7 Best Protein Shakes for Kids and Teens, Tested in 2026
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The 7 Best Protein Shakes for Kids and Teens, Taste-Tested by Kids, Approved by Dietitians

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Published on January 2, 2026
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If your child is a picky eater or refuses to eat meat, beans, or other high-protein foods, you might be concerned that they're missing out on a crucial nutrient. Some concern is warranted, since protein is vital for growing kids. Food sources should always be the first choice for meeting nutritional needs, but some children are unable to fulfill their protein requirements solely through diet, and that's where protein shakes for kids may be beneficial.

"Because growth during childhood is so rapid, adequate protein is especially important to help meet kids’ needs," says Alison Ellis, RD, founder of the Toddler Kitchen.

“Kids need [protein], not only to build muscle but also for immune health, brain health, wound healing, and keeping their blood sugar steady,” says Danielle Zold, RD, who specializes in pediatric nutrition and is the founder of Nourished Pediatrics. “Protein is the building block for everything from enzymes to hormones. It really impacts every part of health.”

If your child could benefit from a protein shake to help meet their needs, we're here to help. We tested over 100 protein shakes and powders, and consulted with two pediatric registered dietitians to compile this list for kids and teens. We also consulted health guidelines to ensure that each choice aligns with expert advice. Here are the protein shakes and powders we recommend.

Our Top Picks for the Best Protein Shakes for Kids

When to Consult Your Pediatrician or a Registered Dietitian

While protein is an essential nutrient, not every child needs a protein shake. It's always best to consult your child's healthcare provider before starting or changing a nutrition supplement, including protein shakes and powders. A pediatrician or registered dietitian can help you determine whether your child is getting enough protein in their typical diet without needing to add a shake. If they recommend a protein shake, your healthcare provider can help review the ingredients in a product you're considering and ensure that the product is age appropriate and has the recommended amount of protein for your child.

yogos kids yogurt

Best Smoothie

Little Spoon Yogos

Buy at Little Spoon for $2.82

Pros

  • Simple ingredient list
  • Contains fruits and vegetables
  • No added sugar
  • Tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and plastic components

Cons

  • Requires refrigeration within four hours
  • Not appropriate for kids with a milk allergy
  • Less protein than other kids' protein shakes

Key Specs

  • Form: Pouch
  • Serving size: 1 pouch (99 g)
  • Recommended age: 6 months and older
  • Protein per serving: 4 g
  • Protein source: Whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • Dietary considerations: Organic

We like Little Spoon Yogos because they provide 4 grams (g) of naturally occurring protein from organic, non-GMO Greek yogurt, plus real fruits and vegetables in a convenient, kid-friendly pouch. Available in apple and berry, peach, strawberry banana, and mango flavors, these blends contain no added sugar, and each batch is rigorously tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and plastic components.

While Little Spoon Yogos contain less protein than some other shakes, this makes them appropriate for younger kids with lower protein needs or older children who need a balanced snack. Each pouch also contains 1 to 2 g of naturally occurring fiber from the fruits and vegetables in the blend. While this isn't a large amount of fiber, every bit helps, as many young kids don't meet their fiber goals.

Editor Nicole Bonaccorso tasted these smoothies along with her kids, and they loved them. ”They’re sweet and fruity, and taste real," she says. Bonaccorso also feels that Yogos are "a fruit pouch you won't feel guilty about giving your kids," she says, though she notes that they're a little thicker than some yogurt pouch products, and some flavors have a slightly gritty texture. Another thing to be aware of is the need for refrigeration, which makes these pouches less convenient to use on the go than a shelf-stable product. Though Yogos are available at Target, Little Spoon sells them directly as part of its subscription service.

noka superfood smoothie

Best Plant-Based Pouch

Noka Superfood Smoothie

Buy at Noka for $14.99

Pros

  • No added sugar
  • 600 mg omega-3 fatty acids per pouch
  • 5 g of fiber per pouch
  • No artificial ingredients
  • Shelf-stable

Cons

  • Contains some fruit juice concentrates and powders
  • Less protein than some kids' protein shakes
  • Pricey

Key Specs

  • Form: Pouch
  • Serving size: 1 pouch (120 g)
  • Recommended age: Kids or adults
  • Protein per serving: 5 g
  • Protein source: Brown rice powder
  • Dietary considerations:  Vegan, gluten-free, organic

Noka Superfood Smoothie pouches are an excellent choice for kids following a plant-based diet, as they are vegan with added protein from brown rice powder. This product is also allergy-friendly, as the pouches are free from peanuts, soy, wheat, gluten, dairy, and sesame seeds.

