Best Yummy Iron Supplements
Finding an iron supplement that your child will actually take can feel like an impossible task. Many iron products have that notorious metallic taste that kids instantly reject. We’ve researched the tastiest, most palatable iron supplements available to help you choose one that your child won’t fight you on. These picks combine effective iron delivery with flavors and formats kids genuinely enjoy.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops — Great-tasting chocolate formula without metallic aftertaste
- Best Value: MaryRuth’s Toddler Iron Drops — Organic grape flavor at an affordable price
- Best Premium: Legendairy Milk Iron Drops — Cherry-flavored with iron polysaccharide for superior taste
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Ingredients | Form | Servings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops | 15mg iron per 1mL | Liquid | 120 | Best taste overall |
| MaryRuth’s Toddler Drops | Ferrochel bisglycinate | Liquid | 60 | Budget-friendly |
| Renzo’s Iron Strong | Carbonyl iron + Vitamin C | Melty Tabs | 90 | No-swallow option |
| Pharmics IronKids | Polysaccharide iron | Liquid | 60 | Sensitive stomachs |
| Wellements Iron Drops | Organic iron complex | Liquid | 30 | Infants 2+ months |
| NovaFerrum Yay Chewables | 18mg iron | Chewable | 90 | Ages 4 and up |
| ChildLife Liquid Iron | Natural berry flavor | Liquid | 48 | Picky eaters |
1. NovaFerrum Pediatric Drops — Best Overall
- GREAT TASTING: NovaFerrum has a pleasant taste that kids will enjoy, without the yucky taste of iron.
- NO BAD STUFF: NovaFerrum Does Not contain Gluten, Sugar, Alcohol, Parabens, Synthetic Colors, or Caffeine.
NovaFerrum has cracked the code on making iron supplements that kids will genuinely enjoy taking.
This chocolate-flavored liquid iron delivers 15mg of elemental iron per serving without the metallic taste that plagues most iron supplements. Parents consistently report that their children ask for this supplement, which is practically unheard of in the iron supplement world. The formula is free from gluten, sugar, alcohol, and artificial colors, making it suitable for children with various dietary restrictions. It’s designed specifically for infants, toddlers, and kids ages 4 and under.
What We Like
- Pleasant chocolate flavor kids actually enjoy
- No metallic aftertaste
- Free from common allergens and artificial ingredients
- Clinically proven formula
What Could Be Better
- Can stain teeth if not brushed after use
- Relatively expensive compared to generic options
Bottom Line: The gold standard for taste in children’s iron supplements, worth the premium price for the compliance it provides.
2. MaryRuth’s Toddler Iron Drops — Best Value
- Children's Liquid Iron: Support your toddler’s overall health and wellness by replenishing iron levels with our Toddler Iron Organic Drops, in a delicious grape flavor. Our liquid iron comes from bioavailable Ferrochel, otherwise known as ferrous bisglycinate chelate, a unique form of Iron that may have higher absorption rates and increased tolerability than Iron salts.
- Multiple Benefits: The importance of Iron has been known to humans for centuries, even dating back to the Egyptians, Hindus, Greeks, and Romans! Iron is important for toddlers as it may support energy metabolism, a growing body, and overall health.
- Liquid Iron for Kids: This essential mineral is a critical component of hemoglobin and myoglobin, proteins of red blood cells and muscle cells, respectively. Adequate oxygen levels are crucial for good health, and sufficient iron intake helps ensure that your toddler gets the oxygen they need!
- Easy-to-Take Liquid Drops: No more hard-to-swallow pills or capsules! These delicious grape-flavored drops, formulated for kids ages 1-3, shake gently before use. Once daily, add up to 30 drops to your child’s food or drink.
- For Most Lifestyles: MaryRuth's Toddler Iron Organic Liquid Drops are USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, Made in a GMP Facility, Dairy Free, Nut Free, Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Soy Free, Sugar Free. Clean Label Project Certified. B Corp Certified.
This organic, grape-flavored iron supplement offers excellent value without compromising on quality or taste.
