Some Parents Outraged Over Chocolate & Vanilla Formula For Toddlers

Glenview, Ill. - The mommy blogs are all a-twitter. Parents are sounding off about a new toddler formula called Enfagrow Premium.

It's made for toddlers aged 12 to 36 months and was introduced last February by the same folks who make Enfamil. Enfragrow is chocked full of healthy sounding stuff like omega-3's and prebiotics.

But check the front label and you'll see why moms are banning it from baby bottles. It comes in chocolate and vanilla and contains 19 grams of sugar per 7 ounce serving.

"Definately not chocolate milk, too much sugar, that's not necessary," said Jackie Stark.

Enfagrow is also getting trashed in cyberspace by mommy bloggers who cringe at the pairing of chocolate and formula.

"Is it really a good idea to get our kids hooked on all things chocolate at the same time they're learning to walk?" asked one blogger.

On momlogic.com, another blogger asked: "What's next, genetically modifying moms to produce chocolate breast milk?"

Gleview-based Mead Johnson, the maker of Enfagrow, said it's designed for toddlers making the transition from infant formula or breast milk to cows milk.

"The toddler years can be particluarily challenging since food preferences may be erratic," the company told us. "Enfagrow premium can help children achieve a more balanced, healthy daily diet"

Some parents agree.

Cecily McAfee has a nine month old daughter. "I think this might be more intriguing to children more appealing<" she said. "They will get the nutrition they need even if you have to coax them with a little sugar."

However dietitians like Natalie Ratz at Chicago's Rush Medical Center see the formula as a recipe for disaster. She says chocolate laced drinks are not the way to supplement a child's diet, especially in the U.S. where childhood obesity is on the rise.

"You're adding a lot of extra calories and sugar that are unnecessary and giving the kids a taste for sweet foods," she said. "They learn this is something we can have everyday as opposed to an occasional treat."