In addition to having 5 g of protein, these smoothies are a good source of fiber, containing 5 g of fiber from flaxseed and soluble tapioca fiber in each pouch. Each pouch also includes 600 milligrams (mg) of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed, providing the majority of the recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids for children. Alpha-linolenic acid is the form of omega-3s found in flaxseed and is an essential fatty acid, meaning it must be consumed from the diet.

In addition to their positive nutritional features, these smoothies also taste good, with 13 flavors for picky kids to choose from. Writer and fitness instructor Brittany Vargas enjoyed the variety of flavors, describing them as "mildly sweet but in a natural way" and "tasty without being overpowering." She also likes the convenience of these shelf-stable smoothie pouches. "They’re lightweight and can easily be thrown in a bag, so you can get a bit of protein plus fiber, vitamins, and omegas on the go," she says.

protein shakes

Best Plant-Based Shake

Koia Kids Shake

Buy at Koia for $39.99

Pros

  • Organic
  • Free of major food allergens
  • Added vitamins and minerals
  • Good source of calcium and vitamin D
  • Shelf-stable

Cons

  • Added sugar
  • Pricey
  • Contains some gums and an emulsifier

Key Specs

  • Form: Shake in carton
  • Serving size: 8 fluid ounces
  • Recommended age: Kids
  • Protein per serving: 9 g
  • Protein source: Pea protein
  • Dietary considerations: Organic, vegan
The Koia Kids Shake is an organic, vegan option with 9 g of protein, available in three kid-friendly flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and fruity cereal. The shakes have an oat milk base and added pea protein. Families with food allergies can use it comfortably, as it's free of the top nine food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.

Bonaccorso tested these shakes with her kids, and they especially loved the fruity cereal flavor, with chocolate as a close second. They didn't love the vanilla, which tasted too artificial. “The lack of chalkiness is the most noticeable compared with other protein drinks,” Bonaccorso says, adding that the drinks are sweet, “but not overly so.”

One big plus is that each shake has 4 g of fiber from blue agave. Many kids don't meet their daily fiber needs, especially if they're picky eaters.

These shakes have 4 g of added sugar, and their sodium content is relatively high for small children, ranging from 270 to 280 mg per carton, depending on the flavor. We appreciate that this product contains a fruit and veggie blend, but the blend is listed as one of the last ingredients on the label, so it's likely included in small amounts.

pediasure protein shakes

Best Shake for Picky Eaters

Pediasure Grow & Gain

Buy at Walgreens for $14.99

Pros

  • Five flavors
  • A balance of protein, carbs, and fat
  • Fortified with 27 vitamins and minerals
  • Widely available

Cons

  • Not appropriate for kids with milk or soy allergies
  • Longer ingredient list
  • Added sugar

Key Specs

  • Form: Shake in bottle
  • Serving size: 8 fluid ounces
  • Recommended age: 2 to 13 years old
  • Protein per serving: 7 g
  • Protein source: Milk protein concentrate, soy protein isolate
  • Dietary considerations: Gluten-free, suitable for lactose intolerance

Pediasure Grow & Gain is a widely available nutrition shake for kids from a well-known company. It comes in five kid-friendly flavors: chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, s'mores, and banana. While each bottle contains 7 g of protein per serving, this isn't just a protein shake. It also contains added vitamins and minerals, plus fat and carbohydrates, making it a more complete nutrition option to help fill in the gaps for kids who aren't eating well.

Each shake has 240 calories, so caregivers can serve it as a meal replacement for a young child who refuses a meal, serve it with a meal for older children who aren't eating enough, or give it as a snack. One important note is that Pediasure is made with milk and soy, so it's not appropriate for kids with allergies to either.