MaryRuth’s uses Ferrochel, a bioavailable form of iron known as ferrous bisglycinate chelate, which is gentle on the stomach and easily absorbed. The organic grape flavor is naturally pleasant, and the liquid format makes it easy to administer to toddlers ages 1-3. Many parents appreciate that it’s USDA organic, vegan, non-GMO, and free from common allergens. The formula provides 3.5mg of iron per serving, meeting the daily needs for most toddlers.
What We Like
- Affordable price point for organic product
- Pleasant grape flavor
- Highly bioavailable Ferrochel form of iron
- USDA organic certification
What Could Be Better
- Lower iron content may require additional supplementation for deficient children
- Smaller bottle size means more frequent reordering
Bottom Line: An excellent organic option that balances quality, taste, and affordability for daily iron supplementation.
3. Renzo’s Iron Strong Melty Tabs — Best No-Swallow Option
- A melty kids iron supplement: Renzo’s sugar-free dissolvable kids vitamins are a healthy, melty and delicious way for kids to get the vitamins they need; say goodbye to sugar-filled gummy vitamins or yucky liquids
- Delicious tummy-friendly iron for kids: Kids love the taste of these melty tablets made with carbonyl iron to help minimize stomach upset and Vitamin C to support iron absorption
- Made with kid-approved flavors & clean ingredients: Iron Strong melty tabs come in a yummy orange flavor; our formula is vegan, non-GMO, sugar-free, gluten-free, free of the 8 common allergens, and without any yucky artificial colors or flavors
- How to take: Children 2-3 years old take 1 tablet daily; children ages 4 and older take 2 tablets daily; our vitamins melt in your kids’ mouth or can also be dissolved in water, juice or even smoothies
- Made with dad-power, backed by PhD-power: Renzo’s vitamins for kids are hand-crafted in Florida at a family-owned business by Dr. Rocca for his son; our vitamins are made in an NSF-certified facility and tested by a third-party lab
These dissolving tablets eliminate the struggle of getting kids to swallow pills or take liquid supplements.
Renzo’s Iron Strong features carbonyl iron combined with vitamin C for enhanced absorption. The orange-flavored melty tabs dissolve quickly in the mouth without water, making them perfect for toddlers and kids who resist liquids or can’t swallow pills. Each serving provides 9mg of iron, and the formula is sugar-free, sweetened with monk fruit instead. It’s vegan, non-GMO, and free from the top 8 allergens, making it suitable for children with various dietary restrictions.
What We Like
- Dissolves instantly without water
- Pleasant orange flavor kids enjoy
- Sugar-free formula with monk fruit
- Vitamin C included for better absorption
What Could Be Better
- Some kids dislike the monk fruit aftertaste
- Higher price per serving
Bottom Line: The ideal solution for kids who refuse liquids or have trouble with traditional pill-swallowing.
4. Pharmics IronKids Liquid — Best for Sensitive Stomachs
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This black cherry-flavored liquid iron is specifically formulated to minimize stomach upset.
Pharmics uses a unique blend of iron that’s designed for maximum tolerance and absorption. The polysaccharide iron complex is gentler on the digestive system than traditional iron salts, making it less likely to cause constipation or stomach discomfort. The black cherry flavor is naturally appealing to kids and can be mixed with formula, juice, or soft foods for easy administration. It’s gluten-free and dye-free, suitable for children from infancy through age 14.
What We Like
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs
- Won’t cause constipation like traditional iron
- Can be mixed with food or beverages
- Pleasant black cherry flavor
What Could Be Better
- Must be mixed with adequate water intake
- Cherry flavor may not appeal to all kids
Bottom Line: The top choice for children who experience stomach upset with other iron supplements.
5. Wellements Organic Iron Drops — Best for Infants
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Specifically designed for the youngest iron supplement users, safe from 2 months of age.
Wellements provides organic iron drops that are gentle enough for infants while still delivering effective iron supplementation. The formula is free from gluten, dairy, soy, dyes, parabens, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and preservatives. The gentle formula minimizes the risk of stomach upset in delicate digestive systems. The convenient dropper makes administration easy, allowing you to dispense directly into your baby’s mouth or mix with formula or breast milk.
