Hiya Vitamins vs Mary Ruth: Which Is a Better Multivitamin for Picky Eaters

• Hiya
• Mary Ruth
• Comparison Table
• Sugar and Sweeteners
• Texture
• Vitamins & Minerals
• Packaging and Sustainability
• Toddler Approval
• Age Range
• Price
• Conclusion

In an increasingly challenging parenting environment, where picky kids refuse to take their vitamins, the quest for the perfect vitamins for toddlers has evolved into a unique journey. The exploration of ways to support our little ones’ nutritional requirements has led us to two prominent contenders: Hiya and Mary Ruth’s.

These brands have emerged as stalwart competitors, offering high-quality multivitamins meticulously crafted to appease even the fussiest of young palates.

With a careful eye, we examine the offerings of Hiya and Mary Ruth’s, closely considering factors like sugar content, texture, price, packaging, and ingredients. Just as each toddler boasts their own unique disposition, preferences in vitamins can diverge widely, transforming the pursuit of the perfect supplement into an adventure all its own.

But which one is right for you?

Let’s dive in and explore Hiya vitamins and Mary Ruth’s vitamins to discover what makes them special and figure out which one might be just what you need!

Comparison Table

Hiya Kids Vitamins

Mary Ruth Kids Vitamins

These vitamins are designed to address the nutritional needs of picky eaters and offer a convenient way for parents to ensure their children’s health and wellness.

Sugar and Sweeteners Comparison

Hiya

Pros:

• Monk Fruit Magic: Utilizes monk fruit extract for sweetness, a natural alternative to traditional sugar.
• Antioxidant Boost: Monk fruit’s unique antioxidants offer a sweetness level akin to sugar.
• Natural Sweetener: Incorporates mannitol, a naturally occurring sweetener from fruits and vegetables.
• Dentist-Approved: Dentists recommend Mannitol as a sugar substitute, promoting dental health.

Cons:

• Mild Chalky Taste: Some users might detect a slight chalky taste due to the combination of sweeteners.

Mary Ruth

Pros:

• Glycerin Goodness: Features glycerin for sweetness and as a base for active ingredients.
• Natural Source: Glycerin is derived from vegetable oils, aligning with Mary Ruth’s vegan approach.
• Balanced Sweetness: Provides sweetness while serving as a crucial component in the multivitamin’s composition.

Cons:

• Liquid Texture: Liquid multivitamin texture might not be as enjoyable for all children, impacting their overall experience.

Vitamin Texture Comparison

Hiya Chewable Tablets

Pros:

• Familiar Texture: Resembles well-known chewable candies, making them approachable for toddlers.
• Easy Consumption: These tablets are designed to be chewed, making them easily consumable for little ones.
• Consistent Experience: Ensures a consistent texture in every tablet, guaranteeing a uniform experience.
• Toddler Acceptance: Generally well-received by kids due to its recognizable format.

Cons:

• Chalky Resemblance: Some users might find the chalky texture reminiscent of candies like Sweetarts or Tums.

Mary Ruth Liquid Format

Pros:

• Alternative Consistency: Offers a liquid texture, distinguishing it from traditional chewables or gummies.
• Flexible Consumption: Liquid form might cater to children who prefer liquids.
• Natural Ingredients: Contains vegetable glycerin, xanthan gum, and potassium sorbate for enhanced texture and preservation.
• Neutral Taste: Taste is akin to liquid medicines, which can be preferable for some.

Cons:

• Variable Acceptance: Reception could differ based on individual preferences for liquid consumption.
• Consistency Concerns: Occasional reports of color and formula inconsistencies in user reviews.
• Adaptation Challenges: It might require creative mixing with foods or beverages for selective eaters.
• Texture Resistance: Some children might resist liquid intake due to its distinct texture.

Ultimately, the choice between Hiya’s chewable tablets and Mary Ruth’s liquid format may hinge on your child’s acceptance of liquids and their preferences in terms of texture and taste.

Vitamins & Minerals Comparison

Differences to Note:

Hiya:

• Includes Selenium, aiding sleep, mood, and inflammation.
• It has Manganese, supporting metabolism and inflammation.
• It contains Calcium, which is beneficial for bone health and development.

Amount per tablet	Daliy Value children < 4 years	Daliy Value children > 4 years
Total Sugars 0g	0%	0%
Vitamin A 360mg	120%	40%
Vitamin C 40mg	267%	44%
Vitamin D 25mcg	167%	125%
Vitamin E 3.5mg	58%	23%
Vitamin B1 0.5mg	100%	42%
Vitamin B2 0.6mg	120%	46%
Vitamin B12 2mcg	222%	83%
Folate 200mcg	133%	50%
Biotin 25mcg	313%	83%
Iodine 50mcg	56%	33%
Pantothenic acid 2.5mcg	125%	50%
Calcium 20mg	3%	2%
Zink 3mg	100%	27%
Selenium 15mcg	75%	27%
Magnanese 1.5mg	125%	65%

Mary Ruth’s:

• It contains Choline, which supports brain and nervous system functions.
• It has Betaine, promoting digestion and reducing heart disease risk.
• It contains Inositol, impacting cell membranes, insulin levels, mood, and metabolism.