Editor Ashley Ziegler tasted the shakes along with her daughter, who eats a limited diet, and they liked the chocolate flavor the best. They both thought the shakes were creamy and smooth and a "good option for kids who are selective eaters and struggle to get adequate nutrition as a result." Ziegler says. However, Ziegler didn’t love the amount of added sugar in these shakes: 9 g per bottle.

protein shakes

Best Organic Shake for Teens

Orgain Organic Nutrition Shake

Buy at Orgain for $35.99

Pros

  • 16 g of high-quality protein per serving
  • Four flavors
  • Fortified with up to 21 vitamins and minerals
  • 490 to 510 mg added calcium, depending on the flavor
  • Organic fruit and vegetable powder blend

Cons

  • Not appropriate for kids with a milk allergy
  • Contains some gums and fillers
  • Added sugar

Key Specs

  • Form: Shake in carton
  • Serving size: 11 fluid ounces
  • Recommended age: 10 years old and up
  • Protein per serving: 16 g
  • Protein source: Milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate
  • Dietary considerations: Organic, gluten-free

If you're looking for a protein shake for teens that tastes good, offers flavor variety, and contains 16 g of high-quality protein per serving, try Orgain's Organic Nutrition Shake. Caitlin Beale, RDN, tried these for us and recommends them as a "good-tasting option that can help you boost protein, vitamins, and minerals," she says.

Teenagers often don't have the most nutritionally complete diets, but this shake can help, as it contains up to 21 added vitamins and minerals, along with a blend of fruit and vegetable powders. In particular, this shake will help meet calcium requirements: it has up to 510 mg of calcium per serving, which is about 40 percent of a teenager's calcium needs.

 This is especially helpful, since bone mass accrual occurs rapidly during the teenage years.

While these protein shakes contain no artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives, they do have added sugars. The strawberries and cream flavor contains the lowest amount of added sugar at 6 g, but the other three flavors contain 11 g of added sugar per serving, which is higher than the other options in this list.

protein powder

Best Protein Powder for Teens

Thorne Whey Protein Isolate

Buy at Thorne for $65

Pros

  • 21 g of protein per serving
  • Only 1 g of sugar
  • Third-party tested
  • Can mix into a variety of liquids

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Not appropriate for people with a milk allergy
  • Contains xanthan gum

Key Specs

  • Form: Powder
  • Serving size: One scoop (28 g)
  • Recommended age: Not listed
  • Protein per serving: 21 g
  • Protein source: Whey protein isolate
  • Dietary considerations: NSF Certified for Sport, gluten-free
We like Thorne Whey Protein Isolate because it's made with high-quality whey protein and mixes well into smoothies, shakes, or even water. Parents can feel more confident about choosing this product because it's NSF Certified for Sport, which means it has been third-party tested for quality and safety.

This whey protein powder is a good option for teenagers who need to increase their protein intake, whether due to athletic pursuits or because they are not getting enough protein in their diet. With 21 g per scoop, it provides a boost to protein intake without providing excessive amounts, and has only 1 g of added sugar per serving.

"I think this is my new favorite protein powder," Beale says. The powder blends well with a frother or blender and had "zero chalky taste," she says.

This protein powder is on the pricier side and contains milk ingredients, making it unsuitable for kids with milk allergies.

protein powder

Best Protein Powder

Wavelength Little Ripples

Buy at Wavelength for $34.99

Pros

  • Organic
  • Vegan
  • No fillers or added sugars
  • Can be added to a variety of liquids and foods

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Contains tree nuts (coconut)
  • Only available through the company's website

Key Specs

  • Form: Powder
  • Serving size: 1 scoop (21 g)
  • Recommended age: Kids
  • Protein per serving: 10 g
  • Protein source: Yellow pea protein
  • Dietary considerations: Organic, vegan, gluten-free

Wavelength Little Ripples wins as a convenient protein powder that can easily fit into a broad range of diets, as it's vegan, gluten-free, and organic, and it contains a manageable 10 g of protein per serving. Since it's in powder form, you can add it to smoothies, liquids, or foods — and you can even drink it mixed with hot water as hot chocolate.

Brittany Scanniello, RD, tested this product with her kids and found the powder to be "chocolate forward,” she says, and the cinnamon makes it taste a bit like Mexican hot chocolate. It has a thin texture, similar to almond milk, and only a slight amount of grittiness.

It's flavored naturally with cacao, organic vanilla, and cinnamon, and contains no added sugars. Instead, it has monk fruit extract, a natural sweetener. This powder is free of many of the top allergens, such as dairy, soy, and gluten, but it does contain coconut, so families with tree nut allergies should avoid it.

Some downsides are that this product is only available in chocolate flavor and has limited retail availability.

