This post is in partnership with Hiya. I only endorse products I believe in.

Author: Dahlia Rimmon, Pediatric Dietitian

I’m a mom of four and a pediatric dietitian so when I say I've seen my fair share of food battles, you should believe me. Even in my own home, my kids go through fussy phases. Some days they'll happily eat everything I put on their plates, and other days getting even a few bites into them (let alone something nutritious!) can feel like an uphill battle.

During those picky eating phases, my goal is to maximize their nutrition in every bite and I want every bite to be as nutrient-dense as possible. That’s why I often rely on using protein powder to make sure my kids are meeting their protein goals. 

I decided to compare some of the most popular kids' protein supplements to see which one stands out when you're looking for help in the protein department: Hiya Kids Daily Growth + Protein, Orgain Kids, Pediasure Grow & Gain, and Kendakids.

Quick legend: 🥇category winner |🥈category runner-up | ⛔ don’t recommend in the category

How much protein do kids need?

Before diving in, it helps to know how much protein kids actually need:

• Toddlers ages 1 to 3: 13 grams 
• Children ages 4 to 8: 19 grams 
• Children ages 9 to 13: 34 grams 
• Teens 14 to 18: 52 grams (males), 46 grams (females)

For perspective, one egg provides about 6 grams of protein, that’s roughly half of a toddler's daily requirement. That's why, when choosing a protein powder, more protein isn't always better. Look for something that fills nutritional gaps alongside a healthy, balanced diet, not something that replaces the whole foods kids should be eating.

Criteria #1: Formula

I look for complete protein sources with all essential amino acids, clean and recognizable ingredients, no added sugar or unnecessary additives, and a powder format that can be worked into everyday, whole-food recipes.

🥇 Hiya Kids Daily Growth + Protein:

• Protein source: Grass-fed whey (complete protein)
• Grams of protein per serving: 8 grams 
• Added sugar: 0 grams, naturally sweetened with monk fruit
• Free from: GMOs, gluten, soy, palm oil, artificial colors, unnecessary fillers and additives 
• Bonus nutrients: 

• 3g healthy fats from MCT oil and coconut milk
• Calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin D3 to support strong bones
• 4 grams of fiber, including organic inulin, a prebiotic fiber to support gut health and digestion
• Form: Powder

Orgain Kids Protein:

• Protein source: Grass-fed whey, organic whole milk, and organic milk protein (complete protein)
• Grams of protein per serving: 8 grams 
• Added sugar: 6 grams from cane sugar
• Free from: Gluten, artificial colors and flavors, soy, GMOs, and artificial preservatives 
• Bonus nutrients: 

• 4 grams of fiber
• 23 vitamins and minerals 
• Organic fruit and veggie powder
• Form: Powder

⛔ Pediasure Grow & Gain:

• Protein source: Milk protein and soy protein 
• Grams of protein per serving: 6 grams 
• Added sugar: 8 grams from corn syrup (first ingredient!) and sugar
• Free from: GMOs, artificial growth hormones, gluten
• Bonus nutrients: 
• 23 vitamins and minerals 
• Form: Powder

Kendakids Nutrition Shake:

• Protein source: Whole milk, whey protein (complete protein)
• Grams of protein per serving: 9 grams 
• Added sugar: 0 grams, sweetened with stevia 
• Free from: GMOs, artificial colors, palm oil, soy
• Bonus nutrients: 

• 27 vitamins and minerals 
• 2 grams of fiber
• DHA omega 3 to support brain development 
• Prebiotics and postbiotics to support gut health
• Form: Ready-to-drink shake

Criteria #2: Ingredient Safety

I look for third-party testing to confirm what's on the label is actually in the product, and that it's free from contaminants.

🥇 Hiya Kids Daily Growth + Protein:

• Age range: 2 to 12 years 
• Third-party tested? Yes
• Safe manufacturing practices: Clean Label Project Certified, Clean Label Project Purity Award, compliant with CA Prop 65
• Transparent about testing: Publicly shares its testing and quality standards, making it easier for parents to evaluate the product.