What We Like
- Safe for infants as young as 2 months
- USDA organic certification
- Free from multiple allergens and additives
- Easy-to-use dropper
What Could Be Better
- Smaller serving size
- Higher cost per dose
Bottom Line: The safest and most trusted option for iron supplementation in young infants.
6. NovaFerrum Yay Chewables — Best for Older Kids
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Once your child can safely chew, these tablets offer a convenient alternative to liquid supplements.
These orange-flavored chewable tablets deliver 18mg of iron per serving, suitable for children ages 4 and older. The sugar-free formula is sweetened with natural monk fruit extract and is free from gluten, dairy, and artificial additives. The chewable format appeals to older children who may feel they’ve outgrown liquid supplements, while still providing the same great taste NovaFerrum is known for.
What We Like
- Higher iron content for older kids’ needs
- Pleasant orange flavor
- No liquid to measure
- Long-lasting 90-day supply
What Could Be Better
- Only suitable for children with good chewing skills
- Choking hazard for younger children
Bottom Line: Perfect for school-age children who prefer chewable tablets over liquids.
7. ChildLife Liquid Iron — Best for Picky Eaters
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The natural berry flavor makes this liquid iron supplement appealing even to the pickiest eaters.
ChildLife’s liquid iron supplement features a naturally sweet berry flavor that kids find delicious. The formula can be taken straight, mixed into juice, or added to smoothies without affecting taste significantly. It provides a balanced dose of iron suitable for daily supplementation while being gentle enough for regular use. The liquid format allows for flexible dosing based on your child’s specific needs and age.
What We Like
- Delicious natural berry flavor
- Can be mixed into various beverages
- Flexible dosing options
- Trusted brand with pediatrician recommendations
What Could Be Better
- Contains natural sweeteners some parents prefer to avoid
- Needs refrigeration after opening
Bottom Line: A reliable choice for parents dealing with extremely picky eaters who refuse other supplements.
How to Choose
When selecting a yummy iron supplement for your child, several factors deserve consideration. First, assess your child’s age and developmental stage. Liquid drops work best for infants and young toddlers who cannot safely chew or swallow pills. Melty tabs offer a good middle ground for toddlers who resist liquids, while chewables suit older children with developed chewing skills.
Consider the form of iron used in the supplement. Polysaccharide iron complex and ferrous bisglycinate (Ferrochel) tend to be gentler on the stomach and cause fewer digestive issues than traditional iron salts like ferrous sulfate. These forms also typically have better absorption rates, meaning your child gets more benefit from each dose.
Taste is paramount when it comes to children’s supplements. Look for products specifically formulated to mask iron’s metallic taste. Chocolate, cherry, grape, and berry flavors tend to be most successful. Read customer reviews to gauge how well children tolerate the taste in real-world use. Remember that even the most nutritious supplement is worthless if your child refuses to take it.
Check the ingredient list for additives you want to avoid. Many parents prefer supplements free from artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and common allergens. Organic certification provides additional assurance about ingredient quality and sourcing. Sugar-free options sweetened with monk fruit or stevia work well for parents concerned about sugar intake.
Dosage flexibility matters, especially as your child grows. Some supplements come in strengths appropriate for multiple age ranges, allowing you to adjust dosing without switching products. Always follow your pediatrician’s recommendations for the appropriate iron dose based on your child’s age, weight, and iron status. Never exceed recommended doses, as too much iron can be dangerous for children.
Benefits
Iron supplementation provides crucial benefits for growing children. Iron plays a vital role in producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Adequate iron levels ensure that your child’s rapidly growing brain and body receive sufficient oxygen to support healthy development. Children with low iron levels may experience fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating, all of which can impact their daily activities and learning.
During the first few years of life, children’s iron needs are particularly high relative to their body size. Babies exhaust their natural iron stores by around 4-6 months of age, making supplementation or iron-fortified foods necessary to prevent deficiency. Premature infants may need supplementation even earlier, as they miss out on the iron accumulation that occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy. Toddlers experiencing rapid growth spurts also have increased iron requirements that diet alone may not meet.
