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Stage 1 Weaning Recipes

Stage 1

Weaning Recipes

Babies can’t chew yet, but will move food from the front to the back of their mouth.

Create a very smooth purée, aiming for the texture of thick cream or a custard consistency. It may be necessary to add water (cool-boiled if your baby is less than 6 months) or some of their usual low protein milk to make a thinner consistency at first. Start with single ingredient vegetables and then move to sweeter fruits.

Mini Crackers

Mini Crackers™ are low protein herb flavour snack crackers suitable for a low protein diet and for those with PKU (3 Years and above).

Mini Crackers™

What are Mini Crackers?

Mini Crackers are low protein, herb flavour, bite sized crackers available in 40g snack sized packets.

Who are Mini Crackers for?

Mini Crackers are suitable for people with PKU and can be used from the age of 3 years onwards.

Do Mini Crackers contain any exchanges?

No, Mini Crackers contain a very small amount of protein per packet, therefore the phenylalanine level is not counted towards your daily exchanges.

How do I use Mini crackers?

Mini Crackers can be eaten as a snack on their own or they can be incorporated into the diet in a number of ways:

  • Mini Crackers can easily fit into a packed lunch box
  • You can dip Mini Crackers in to salsa or dips made with ProZero
  • Added to savoury dishes to make a crunchy topping
  • Click on the recipe section above for recipes including Mini Crackers

Other useful bits of information.

Check the NSPKU dietary information booklet for suitable dips.

 

Don’t forget to sign up to the Vitafriends newsletter to receive updates about new recipes, our low protein foods and PKU events in your area.

 

Join the Vitafriends PKU Facebook page to get support from others with PKU.

Useful resources
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Explorers Club

If you haven’t done so already, why not register for the Vitafriends Explorers Club – an education programme for families managing PKU in the early years.

It’s packed full of recipes to help with the introduction of solid foods!

FIND OUT MORE

Vitabite™

Our Vitabite™ bars are high energy chocolate flavoured bars suitable for anyone following a low protein diet or looking for a tasty PKU "chocolate" bar!

Vitabite™ bars

What is Vitabite?

Vitabite™ is a low protein, high energy chocolate flavour bar. It is available in a 25g bar and there are 7 bars in each box.

Who is Vitabite for?

Vitabite is suitable for people with PKU and can be used from the age of 1 year onwards.

Does Vitabite contain any exchanges?

No, Vitabite contains a very small amount of protein per bar therefore the phenylalanine level is not counted towards your daily exchanges.

How do I use Vitabite?

Vitabite can be eaten as a snack on its own or it can be incorporated into the diet in a number of ways.

  • Vitabite can be melted and used to coat permitted cereal or fruit
  • It can be incorporated into recipes to create chocolate flavour muffins, hot chocolate flavour drinks, chocolate flavour spread and much more
  • Click on the Vitaflo recipe section to start cooking with Vitabite.

Can I recycle Vitabite packaging?

Vitabite packaging (carton & wrapper) is now designed to be recyclable. The Vitabite carton can be recycled via kerbside collections.

 

To find out where to recycle the Vitabite wrapper locally, please visit www.recyclenow.com and search for plastic bags and wrappers.​

Other useful bits of information

Use the resources tab to view our Vitabite handy hints booklet. It contains some useful ways to incorporate Vitabite into your diet. Don’t forget to sign up to the Vitafriends newsletter to receive updates about new recipes, our low protein foods and PKU events in your area.

 

Join the Vitafriends PKU Facebook page to get support from others with PKU.

Useful resources
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Explorers Club

If you haven’t done so already, why not register for the Vitafriends Explorers Club – an education programme for families managing PKU in the early years.

It’s packed full of recipes to help with the introduction of solid foods!

FIND OUT MORE

ProZero™

ProZero™ is a protein-free alternative to milk. It can be used in a variety of low protein recipes. 

ProZero™

What is ProZero™?

ProZero is a protein-free liquid blend of carbohydrate and fat. It’s available in two different flavours; unflavoured which is suitable from 6 months of age and chocolate flavour which is suitable from 3 years of age.

