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As a parent, one of the simplest yet most important decisions I make every day is choosing the right vitamins for my kids. It's not just about giving them something that tastes good or looks fun; it’s about ensuring they get the nutrients they need to grow, thrive, and stay healthy. But let’s face it—there are so many options out there. I’ve tried several popular brands over the years—Hiya, Renzo’s, SmartyPants, and Olly—and after a lot of trial and error (and some very picky feedback from my littles), I’ve finally narrowed down which ones truly stand out.
In this post, I’ll share my experience with each across nutritional value, taste, safety, and cost. If you’re in the same boat I was—trying to figure out which vitamins are worth the investment—hopefully this comparison helps!
We like
We don't like
1. Nutritional Value (Ingredients)
First and foremost, I wanted to make sure the vitamins I’m giving my kids are packed with the nutrients they actually need. Here’s how each brand measures up:
- Hiya: Hiya is extremely comprehensive in terms of nutritional value. It’s made with 15+ essential vitamins and minerals, and everything is clean—no added sugars, preservatives, or weird artificial ingredients. My kids are getting everything from vitamin D and B12 to zinc and calcium, which gives me peace of mind.
- Renzo’s Picky Eater Multi: Renzo’s formula offers specific nutrients like vitamin A, C, and D3, and it’s great for picky eaters who may need a boost in certain vitamins like iron.
- SmartyPants Kids Multi & Omegas: SmartyPants packs in omega-3s, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients, but they also rely on sugar and artificial sweeteners, which makes me wary.
- Olly: Olly’s vitamins seem pretty basic, and there’s not a ton of information on them online. They include essential vitamins like A, C, and D. However, they also contain added sugars and artificial ingredients.
Winner: Hiya & Renzo’s
2. Taste
Since my kids are picky eaters, taste is a huge factor when it comes to vitamins (if they won’t eat it, nothing else about the vitamin really matters…). Here's how each brand fared in our taste tests:
- Hiya: Hiya has a fruity flavor that my kids actually love, which was surprising considering this vitamin is chewable, not a gummy. It's not overly sugary, but it’s sweet enough that they actually look forward to their daily dose. I’ll take it!
- Renzo’s Picky Eater Multi: For some reason, my kids really didn’t like the taste and texture of these. I tried them and noticed a bitter aftertaste (I think from the iron?) and chalkier texture, so I understand where they’re coming from. It’s also worth noting that they’re slightly bigger than the Hiya chews, so maybe that played a role too? Unfortunately we had to move on from these pretty quickly because my kiddos refused to eat them!
- SmartyPants Kids Multi & Omegas: The gummies from SmartyPants are admittedly a hit with my kids on the taste front—they’re sweet, fruity, and…very candy-like. Unfortunately, that’s because they contain added sugars.
- Olly Kids Multi: Olly’s gummies are similar to SmartyPants in taste—very sweet and fruity–again, thanks to added sugar.
Winner: Hiya
3. Safety (Allergens, Certifications, Cleanliness)
Safety is a top priority for me. I want to know that the vitamins I’m giving my kids are free from harmful additives and allergens.
- Hiya: Hiya’s formula is extremely clean. They are Clean Label Project Certified and were recently given the Purity Award. It’s free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and all the major allergens. The brand also emphasizes its commitment to no artificial additives or preservatives. On top of that: Every Hiya product undergoes rigorous third-party testing for heavy metals (including lead), microbials, and other contaminants.. Their manufacturing facilities are FDA-registered and comply with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
- Renzo’s Picky Eater Multi: Renzo’s is also free from the “Big 8 Allergens,” and their products are tested in 3rd Party Labs that follow FDA guidelines when checking for said allergens.
- SmartyPants Kids Multi & Omegas: SmartyPants is also a Clean Label Project Purity Award recipient, and they’re also non-GMO. On top of that, all of their products are made in North America in a GMP-Compliant (Good Manufacturing Practices) facility, and they’re free from the “Big 8 Allergens."One thing I will note is that these vitamins do contain gelatin, which makes it not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
- Olly Kids Multi: Olly’s supplements are also third-party tested in the United States, though I wasn’t able to find much more information on the lab or facility. Like SmartyPants, Olly’s multivitamins contain gelatin, so they aren’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Winner: Hiya
4. Cost
While I want to give my kids the best vitamins, I also need to keep an eye on the budget. Here’s how each brand compares when it comes to cost:
- Hiya: Hiya is priced at $30 for a one-month supply with a subscription for one kid (plus 50% off your first order). While it’s on the higher end, the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the subscription make it a great value in the long run. Plus, the refills come in eco-friendly pouches, which is a bonus.
- Renzo’s: Renzo’s costs $25.99 for a month’s supply, which is pretty similar to Hiya’s price.
- SmartyPants: SmartyPants is ~$18. It’s worth noting that you can’t subscribe/buy directly on their site, but they’re available via Amazon.
- Olly: Olly is one of the more affordable options at $13.99. It seems like the brands that include gummy additives, sugar and sugar-y coatings are more affordable – I have to imagine there’s some sort of correlation here.
Winner: Olly
Conclusion: Why Hiya Is The Best Choice
After trying all four brands, I’m confident that Hiya is the best choice for my kids. The ingredients are clean, the vitamins cover all the essentials, and they’re free from the allergens and artificial additives I want to avoid. I also just have peace of mind with this vitamins – they’re quality-made and tested, and their site has a ton of information about all of this (not all vitamin websites are this way).
Renzo’s could also be a good choice depending on how your little ones feel about the taste, while SmartyPants and Olly may appeal to kids who prefer gummies if that’s more your family’s cup of tea. If you want a well-rounded, safe, and effective vitamin for your kids, Hiya is hands down the winner.