Amount per tablet	Daliy Value children < 4 years	Daliy Value children > 4 years
Total Sugars 0g	0%	0%
Vitamin A 80mcg	27%	57%
Vitamin C 8mg	50%	50%
Vitamin D 1.7mcg	11%	50%
Vitamin E 1.5mg	25%	60%
Thiamin 0.5mg	100%	250%
Niacin 2.7mg	45%	100%
Riboflavin 0.54mg	108%	250%
Vitamin B6 0.71mg	142%	250%
Vitamin B12 1 mcg	111%	250%
Folate 40mcg	27%	64%
Biotin 25mcg	313%	500%
Pantothenic acid 0.8mcg	40%	100%
Choline 10mg		2%
Zink 0.1mg	3%	5%
Chromium 1.5mcg	14%	26%
Inositol 4.2mg		25mg
Betaine 0.8mg		10mg

Both Hiya and Mary Ruth’s boast plant-based vitamins and minerals, but a few distinctions stand out:

• Hiya includes Selenium and Manganese for sleep, mood, inflammation, metabolism, and Calcium for bone health.
• Mary Ruth incorporates Choline for brain function, Betaine for digestion, and Inositol for cell membranes, insulin, mood, and metabolism.

These differences offer diverse benefits, making both options compelling in their own right.

Packaging and Sustainability Comparison

Hiya

Pros:

• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Hiya impressively sends a reusable glass container in the first shipment, followed by refill packets. This reduces plastic use and waste.
• Sustainability Promotion: The concept of refill packets and glass container encourages eco-consciousness and waste reduction.
• Reusability: Glass container can be reused, contributing to a greener lifestyle.

Cons:

• Fragile Glass: Glass container may be delicate and susceptible to breakage, posing potential safety concerns.

Mary Ruth

Pros:

• Convenient Individual Bottles: Each order of Mary Ruth’s comes with a new plastic bottle, ensuring hygiene and freshness.
• Ready Availability: Bottles arrive pre-filled, eliminating the need for mixing or preparation.

Cons:

• Limited Sustainability: Frequent provision of new plastic bottles contradicts sustainability goals and increases plastic waste.
• Refrigeration Requirement: Needs to be refrigerated due to its liquid nature, which can occupy precious refrigerator space.
• Environmental Impact: Repetitive use of plastic bottles contributes to plastic waste accumulation.

Toddler Approval Comparison

Hiya

Pros:

• Candy-Like Appeal: Hiya vitamins are well-received due to their candy-like taste.
• Positive Experience: Kids often enjoy taking them, making vitamin intake more manageable.
• Liquid Intolerance: Kids who do not like liquid medicine will appreciate Hiya’s chewable format.

Cons:

• Varied Preferences: While generally liked, individual preferences can differ among toddlers.

Mary Ruth

Pros:

• Liquid Adaptability: Children accustomed to liquid medicines might find Mary Ruth’s liquid format acceptable.

Cons:

• Mixed Reactions: Responses may vary widely, with some kids taking to the liquid format and others not.
• Taste and Texture: Liquid taste and texture might differ from what toddlers are used to.

Considerations:

• Familiarity Factor: Mary Ruth might work if your child is comfortable with liquid intake and is adaptable to taste changes.
• Preference Puzzle: If you suspect your child might resist liquids or taste alterations, Hiya’s chewables could be a safer choice.

Age Range Comparison

Hiya

• Suitability: Recommended for ages 2+.
• Focused Use: Tailored for picky eaters, addressing the vital nutritional needs of toddlers.

Mary Ruth

• Suitability: Also suitable for ages 2+.
• Versatility: Unique feature allows the entire family to use it, with serving sizes adjusted by age.

Price Comparison

Hiya

Pros:

• Sliding Scale Pricing: Reduces the price per child when adding more kids to the subscription.
• Transparent Pricing: Clearly defines the pricing structure based on the number of kids.

Cons:

• Higher Monthly Cost: Regular price of $30 per 30-day supply per child might accumulate over time.
• Automatic Subscription: The subscription is automatically applied. You can only cancel it after buying.

Mary Ruth

Pros:

• Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Despite a higher initial cost, the 32-oz bottle offers more servings, making it economically efficient.
• Serving Quantity: Provides over 370 servings for ages 2-3 and over 125 servings for ages 4-10, making it a lasting investment.
• Subscription Discount: Offers a reduced price of $40.46 when subscribing monthly, enhancing affordability.

Cons:

• Higher Upfront Cost: Initial cost might deter those seeking a more budget-friendly option.
• Non-Sliding Scale: The pricing structure does not offer a sliding scale reduction based on the number of kids.

Conclusion

In the quest for the perfect vitamin solution for picky eaters, both Hiya and Mary Ruth offer distinctive qualities that cater to the nutritional needs of toddlers.

Ultimately, the decision between Hiya and Mary Ruth hinges on your priorities. If family-wide adaptability, dietary restrictions, and a vegan approach are paramount, Mary Ruth’s might be your choice.

On the other hand, if you value the inclusion of specific vitamins, chewable convenience, and the taste appeal of candy-like vitamins, Hiya emerges as the preferred option. Your child’s acceptance and your family’s dietary preferences will play a pivotal role in determining the ultimate champion of toddler vitamins for your household.