Superlative
Form
Plant-based?
Protein Source
Amount of Protein
Added Sugars
Little Spoon Yogos
Best Smoothie
Pouch
No
Whole-milk Greek yogurt
4 g
No
Buy Now $2.82
Noka Superfood Smoothie
Best Plant-Based Pouch
Pouch
Yes
Brown rice powder
5 g
No
Buy Now $14.99
Koia Kids Shake
Best Plant-Based Shake
Shake
Yes
Pea protein
9 g
Yes
Buy Now $39.99
Pediasure Grow & Gain
Best Shake for Picky Eaters
Shake
No
Milk protein concentrate, soy protein isolate
7 g
Yes
Buy Now $14.99
Orgain Organic Nutrition Shake
Best Organic Shake for Teens
Shake
No
Milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate
16 g
Yes
Buy Now $35.99
Thorne Whey Protein Isolate
Best Protein Powder for Teens
Powder
No
Whey protein isolate
21 g
Yes
Buy Now $65
Wavelength Little Ripples
Best Protein Powder
Powder
Yes
Yellow pea protein
10 g
No
Buy Now $34.99

Other Noteworthy Protein Shakes We Tried

Another notable kids' protein shake we tried was Pediasure Sidekicks, which is similar to Pediasure Grow & Gain but has 25 percent fewer calories. We preferred Pediasure Grow & Gain over the Sidekicks shakes because many kids who are selective eaters also benefit from supplemental calories. However, we enjoyed the taste of the Sidekicks shakes, and they contain 10 g of protein and 3 g of fiber per serving.

We tried many other protein shakes and powders but determined that they aren't suitable for most kids, as many contained more protein than kids need in a single meal or even in a whole day.

How We Tested the Best Protein Shakes for Kids

All of the shakes and powders we considered were tested by registered dietitians, editors, health writers, and sometimes our kids. We evaluated products based on a range of criteria, including taste, mouthfeel, ingredients, protein content, and price.

We also spoke with two pediatric registered dietitians, Alison Ellis, RD, and Danielle Zold, RD, to learn which kids might need protein shakes and what experts look for in protein shakes and powders for children. I'm also a pediatric registered dietitian, so I used taste testers' feedback and my own pediatric nutrition experience to make the top picks.

What to Look for When Buying Protein Shakes and Powders for Kids

To choose an appropriate protein shake or powder for your child, consider their age, typical diet, and the reasons why they might need extra protein. Compare the following details when selecting the best option for your child.

Form

You may need to try different types of protein shakes or powders to find one your child enjoys. Many protein shakes for kids come premade in a bottle, usually with a milky consistency. Some come in powdered form that you can add to your own homemade smoothie or a glass of milk.

Younger children may more readily accept blended food pouches or a milklike drink. For kids who dislike milky shakes, a food pouch with added protein might be a suitable alternative, or consider using a protein powder that can be mixed into their preferred foods and drinks.

Recommended Ages

Children have changing protein needs as they grow, and the protein requirements of young children differ from those of older children. "If you are choosing a protein supplement for your child, I encourage parents to look for products made specifically for children with an age-appropriate amount of protein per serving,” Ellis says. “Some adult protein powders contain more protein than a child needs in an entire day." Protein shakes intended for adults aren't suitable for young children but may work for teenagers, depending on their individual protein needs.

Dietary Considerations

Consider the type of diet your family follows, and if you're okay with milk-based options or would prefer something plant-based. Many protein shakes contain dairy ingredients, like milk concentrate or whey protein. Vegan protein is typically sourced from soy or pea protein.

For families who prefer food-based options, look for a fruit-, veggie-, or yogurt-based pouch product. Other options include powdered fruit and vegetable blends, although powders don't offer the same benefits as blended fruits and vegetables.

For picky eaters, a shake with added vitamins and minerals may help fill dietary gaps, but kids who eat a varied diet that's low in rich protein sources might need only a basic protein powder or shake without extra added nutrients. Selective eaters might also benefit from protein shakes that contain fiber.

Serving Size

Consider the serving size and choose an option that's reasonable to work into your child's typical diet. A higher-volume shake might not be reasonable for a small child to drink, especially if your child has a limited appetite. Protein powders sometimes require more than one scoop per serving, which might be harder to incorporate fully into a drink or food.

