Berdie Toddler Formula: Toddler Drink vs Essential Shake (2026)

Quick Answer

Berdie is the new North American brand name for Sprout Organic, as there is already a much larger kids nutrition brand in the US using a similar name to "Sprout", the brand name has changed to avoid confusion and trademark infringements. You can read the full story in our Sprout to Berdie rebrand post.

Berdie makes two plant-based products for children 12 months and up. The Toddler Drink is the follow on formula for babies transitioning from the Sprout Infant formula at 12 months of age. It is nutritionally complete, made from organic rice and pea protein with minor changes to the Infant formula nutritional profile to meet the needs of growing Toddlers. The Essential Shake is an organic, plant-based, flavored protein drink or shake that replaces milk, to provide a protein boost, and a healthy alternative to sugary treats or shakes..

What is Berdie toddler formula?

For toddlers there are two cans, both 800g, both $35.99, both certified organic and vegan, and both made in Australia from organic pea and rice protein. They look alike on the shelf, however they are for different purposes.

Berdie Toddler Drink vs Essential Shake: the differences

Nutrition figures are from the labels on our product pages. Cost per serving is the single-can price divided by servings per can.

The fat gap is the main difference

Toddlers under two require a lot of fat for brain growth, which is why whole milk, not low-fat, is the usual advice from 12 months. The Toddler Drink sources its fat from organic canola, sunflower and coconut oils, at nearly three times the fat of the Shake per serving.

The Toddler Drink is a nutritionally complete follow-on formula, that fortifies and supplements the nutrition that Toddlers will be receiving from solid foods and other drink sources requirements. It rounds out their diet to ensure that they receive all of the calories, vitamins and minerals needed to grow healthy and strong at 12 months+ of age.

The Essential Shake is a plant-based chocolate or vanilla flavored nutritional protein shake, packed with essential vitamins, minerals and protein to support healthy development. It's use is versatile, as it can be mixed with water as a milk replacement, protein boost or healthy alternative to sugary treats. It is low in fat and sugar free.

Protein and micronutrients favor the Shake

Per serving, the Shake carries about 60% more protein, eight times the B12 and nearly twice the vitamin D of the Toddler Drink. For a plant-based family, B12 is the nutrient most worth watching, so a daily Shake is an easy way to ensure that an older toddler is meeting their daily B12 requirements.

Taste and prep

The Toddler Drink is unflavored, like most plant-based formulas. It has to be mixed with warm water or the rice base will not fully dissolve. The Shake comes in vanilla or chocolate flavor, mixes cold in a shaker, and is the one children ask for.

Berdie (Sprout) Organic Vegan Toddler Drink, 12 months+

Which Berdie toddler product should I buy?

• Moving off Sprout infant formula at 12 months: the Toddler Drink. It is the natural follow-on and the same taste and family of ingredients your baby already knows.
• Toddler who has stopped drinking milk or a milk substitute: the Toddler Drink, 1 to 2 cups a day alongside meals.
• Picky eater, 2 years and up, already eating a varied diet: the Essential Shake as a daily top-up for protein, iron and B12.
• Both: plenty of families keep the Toddler Drink as the morning and bedtime cup and use one Shake as a snack. The two together come to 255 calories and about 17g of protein.

How to switch from Sprout Infant formula to Berdie Toddler Drink

Because both are pea and rice protein formulas from the same maker, most babies take the switch without any fuss. A gradual swap still helps with taste and tummies.

1. Days 1 to 3: replace one bottle a day with the Toddler Drink.
2. Days 4 to 7: replace a second bottle.
3. Week 2: move to 1 to 2 servings of Toddler Drink a day, served in a cup rather than a bottle where you can.

The ratio is 4 scoops to 200ml (about 6.7oz) of water, and the water needs to be warm, 122 to 158°F, for the rice base to dissolve. Shake for a few extra seconds. If your toddler has an allergy or a medical diet, check the plan with your pediatrician first.

Moving from a dairy formula to plant-based instead? Our guide to switching to plant-based toddler formula covers that change step by step.

Do toddlers need toddler formula?

Not always. After 12 months most of a toddler's nutrition should come from food, and the American Academy of Pediatrics does not consider toddler drinks necessary for a child eating a varied diet with whole cow's milk. Plant-based families are the exception that matters. Most plant milks, such as almond, oat and rice, are low in protein, fat and calories for a child this age. A toddler drink made for 12 months and up fills that gap in a way a carton from the grocery store does not.

Shop Berdie plant-based toddler formula

Related guides

• Non-dairy and vegan baby formula guide: every dairy-free and plant-based option compared.
• Sprout Organic vs soy formula: how the two plant-based options differ.
• DHA and B12 in vegan formula: the two nutrients plant-based families ask about most.