Wondering how much protein your kids need–and whether they’re getting enough? Here’s what a day’s worth of protein actually looks like for kids!
There’s no doubt protein is crucial for everyone, especially growing kids. But I talk to a lot of parents who are genuinely freaked out about protein, worried their carb-loving kids aren’t getting enough and pondering whether a big ol’ tub of protein powder might be helpful.
Do kids get enough protein?
The reality is that most kids get plenty of protein–even if meat is not their favorite food. That’s because protein is found in a whole bunch of places. For most healthy kids, protein needs aren’t hard to meet.
After I published my post Here’s How Many Fruits and Vegetables Kids Need Every Day, many of you asked for similar visuals for protein. Daily protein needs for children aren’t very high, and kids can get there pretty fast with food. In fact, government surveys show that most children, like adults, get more than enough.
In other words, freaking out about protein probably isn’t necessary!
| You might also like: 50 (Meat Free!) Protein Ideas For Kids’ Lunch Boxes |
How much protein your child needs
The daily totals I show below are based on the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), which are the levels of intake that meet the needs for most healthy people of that particular age, life-stage, and gender. Consider the RDAs the minimum amounts needed to meet basic needs.
Protein needs for toddlers & preschoolers: How much protein does a 2-3 year old need per day?
Protein needs for young kids: How much protein does a 4-8 year old need per day?
Protein needs for tweens: How much protein does a 9-13 year old need per day?
Protein needs for teenagers: How much protein does a 14-18 year old need per day?
Are these meal plans?
No! Obviously, your child should be eating more food than this. These are just representations of how easily kids can meet the RDA for protein. For instance, kids ages 2-3 need two cups of dairy per day to meet their calcium needs, even though I show just one-half cup of milk in the visual.
This doesn’t seem like enough!
This is just the minimum dietary requirements that kids would need in a day. The age groups also don’t account for differences in size, weight, and activity level, so if you have a child who is tall for his age and an athlete, his needs will be greater.
But my food labels say something different.
The protein amounts shown for each food are based on estimates using the USDA Nutrient Database. The label on your particular bread, cereal, pasta, or yogurt may list a different amount.
Should I count up grams everyday?
No. I don’t advocate for obsessing over or counting up each gram of protein your child gets. Serving three balanced meals and a healthy snack or two throughout the day will provide plenty of opportunities for getting protein, not to mention the carbohydrates and healthy fats that your child needs too.
What are other good sources of protein for kids?
There are many other protein rich food for kids beyond the ones I show here, such as tofu, beef, chicken, cottage cheese, seeds, nuts, and lentils. What about protein for vegetarian kids? Grab this list of 50 non-meat protein sources for kids.
Is protein powder safe for kids?
Probably, but it’s likely not necessary if you’ve got healthy kids who eat a variety of foods. Protein powders can have a lengthy ingredient list and contain ingredients like added sugar, sugar alcohol, or artificial sweeteners. It’s better to focus on getting protein from real, whole food. (If you have an extremely picky eater or a child with poor growth, talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dietitian about whether a protein powder or other drink mix can help right now.)
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Susan V. says
Thank you! I love these! I have the age-appropriate versions of the Fruit & Veggie and Sugar visuals posted on the refrigerator for my 10- and 12-year old daughters to help with their lunch-making. Is there a way to print these individually? I cannot remember how I printed the other versions…
Sally says
Hi Susan–feel free to contact me by email ([email protected]) and I can help.
Katie says
Great post Sally. It seems everyone is really fixated on eating enough protein these days. It’s comforting to know that our kids are very likely doing just fine on that front.
Sally says
Thanks Katie!
Marjorie says
Thank you for using mostly non meat sources of protein. My mother is constantly on my case like meat is the only form of protein on earth!
Stephanie says
My daughter (4) usually eats carbs for breakfast. Then fruits and veggies the rest of the day. She never eats meat, beans, yogurt….I’m at a loss. I just don’t know what other proteins to try….
Sally says
Hi Stephanie–Hopefully this post gives you more ideas. You can find protein in grains and veggies. If you’re concerned about her growth, you can check with the pediatrician, who can look at her growth curve and see how she’s doing. In the meantime, I would check the labels of the foods she is eating–chances are they contain protein!
Edith says
Are protein shakes safe for my 10 year old that is under weight?
Sally says
Hi Edith–Without knowing the product and amount, it’s hard for me to comment specifically. But I did write a post about feeding underweight kids, maybe this can give you some ideas as well: https://www.realmomnutrition.com/feeding-underweight-child/
Old Mom says
Your article is very FLAWED! Not only does it down-play the importance of protein, especially for adolescents and teens, but it also entirely neglects to consider the importance of other essential nutrients, such as iron. Pasta with sauce and cheese isn’t going to give your child anywhere near enough iron per day. Significant quantities of red meat, poultry, egg yolkes are almost indispensable. For example, teenage girls need 15 mg/day of iron. To put it in perspective, 2 egg yolkes is only 1 mg. 1 oz of red meat = 1 mg, 1 oz of dark meat chicken is less than 1 mg. of iron. The point is that protein cannot be looked at in a vacuum. Consumption of animal proteins should be emphasized in priority precisely because they contain other vital nutrients in high quantities.