Allergens

If your child has a food allergy, carefully check the labels of protein shakes to ensure that they don't contain any problematic ingredients. Many products contain milk or soy-based ingredients, as both are high-quality sources of protein. Some also contain protein from peanuts, tree nuts, or seeds.

Other Ingredients

The simpler the ingredient list, the better. "I look for products without artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, or caffeine and try to find ones that keep added sugar and sodium low,” Ellis says.

How Much Protein Does My Child Need per Day?

The amount of protein your child needs daily depends on their age and gender. Children with special health needs or those who are very active in sports may require higher amounts of protein, but you should work with a healthcare provider to determine what those are.

In a toddler's diet, calories from protein should contribute about 5 to 20 percent of their total daily calorie needs. For children 3 and up, 10 to 30 percent of their daily energy needs should come from protein.

According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, children need the following average amounts of protein per day:

Age
Recommended protein per day, in grams
1–3 years
13
4–8 years
19
9–13 years
34

14–18 years (boys)

14–18 years (girls)

52

46

Does My Child Need a Protein Shake or Powder?

"Most children can meet their protein needs through a variety of foods and do not need to supplement with extra protein," Ellis says. For example, most children who drink cow's milk get plenty of protein, as 8 ounces contains about 7 g of protein. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, if your child drinks the recommended amount of milk per day for their age, they're likely meeting their protein needs until about age 9.

Ellis says that extra protein might be helpful in specific instances, such as "for children with medical conditions that affect their protein needs, specific growth concerns, or very restrictive diets."

"Protein supplements can also be appropriate for athletes with higher needs or busy teens who tend to skip meals," Zold says.

In some cases, children following a vegan or vegetarian diet may benefit from a protein shake, but only if their diet lacks adequate protein sources, such as beans, lentils, edamame, tofu, or commercial meat substitutes.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Kids Drinking Protein Shakes or Powders?

Excess protein may be harmful to the kidneys, particularly if a person has impaired kidney function.

 If a child regularly consumes excessive amounts of protein on a routine basis, it may lead to damage over time, so protein shakes should be used only when necessary.

Shakes that contain extra vitamins and minerals are not necessary for kids who eat a well-rounded diet or take a multivitamin or mineral supplement. Many protein shakes include added micronutrients that can exceed a child's daily requirements.

Additionally, protein shakes can be quite filling. If consumed too close to meals, they may decrease a child's appetite for solid foods and snacks. For a selective eater, this might reinforce an already limited food intake.

Many protein shakes also contain added sugar. According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, consuming sugar-sweetened beverages in early childhood may predispose children to prefer sweetened drinks later in their lives. The Dietary Guidelines also emphasize that sugar-sweetened beverages should not be given to children younger than 2 because they often replace more nutrient-dense foods and drinks that growing kids need.

FAQ

What are good protein sources for kids?
Protein is found in a wide variety of foods, not just meat and eggs. Good protein sources for kids include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cow's milk, tofu and other soy products, beans, peas, lentils, and some whole grains.

Consider whether they're eating a balanced diet that includes all the food groups, such as dairy or dairy substitutes, animal or vegetarian sources of protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, and healthy fats. If their diet includes a variety of foods from all food groups without overemphasizing protein-rich foods or protein supplements, they're probably not overdoing their protein intake. If your child is eating large portions of protein-rich foods and not much else, they may be consuming too much protein. Check with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Most children don't need a protein shake. If your child does need extra protein, try offering a shake after a meal or as a snack to avoid interfering with their appetite. For most children, their protein intake should primarily come from food, so try to prioritize whole-food options first.
In most cases, protein shakes and powders will not be covered by your insurance. Children with certain diagnoses or healthcare needs may be eligible for insurance coverage for certain protein shakes if prescribed by a healthcare provider. This depends on the insurance plan and the specific medical need. Ask your medical team to help you determine if your child might qualify for coverage.

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Alexandra Ginos, MBA, RD, CSP, CLC

Author

Alex Ginos is a registered dietitian who specializes in pediatric nutrition. She received a bachelor’s of science in food science and human nutrition from the University of Illinois and completed a dietetic internship at the University of Virginia Health System.

Her 12 years of experience have spanned many areas of nutrition, including caring for children with complex healthcare needs, supporting healthy nutrition habits for families, and diabetes. Though she specializes in pediatric nutrition, she is passionate about helping people of all ages lead a healthy lifestyle.