Iron deficiency can have serious consequences for child development if left untreated. Beyond causing anemia, inadequate iron affects cognitive development, potentially leading to learning difficulties and behavioral problems. Studies show that children with iron deficiency may score lower on developmental tests and have more difficulty with attention and concentration. Early identification and treatment of iron deficiency helps prevent these long-term impacts on brain development.
Yummy, palatable iron supplements make it much easier to ensure consistent daily supplementation. When children enjoy taking their iron supplement, parents don’t face daily battles at medicine time. This consistency matters because iron supplementation typically needs to continue for several months to replenish depleted iron stores and maintain healthy levels. A supplement that tastes good dramatically improves compliance, ensuring your child receives the iron they need for optimal growth and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs an iron supplement?
Your pediatrician can determine if your child needs iron supplementation through a simple blood test that measures hemoglobin and ferritin levels. Signs of potential iron deficiency include unusual fatigue, pale skin, irritability, decreased appetite, and slow growth. However, some children show no obvious symptoms, which is why routine screening is recommended. Exclusively breastfed babies typically need iron supplements starting around 4 months of age, as breast milk alone doesn’t provide sufficient iron after this point.
What’s the best time of day to give iron supplements?
Iron absorbs best on an empty stomach, ideally given between meals or before bedtime. However, if your child experiences stomach upset, giving the supplement with a small amount of food can help minimize discomfort. Avoid giving iron supplements with dairy products or calcium-rich foods, as calcium interferes with iron absorption. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, so pairing the supplement with orange juice or vitamin C-rich foods can be beneficial.
Will iron supplements stain my child’s teeth?
Liquid iron supplements can temporarily stain teeth if they come in prolonged contact with tooth enamel. To minimize staining, use a dropper to dispense liquid iron toward the back of your child’s mouth rather than on the front teeth. Have your child rinse their mouth with water after taking the supplement, and brush their teeth shortly afterward. Any staining that does occur is temporary and will fade once supplementation is discontinued.
Can I mix iron supplements with my child’s food or drinks?
Many iron supplements can be mixed with food or beverages, which often helps with administration for picky eaters. Check the product instructions, as some manufacturers specifically design their supplements for mixing. Avoid mixing with dairy products, as calcium inhibits iron absorption. Good mixing options include applesauce, oatmeal, or fruit juices. If mixing with food, ensure your child consumes the entire portion to receive the full dose.
How long does my child need to take iron supplements?
The duration of iron supplementation varies based on the severity of deficiency and individual absorption rates. Most children need to continue supplementation for at least 2-3 months to replenish depleted iron stores, even after hemoglobin levels normalize. Your pediatrician will typically recheck your child’s iron levels after a few months of supplementation to determine if continued treatment is necessary. Some children require ongoing supplementation due to dietary restrictions or chronic health conditions.
What side effects should I watch for?
Common side effects of iron supplements include constipation, dark or greenish stools, stomach upset, and nausea. These effects are usually mild and often improve as your child’s body adjusts to the supplement. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing can help minimize side effects. Choose a gentle form of iron like polysaccharide iron complex or ferrous bisglycinate if your child experiences digestive issues. Contact your pediatrician if side effects are severe or persist.
Are gummy iron supplements effective?
While gummy vitamins are popular with children, iron gummies typically contain lower amounts of iron compared to liquid or tablet forms. They may work for mild supplementation but often aren’t sufficient for treating iron deficiency. Additionally, gummies pose a choking risk for young children and are generally not recommended for children under age 4. The sugar content in most gummies is also a concern for dental health and overall nutrition.
Can my child overdose on iron supplements?
Iron overdose is a serious medical emergency and a leading cause of poisoning in young children. Always store iron supplements in a locked cabinet out of children’s reach and follow dosing instructions precisely. Never refer to iron supplements as candy, even if they taste good. If you suspect your child has taken more than the recommended dose, contact poison control immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms of iron overdose include vomiting, severe stomach pain, and lethargy.
