach since she was put on formula. And I only buy her the organic formula. But still she would have episodes that expressed that maybe her tummy didn’t agree with a certain ingredient.So when I did research on non dairy, plant based formulas Else was the number one. I dug deep into the ingredients and couldn’t help but try it. My daughter has had the best response in more ways than just in her tummy. She’s acting different. Sleeps better and all around has a better demeanor. I’m so grateful for Else !!!! I recommend to anyone who has children! This formula has relieved me of so much worry and stress. ❤️ - Shasta V