⛔ Orgain Kids Protein:

• Age range: 4+ years
• Third-party tested? No.
• Safe manufacturing practices: Not available from the retailer 
• Transparent about testing: No

⛔ Pediasure Grow & Gain:

• Age range: 2+ years
• Third-party tested? No
• Safe manufacturing practices: Not available from the retailer 
• Transparent about testing: No

Kendakids Nutrition Shake:

• Age range: 2+ years
• Third-party tested? Not independently verified. I could only find the brand's own manufacturing and safety claims, plus a brand-commissioned taste/ingredient preference survey, which isn't the same as published third-party lab testing.
• Safe manufacturing practices: Follows European safety standards and CA Prop 65 requirements for heavy metals.
• Transparent about testing: No independently published results found.

Criteria #3: Taste & Mixability

Protein powders should taste good enough that adding them to your kids' favorite foods feels effortless, meaning mild and versatile, not something that overpowers a recipe or replaces whole foods outright.

🥇 Hiya Kids Daily Growth + Protein:

• Flavor: Sweet cream, creamy without being heavy, naturally sweet without added sugar
• Blends easily milk, smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods
• Froths up nicely in just water and blends seamlessly into everyday recipes

🥈 Orgain Kids Protein:

• Flavor: Available in Chocolate brownie or vanilla bean ice cream flavor
• Has a strong, distinct flavor that may not pair well with specific recipes or ingredients
• Can be blended with water, milk, or smoothies, and added to baked goods

⛔ Pediasure Grow & Gain:

• Flavor: Available in Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry flavors 
• Very sweet and artificial flavor 
• Intended to be blended with water 

⛔ Kendakids Nutrition Shake:

• Flavor: Available in Creamy Chocolate, Velvety Vanilla, and Smooth Strawberry
• Must constantly be shaken to not separate, and even with the shaking there was consistent clumpiness
• Intended to be a standalone shake and enjoyed on its own

Criteria #4: Cost & Convenience

Hiya Kids Daily Growth + Protein: 

• $28.80 for your first month, then $48/month thereafter if you like it. $4.80 per serving (with code NMM50, $2.80 per serving on your first order).
• Available as a subscription (so you never have to remember to reorder).
• Free shipping on all US orders.

Orgain Kids Protein: 

• $24.99/canister, or $2.50 per serving ($9.95 for shipping)
• Available as a subscription (free shipping)
• Also available at Amazon, Whole Foods, Thrive Market, and Walmart 

🥇 Pediasure Grow & Gain: 

• $14.97/canister, or $1.87 per serving. 
• Available at Target and Walmart 

Kendakids Nutrition Shake: 

• $13.99/6 8oz cartons, or $2.33 per carton/serving. 
• Shakes must be refrigerated after opening and used within 48 hours (and raise your hand if your kid leaves half drunken liquids all over your house!)
• Available at Target and Walmart 

Hiya Kids Daily Growth + Protein is my pick for best kids protein powder!

Anytime I want to add a little extra protein to my kids' day, I'm mixing it into protein pancakes, oatmeal or a fruity smoothie, not handing them a pre-made shake and calling it done. It's become a genuine pantry staple:

✅ 8 grams of grass-fed whey protein

✅ Loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and minerals to support health growth and development 

✅ ZERO added sugar 

✅ Made specificallyfor kids + pediatrician formulated 

✅ Third party tested + Clean Label Project certified 

✅ Delicious, kid-approved flavor

✅ Blends with family-favorite recipes 

Use code NMM50 for 50% off your first purchase

I prefer to use a protein powder powder in recipes instead of a ready-to-drink shake. Personally, I want to build good, positive habits and associations with whole foods, rather than have a “sweet shake” become what my kids reach for. 

So I’m excited to use my Hiya in more recipes!

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