Alex lives in Philadelphia, and loves to spend time outdoors with her dog, garden, explore new areas, and spend time with friends and family. She also enjoys cooking and trying new foods and recipes.

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Reyna Franco, RDN

Medical Reviewer

Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has a master's degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from Columbia University.

In her private practice, she provides medical nutrition therapy for weight management, sports nutrition, diabetes, cardiac disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, food allergies, eating disorders, and childhood nutrition. To serve her diverse patients, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge of customary food practices. She applies the tenets of lifestyle medicine to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve health outcomes for her patients.

Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size. She taught sports nutrition to medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, taught life cycle nutrition and nutrition counseling to undergraduate students at LaGuardia Community College, and precepts nutrition students and interns. She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program.

She is the chair of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Member Interest Group. She is also the treasurer and secretary of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, having previously served in many other leadership roles for the organization, including as past president, awards committee chair, and grant committee chair, among others. She is active in the local Greater New York Dietetic Association and Long Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, too.

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Evan Starkman

Fact-Checker

Evan Starkman has worked in health journalism since 2011. He has written and fact-checked content for sites such as WebMD and Mayo Clinic. He earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Florida.

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Sabrina Rojas Weiss

Sabrina Rojas Weiss

Editor

Sabrina Rojas Weiss has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years, 12 of which she's spent in the health and parenting space. Her work has appeared in Parents, Verywell, Yahoo, Greatist, Healthline, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and more. Her real expertise is in diving headfirst down research rabbit holes to see what actual experts have found about any given topic.

Sabrina lives in Brooklyn with her husband, nearly teenage son, and feisty rat terrier mix. She enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, reading too many novels, and visiting museums.

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Ashley Ziegler

Tester

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites including The Bump, Health, Pregnancy & Newborn, People, Parents, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more.

Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.

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Brittany Scanniello, RD

Tester

Brittany Scanniello is a freelance writer, registered dietitian-nutritionist, and owner of Eat Simply Nutrition, a Colorado-based integrative nutrition company and private practice.

As a lifelong and collegiate athlete, Brittany has always kept fitness and nutrition a top priority. Her expertise lies in pediatrics, sports, and functional nutrition, though she is experienced in all nutrition-related matters. She strongly believes that food has the power to reduce the risk of chronic disease and help people feel energized so she works hard to make nutrition information accessible and easy to understand for all.

Brittany received her undergraduate degree in human nutrition and dietetics from University of North Carolina in Greensboro. She also completed a dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

As a freelance nutrition and fitness writer, her work has been published in Eat This Not That, PopSugar, and other outlets. She is the author of The Complete Macro Cookbook.

When Brittany is not counseling clients or writing, she enjoys working on her family's farm, golfing, playing with her three kids, and baking.

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Brittany Vargas

Tester

Brittany Elyse Vargas has been a professional writer and journalist for over a decade and has been exploring topics around mental health, mind-body medicine, health, wellness, and psycho-spiritual development for the past 20 years.

As a trauma-informed health journalist, she is a regular contributor to Everyday Health, Medscape and Verywell Mind. Her byline has also appeared in Yahoo Life, Shape, Integrative Practitioner, Business Insider, and BBC Travel, among others.

Brittany is also a certified Reiki Master who has been practicing since 2010.

She received her bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a proud Californian. In her spare time, she loves practicing yoga, dancing, hiking, and traveling.

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Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN

Tester

Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian and freelance health writer with experience in clinical nutrition, education, research, and private practice. Caitlin’s special interests include women's health, gut health, autoimmunity, and reproductive health. Committed to the belief that health information should be accessible to all, she is passionate about empowering individuals to make positive changes for their well-being. Caitlin holds advanced training certificates in women's health and integrative and functional nutrition.

Caitlin was born and raised in northern California, where she resides with her family. An avid lover of sunshine and the outdoors, she finds joy in activities such as visiting the beach, exercising, cooking, and indulging in a good read. You can find Caitlin’s writing in a variety of outlets and brands, including Motherly, Nourish, Signos, Greatest, Pure Encapsulations, Abbott, and Clue, among others.

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Nicole Bonaccorso

Nicole Bonaccorso

Tester

Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.

Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.

In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.

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Resources
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  3. Food Allergies: The "Big 9". U.S. Department of Agriculture. March 21, 2024.
  4. Calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements. September 14, 2023.
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