In Go Dairy Free, I had the opportunity to discuss and elaborate on the various types of infant formula for milk allergic little ones, including the most effective type for severe multiple protein intolerances, amino acid-based formulas. Nutricia produces Neocate, a nutritionally complete, amino acid-based formula that is dairy-free, and also works well for multiple food protein intolerance.

But, in general, infant formulas are for, well, infants. So what happens when your child outrows their onesies, but they haven't outgrown their severe food allergies and gastrointestinal issues? Enter Neocate Junior. Neocate Junior is a nutritionally complete, amino acid-based medical food for children ages 1 to 10 with multiple food protein intolerance and severe impairment of the gastrointestinal tract ...

According to the Nutricia website, "Neocate Junior has been formulated with extra vitamins and minerals, especially for those patients who may require additional nutrition support secondary to any malabsorptive conditions resulting from gastrointestinal tract impairment: it provides at least 150% of the recommended nutrient requirements when consuming 100% of calories for ages 1-10."

Neocate Junior comes in three versions, Unflavored, Tropical, and the ever-so popular Chocolate. To help parents get started with the chocolate version, Nutricia has shared these Neocate Junior chocolate drink recipes ... 

Neocate Junior Chocolate Recipes

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Slushy

• 1 ½ tsp Imitation Strawberry Extract
• 1 Tbsp Hershey’s Strawberry Syrup
• 4 scoops (32.8 g) Neocate Junior Chocolate
• 2 fl oz Water
• 8 Ice Cubes

In a blender combine the extract, syrup and ice. Blend until it makes a slushy consistency. In a separate shaker cup, combine the Neocate Chocolate powder with the water and shake well. Pour the slushy mixture into the shaker cup and shake well again Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Sips great through a straw! Makes approximately 8 ounces.

Calories 198; Protein 5.25g; Carbohydrates 29.24g; Fat 6.89g

Cinnamon Chocolate Swirl

• 4 Scoops Neocate Junior Chocolate
• 5 oz Vanilla Flavored Rice Milk
• ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 8 Ice Cubes

In a blender, add the rice milk, cinnamon and ice cubes. Blend well. Pour into a shaker cup and add the Neocate Junior to the mixture. Cover with a lid and shake well. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Makes approximately 8 ounces.

Calories 232; Protein 5.92g; Carbohydrates 34.65g; Fat 8.17g

Banana Chocolate Shake

• 5 Scoops Neocate Junior Chocolate
• 3 fl oz Water or Rice Milk
• 1 Frozen Banana
• ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
• 5 Ice Cubes

In a blender, combine the water or rice milk, vanilla extract, and banana. Blend well. In a separate shaker cup, add the Neocate powder and blender contents. Shake well. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Makes approximately 10 ounces.

*With water - Calories 304; Protein 7.85g; Carbohydrates 47.87g; Fat 9g

Peppermint Mocha Smoothie

• 4 Scoops of Neocate Junior Chocolate
• 2 fl oz Water
• ¼ tsp Peppermint Extract
• 8 Ice Cubes

In a blender, combine the water, ice and peppermint extract. Blend well. In a separate shaker cup, add the Neocate powder and blender contents. Shake well. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for 24
hours. Makes approximately 8 ounces.

Calories 161; Protein 5.25g; Carbohydrates 16.8g; Fat 7g

Please note: The ingredients and nutritional values in the above recipes are not intended as medical advice. Recipes are available for informational and educational purposes only. Use only those recipes containing ingredients that are tolerated by your child.