What are the ingredients of NIDO?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to labels from various Nestle markets, while the core ingredient is milk powder, the specific ingredients of NIDO vary significantly by product line and target age group. These differences reflect distinct nutritional profiles designed to meet the evolving needs of children as they grow, incorporating specific vitamins, minerals, and other additives.

Quick Summary

A breakdown of NIDO's formulations reveals that beyond milk solids, ingredients often include vegetable oils, maltodextrin, sugar, and fortifying vitamins and minerals. The precise blend depends on the specific NIDO product, whether it's for toddlers (1+), school-age children (FortiGrow), or a general full-cream powder, each catering to different developmental stages and nutritional requirements.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The primary components of NIDO are dried milk solids, such as full cream or skimmed milk powder, which provides the base for the beverage.
Fortification: NIDO products are fortified with a robust mix of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and D, to support healthy growth and immune function.
Specialized Formulas: Different NIDO products, such as NIDO 1+ for toddlers, include special additives like probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri) and prebiotics (FOS, Inulin) for digestive health.
Fat Sources: To provide essential fatty acids, most NIDO varieties contain a blend of vegetable oils, including palm olein, canola, and sunflower oils.
Carbohydrates and Sugar: Ingredients like maltodextrin are used for carbohydrates. The inclusion of added sugars can vary significantly by product and regional market, with Nestle stating they are reducing or phasing them out in toddler formulas globally.
Regional Variations: It is crucial to check the specific product label, as ingredients and fortification levels can differ based on the country and intended age group.

Core Milk Solids: The Foundation of NIDO

At its core, NIDO is a powdered milk beverage, meaning its primary ingredient is milk solids. This foundation provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and development in children. The specific type of milk solids can vary, from full cream milk powder used in products like NIDO Fortificada and FortiGrow to skimmed milk solids used in other formulations. The processing of these milk solids is what gives NIDO its long shelf life and makes it easy to prepare by simply adding water.

Added Fats and Carbohydrates

To ensure a balanced nutritional profile, Nestle adds other macronutrients to its powdered milk products. A key component in many NIDO variants is a blend of vegetable oils, such as palm olein, low erucic rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil. These oils provide essential fatty acids necessary for a child's healthy growth and energy production. Maltodextrin, a carbohydrate derived from starch, is also frequently included to add calories and bulk to the powder.

Some NIDO formulations, particularly those for younger children or those sold in certain markets, may contain added sugar or corn syrup. This practice has drawn some criticism and has led Nestle to address the issue by phasing out certain added sugars globally, especially for their "growing up milks". However, consumers are advised to check the ingredient list on their specific product's label, as regional formulations can differ significantly.

Fortifying Ingredients: Vitamins and Minerals

What sets NIDO apart from basic powdered milk is its fortification with a wide range of vitamins and minerals. This is often highlighted by product names like NIDO Fortificada or FortiGrow. These added nutrients are crucial for supporting a child's immune system, cognitive function, and bone development.

Immunity Support: Iron, Zinc, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C are commonly added to help maintain the normal function of the immune system.
Bone Health: Calcium and Vitamin D are included to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth.
Cognitive Development: Iron, zinc, and B-vitamins are vital for supporting cognitive function and reducing fatigue.

Special Additives: Probiotics, Prebiotics, and DHA

Depending on the specific NIDO product, additional specialized ingredients are included to further enhance its health benefits for certain age groups. For instance, many of the 1+ toddler beverages contain probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health and a healthy digestive system. Some formulations may also contain DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), an omega-3 fatty acid known to support brain and eye development.

Probiotics: Live bacterial cultures like Lactobacillus reuteri are added to help balance gut flora.
Prebiotics: Ingredients like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria.
Emulsifiers: Soya lecithin is a plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend the fats and liquids smoothly when preparing the drink.
Flavors: Artificial flavors like vanillin may be used to enhance the taste.

Ingredient Comparison: NIDO Fortificada vs. NIDO 1+

Different NIDO products are formulated for different developmental stages. Here is a comparison of typical ingredients, noting that precise lists can vary by region and formulation.


Feature	NIDO Fortificada (Adults/Older Kids)	NIDO 1+ (Toddlers)
Milk Base	Full Cream Cow's Milk Powder	Skimmed Milk Solids
Carbohydrates	Minimal Maltodextrin, may contain sugars	Maltodextrin, Lactose, Inulin, Oligofructose, and potentially added sugars depending on region
Fortification	Wide array of vitamins (A, D, E, C, B-complex) and minerals (Calcium, Iron, Zinc)	Specific mix of vitamins (A, D, C) and minerals (Iron, Zinc) with added probiotics and prebiotics
Fats	Primarily milkfat from the full cream milk powder	Blend of vegetable oils like palm, canola, sunflower, and soy oil
Target Age	Children over 5 and adults	Toddlers aged 1 to 3 years
Special Additives	Soy lecithin, standard vitamins and minerals	Soy lecithin, Probiotics (L. reuteri), Prebiotics (FOS, Inulin), and DHA

Conclusion

In summary, the ingredients of NIDO are not static but are tailored for specific age groups and nutritional needs, varying by product line. While all variants are based on powdered milk solids, the main differences lie in the added vegetable oils, carbohydrate sources (including maltodextrin and sometimes sugars), and a comprehensive blend of fortifying vitamins and minerals. Specialized formulas for toddlers often include probiotics, prebiotics, and DHA to support early development. The specific ingredient list for any given NIDO product can be confirmed by reading the nutritional label, as formulations can differ globally. For more detailed product information, consumers can visit the official brand websites, such as the Nido homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary ingredient across all NIDO product lines is milk solids, which is essentially powdered milk derived from cow's milk.

The presence of added sugar in NIDO varies by product and region. While Nestle has been working to reduce or remove added sugars in many of its formulas, particularly for toddlers, some regional variants may still contain it. Always check the label for the specific product you are purchasing.

No, NIDO is not suitable for infants under one year of age. The product labels clearly state this, as NIDO is a growing-up milk and not a breast milk substitute.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid included in some NIDO formulations for toddlers, such as NIDO 1+, to support healthy physical brain and eye development.

Prebiotics, like inulin, and probiotics, like Lactobacillus reuteri, are specialized additives in some NIDO formulas that help support a healthy gut and aid in digestive health.

Nestle formulates NIDO products to meet different regional regulations, consumer preferences, and nutritional standards. This means ingredients can vary from one country to another.

Yes, NIDO offers a range of products tailored for specific age groups, such as NIDO 1+ for toddlers and NIDO FortiGrow for school-age children over 5 years old, each with a specific nutritional profile.