Iced Tea: A Beverage for Kids?
In summer, children get hot... and thirsty! It is therefore crucial to ensure they stay sufficiently hydrated during the summer period. Water all day long, yes! But what other drink can you offer them to vary things from time to time? Are sodas, grenadine, and iced teas good options? We tell you everything.
How much water for a child?
Children need to hydrate well daily to support their growth and guarantee their healthy development. In addition to the liquids present in food (fruits, vegetables, soups...), it is necessary for them to drink enough water: 1 liter for children aged 1 to 3, 1.3 liters starting at 4 years old, and 1.8 liters from adolescence.
Water is, of course, the basis of children's hydration and it is important to encourage little ones to drink it throughout the day. However, you may want to offer them other drinks to vary the pleasures, especially during snack time. But which drinks to choose?
Sodas
Children love them, but these drinks are packed with sugars and additives. To prevent cavities, promote your child's good health, and combat the risks of sugar addiction and potential overweight, soda consumption should remain exceptional. This also applies to "light," "zero," or "sugar-free" sodas, whose sugar alternatives (aspartame and others) are known for their harmful effects on health and still maintain the appeal of the sweet taste.
Grenadine
Grenadine is quite similar to sodas, in that it is also too sweet and caloric. Children should therefore avoid consuming it for the same reasons. If you buy it, favor a syrup that is as natural as possible, or even organic. Furthermore, dilute the syrup or grenadine as much as possible in your child's glass of water.
Fruit Juices
Fresh "homemade" fruit juices are rich in vitamins and especially delicious, so they make a good alternative for snack time. However, avoid industrial juices, as they contain enormous amounts of sugar and additives. Also note that the fibers of fruits and vegetables are destroyed when they are prepared as juice, so they are much less nutritious than a whole fruit.
Is tea good for children?
Tea is not recommended for children because it contains theine, the equivalent of caffeine. Little ones are very sensitive to the effects of these stimulants and may suffer from headaches or developanxiety if they consume it. Theine can also prevent them from sleeping and make them irritable.
Let's not forget that industrial iced teas ultimately have little to do with tea... some don't even contain any! They are also too sweet.
Iced herbal infusion, however, is an excellent option for children, as it does not contain theine. Hot or iced, herbal infusion is an ideal drink for little ones
Without caffeine, without sugar, and without additives, herbal and fruit infusion is perfect for children in addition to mineral water. Hot in winter and iced in summer, it allows for a variety of pleasures while offering a wonderful tasting moment for children and teenagers.
Does your child like citrus? Do they prefer red fruits? Maybe they are into licorice, cinnamon, or chocolate? Good news: there are infusions for all tastes!
Our Iced Infusions That Children Love
Gourmandise, Teatower's delicious recipe
Red fruits andalmond combine in a surprising and ultra-gourmet infusion. The pieces of strawberry, blackberry, cherry, hibiscus, and elderberries blend so well with raisins and almonds that you can't get enough of this sweet mixture. A real moment of pleasure!
DISCOVER OUR ICED INFUSIONS
In addition to being delicious and quenching children's thirst, iced teas are very simple to prepare!
Place a 15g tea bag in one liter of water and let it infuse for three hours. Then add frozen fruits (strawberries, blueberries, redcurrants...) or slices of orange or lemon (preferably organic) if you wish. Finally, place your carafe in the fridge and add ice cubes before serving the drink for maximum freshness.
Enjoy!