  • ProZero Unflavoured is available in 2 pack sizes, offering convenience and flexibility. A 1 litre resealable carton which can be used at home and a 250ml resealable carton which is perfect to take out and about or in packed lunches
  • ProZero Chocolate flavour comes in a 250ml resealable carton, which makes it ideal to take it with you when you fancy a sweet drink on the go or in packed lunches.

ProZero is a Food for Special Medical Purposes to be used under medical supervision. It is not suitable for use as a sole source of nutrition. For enteral use only.

Who is ProZero™ for?

ProZero is suitable for people with inborn errors of protein metabolism and kidney disease. ProZero Unflavoured can be used from the age of 6 months onwards. ProZero Chocolate flavour is suitable from 3 years onwards.

Does ProZero™ contain any exchanges?

No, ProZero does not contain any exchanges. ProZero doesn’t contain protein and therefore no phenylalanine. ProZero can be taken as a drink or incorporated into recipes without using any of your daily exchanges.

How do I use ProZero™?

ProZero can be used in a similar way to milk. Shake the carton before opening and use as follows:

On its own

  • As a drink
  • On permitted cereal
  • Added to hot drinks
  • As a milkshake with permitted flavours

In recipes

  • To cook with to create great tasting low protein drinks, snacks, meals and desserts.
  • There are recipes available using ProZero Unflavoured or Chocolate flavour.
  • Click on the recipe section above and start cooking with ProZero.

Sign up to the Vitafriends newsletter and like our Facebook page

Don’t forget to sign up to the Vitafriends newsletter to receive updates about new recipes, our low protein foods and PKU events in your area.

 

Join the Vitafriends PKU Facebook page to get support from others with PKU.

Explorers Club

If you haven’t done so already, why not register for the Vitafriends Explorers Club – an education programme for families managing PKU in the early years.

It’s packed full of recipes to help with the introduction of solid foods!

FIND OUT MORE

PKU sphere<sup>®</sup> liquid

PKU sphere liquid is a GMP-based ready-to-drink protein substitute containing 20g PE

PKU sphere®20 liquid

What is PKU sphere®20 liquid?

PKU sphere20 liquid is a low phenylalanine (Phe), ready to drink protein substitute which is based on glycomacropeptide (GMP for short). It’s low in volume containing 20g of protein in 237mls and it’s easy to use. Simply, shake the bottle, open and drink. You can reseal afterwards if you don’t drink it all at once. 

PKU sphere20 liquid contains:

  • the equivalent of 20 grams of protein
  • 30mg of Phe
  • 120 calories

PKU sphere20 liquid contains a range of vitamins, minerals and DHA (an essential fat) which are typically found in high protein foods such as meat, fish or eggs. These types of foods are restricted in a PKU diet and therefore vitamins, minerals and DHA are added to PKU sphere20 liquid to help meet your daily nutritional requirements.

What makes PKU sphere20 liquid different to some other protein substitutes?

The big difference is that PKU sphere20 liquid is based on GMP from a natural protein source. It contains a blend of GMP and some amino acids, whereas most other protein substitutes are based just on amino acids.

Who is PKU sphere20 liquid for?

PKU sphere20 liquid is for children and adults with PKU. It is suitable from 3 years of age onwards and can be taken throughout adulthood. PKU sphere20 liquid, like all GMP‐based protein substitutes contains a small amount of Phenylalanine (Phe), therefore, your dietitian will advise if it is suitable for you or your child to try.

How much PKU sphere20 liquid do I need?

The amount of PKU sphere20 liquid needed will depend on a variety of factors including age and weight. Your dietitian will advise exactly how much PKU sphere20 liquid will be needed each day.

How do I take PKU sphere20 liquid?

It’s really easy. Firstly, give the bottle a good shake. Then twist the lid to open the bottle and drink. You can reseal the bottle if you don’t finish it all at once and consume it within 4 hours at room temperature or within 24 hours if refrigerated. Shake well again before drinking.

What flavour is PKU sphere20 liquid?

PKU sphere20 liquid is now available in two flavours:  

- Vanilla 

- Chocolate 

I prefer to take a powdered product, what are my options?

PKU sphere20 liquid also has a powdered version. The powder version is available in two pack sizes, one containing 20 grams of protein and the other containing 15. PKU sphere15 and 20 powder can easily be mixed in a sphere sports shaker and look just like a shake you’d see someone sipping in the gym! PKU sphere15 is available in vanilla, red berry and chocolate flavour and PKU sphere20 gives you the additional flavour options of lemon and banana too.

 

PKU sphere is currently being used by lots of people. Vitaflo carried out a short survey to understand more about the experience of PKU sphere users. You can find out more by watching this short video.

 

 

PKU sphere20 liquid is a Food for Special Medical Purposes for use in the dietary management of PKU from 3 years of age. PKU sphere20 liquid should be used under Medical Supervision. For further information speak to your Healthcare Professional.

Explorers Club

If you haven’t done so already, why not register for the Vitafriends Explorers Club – an education programme for families managing PKU in the early years.

It’s packed full of recipes to help with the introduction of solid foods!

FIND OUT MORE

PKU sphere <sup>®</sup>

PKU sphere® is a low phenylalanine (Phe), powdered protein substitute which is based on glycomacropeptide (GMP). When mixed with water PKU sphere is easily made into a drink.

PKU sphere®

PKU sphere new flavours are here! PKU sphere new Banana and Lemon flavours are ready to be discovered now. Request your samples of PKU sphere by completing our sample form. Your request will be shared with your dietitian for them to approve and then your samples will be sent out for you to try!

 

What is PKU sphere?

PKU sphere is a low phenylalanine (Phe) powdered protein substitute which is based on glycomacropeptide (GMP for short). When mixed with water PKU sphere is easily made into a drink. The volume can be adjusted to your own preference. PKU sphere is available in two sachet sizes:

  • PKU sphere15 contains the equivalent of 15 grams of protein.
  • PKU sphere15 contains 28mg of Phe.
  • PKU sphere20 contains the equivalent of 20 grams of protein.
  • PKU sphere20 contains 36mg of Phe.
  • PKU sphere also contains a range of vitamins, minerals and DHA (an omega‐3 fatty acid) which are typically found in high protein containing foods such as meat, fish or eggs. These types of foods are restricted in a PKU diet and therefore vitamins and minerals are added to PKU sphere to help meet your daily nutritional requirements.

What makes PKU sphere different to other protein substitutes?

The big difference is that PKU sphere is based on GMP. It contains a blend of both the whole protein GMP and some amino acids, whereas most other protein substitutes are based just on amino acids. You can download the PKU sphere booklet from the useful resources section on this page to learn more about GMP.

Who is PKU sphere for?

PKU sphere is for children and adults with PKU. It is suitable from 4 years of age onwards and can be taken throughout adulthood. PKU sphere, like all GMP‐based protein substitutes contains a small amount of Phenylalanine (Phe), therefore, your dietitian will advise if PKU sphere is suitable for you or your child to try.

PKU sphere is currently being used by lots of people. Vitaflo carried out a short survey to understand more about the experience of PKU sphere users. You can find out more by watching this short video

 

How much PKU sphere do I need?

The amount of PKU sphere needed will depend on a variety of factors including age and weight. Your dietitian will advise exactly how much PKU sphere will be needed each day.

How do I make PKU sphere?

Making PKU sphere is simple:

For PKU sphere20:

  1. Pour approximately 120ml of water in to a shaker.
  2. Add in one PKU sphere20 sachet.
  3. Shake well and drink immediately.

 

 

For PKU sphere15:

  1. Pour approximately 100ml of water in to a shaker.
  2. Add in one PKU sphere15 sachet.
  3. Shake well and drink immediately.

 

 

Top tips:

  • Make with ice cold water or lots of ice to get a cool sphere shake.
  • Once made up, drink PKU sphere straight away to enjoy it at it’s very best.
  • The PKU sphere shaker has a separate compartment at the base which holds the contents of one sachet of PKU sphere so it’s even easier to take when you’re out and about.

What flavour is PKU sphere?

PKU sphere is now available in five flavours: 

- Red Berry
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Banana
- Lemon

You can choose your favourite PKU sphere flavour to take all the time or you can pick ‘n’ mix the flavours depending on what you feel like each day.

What if I prefer to take a ready‐to‐drink product?

PKU sphere is a powdered protein substitute, which is great if you want the flexibility to make your protein substitute to your own preference. If you prefer a ready‐to‐drink protein substitute click on PKU sphere liquid®PKU cooler® PKU air® and on the VitafriendsPKU product journey for more information about Vitaflo’s products.

Sign up to the Vitafriends newsletter and like our Facebook page

Don’t forget to sign up to the Vitafriends newsletter to receive updates about new recipes, our low protein foods and PKU events in your area.

Join the Vitafriends PKU Facebook page to get support from others with PKU.

Other useful bits of information

Please use the 'Useful Resources' section above to view our PKU sphere booklet which includes everything you need to know about GMP and GMP‐based protein substitutes like PKU sphere plus recipes and ideas for shakes and smoothies.

 

PKU sphere is a food for special medical purpose, and should be used under medical supervision.

Explorers Club

If you haven’t done so already, why not register for the Vitafriends Explorers Club – an education programme for families managing PKU in the early years.

It’s packed full of recipes to help with the introduction of solid foods!

FIND OUT MORE

PKU air®

PKU air® is a concentrated, ready-to-drink low calorie protein substitute which is for those following a PKU diet. PKU air is available in two pack sizes and five unique flavours!

PKU air®

What is PKU air?

PKU air is a concentrated, lower calorie, low sugar, ready-to-drink protein substitute for PKU, available in two pack sizes: 

  • PKU air15 contains the equivalent of 15 grams of protein
  • PKU air20 contains the equivalent of 20 grams of protein

Both pack sizes also contain all the vitamins, minerals and omega 3 that are needed to help meet your requirements.  

Who is PKU air for?

PKU air is suitable to be used in children from 3 years of age onwards with PKU, and was originally designed to meet the needs of older teens and adults with PKU.  

PKU air is available in a choice of five unique flavours designed to appeal to this older age group, but they are also popular with children from 3 years of age.  

How much PKU air do I need?

The amount of PKU air needed will depend on a variety of factors including age and weight. Your dietitian will advise exactly how much PKU cooler will be needed each day.

How do I use PKU air?

PKU air is easy to use! Simply…

  1. Shake the pouch with the cap still on to mix the contents
  2. Take off the cap and drink directly from the pouch

Remember water or other permitted drink should be taken straight after PKU air.

What flavour is PKU air?

PKU air is available in five flavours: red (berry blast), green (citrus twist), yellow (mango breeze), white (Caribbean crush) and gold (coffee fusion). You can choose your favourite PKU air flavour to take all the time or you can pick ‘n’ mix the flavours depending on what you feel like each day.

What is the difference between PKU cooler and PKU air?

PKU air and PKU cooler are both ready-to-drink, liquid protein substitutes which can be taken by children from 3 years of age.

PKU air contains less calories and less sugar than PKU cooler. 


PKU air was developed after feedback from older teen and adults with PKU who wanted a liquid protein substitute that contained less calories than PKU cooler and was available in different flavours.  

What if I would prefer to take a powdered product?

PKU air is a ready-to-drink liquid protein substitute which is great if you want something quick and convenient. If you prefer a  powdered protein substitute with the flexibility to make to your own preference, then click on PKU express plus on the VitafriendsPKU product journey for more information on Vitaflo’s powder product.

Sign up to the Vitafriends newsletter and like our Facebook page

Don’t forget to sign up to the Vitafriends newsletter to receive updates about new recipes, our low protein foods and PKU events in your area.

Join the Vitafriends PKU Facebook page to get support from others with PKU.

 

PKU air is a food for special medical purpose, and should be used under medical supervision.

Explorers Club

If you haven’t done so already, why not register for the Vitafriends Explorers Club – an education programme for families managing PKU in the early years.

It’s packed full of recipes to help with the introduction of solid foods!

FIND OUT MORE

PKU express™ plus

PKU express plus is a concentrated, powdered PKU protein substitute which when mixed with water is easily made into a drink.

PKU express™ plus+

 

Please note, PKU express plus is only available in the UK. If you are based in Ireland, please see the PKU express page

What is PKU express plus

PKU express plus is a concentrated, powdered PKU protein substitute which when mixed with water is easily made into a drink. The volume can be adjusted to your own preference. PKU express plus is available in two sachet sizes:

  • PKU express15 plus contains the equivalent of 15 grams of protein
  • PKU express20 plus contains the equivalent of 20 grams of protein

Both sachet sizes also contain all the vitamins and minerals that are needed to help meet your daily nutritional requirements.

Who is PKU express plus for?

PKU express plus is for children and adults with PKU. It is suitable from 3 years of age onwards and can be taken through to adulthood.  Your dietitian will advise when is best for you or your child to move on to PKU express plus. Although PKU express plus is suitable from 3 years of age it is often introduced at school starting age or later if needed.

Why do I need to use PKU express plus instead of continuing with a second stage protein substitute?

As we grow our nutritional requirements change, and this is no different for those with PKU. Vitaflo products are tailored to meet these requirements in the most efficient way. Vitaflo want to make sure the right product is available at the right time to meet your protein, vitamin and mineral requirements.

PKU express plus meets nutritional needs in older children and adults and can replace the second stage protein substitutes, such as PKU gel or PKU squeezie. PKU express plus is more concentrated than PKU gel or PKU squeezie, so taking the recommended amount is easier.

How much PKU express plus do I need?

The amount of PKU express plus needed will depend on a variety of factors including age and weight. Initially, the amount needed may only be small but it will increase as you get older to support growth. Your dietitian will advise exactly how much PKU express plus will be needed each day.

How do I make PKU express plus?

Making PKU express plus is easy!  The great thing about PKU express plus is that it can be made in a variety of ways. Below are instructions of how to make PKU express plus up in three different ways to give you an idea of how to use it. But remember it’s your product; you can make it however you want!

 

Express plus as a spoonable semi-solid consistency the solution to those who like a really low volume.

 

  1. Empty the contents of the express plus sachet and flavour pac sachet into the shaker.
  2. Add 10-20ml or 2-4 teaspoons of water.
  3. Stir well for 10 seconds and eat with a spoon.

 

Express plus mini drink the solution to taking it quickly.

 

Follow the steps above but add 80ml of water if using PKU express15 plus and 100ml of water if using  PKU express20 plus*

 

Express plus flexi drink the solution to making it your own.

 

Follow the steps to make express plus spoonable semi-solid but add as much water as you like to begin with and over time find the best volume that suits you*

 

*Remember water or another permitted drink should be taken straight after PKU express plus.

What flavour is PKU express plus?

PKU express plus comes in unflavoured, orange, tropical and lemon. PKU express plus unflavoured can be flavoured using your own permitted flavourings or Vitaflo’s separate flavour pac sachets which are available in blackcurrant, orange, raspberry and tropical flavours.

What if I would prefer to take a ready-to-drink product?

PKU express plus is a powdered protein substitute, which is great if you want the flexibility to make your protein substitute to your own preference. If you prefer convenience, and would like to use a liquid protein substitute click on PKU cooler and PKU air on the VitafriendsPKU product journey for more information about Vitaflo’s ready-to-drink products.

Sign up to the Vitafriends newsletter and like our Facebook page

Don’t forget to sign up to the Vitafriends newsletter to receive updates about new recipes, our low protein foods and PKU events in your area.

Join the Vitafriends PKU Facebook page to get support from others with PKU.

Other useful bits of information

Use the 'Useful Resources' section above to view our express recipe book which has lots great ideas about how to make up express using permitted drinks.

PKU express plus is a food for special medical purpose, and should be used under medical supervision.

Explorers Club

If you haven’t done so already, why not register for the Vitafriends Explorers Club – an education programme for families managing PKU in the early years.

It’s packed full of recipes to help with the introduction of solid foods!

FIND OUT MORE