Hiya Kids Daily Multivitamin Review
Quick Take
Hiya represents what kids vitamins should be in 2026: rigorously tested, transparently sourced, and designed by pediatricians who understand that kids do not need candy-vitamins loaded with sugar and artificial colors. At $15/month on subscription, it is not the cheapest option, but the quality justifies the premium.
Important Update (Feb 2026): We have revised our safety score from 9.5 to 7.8 following the September 2024 independent testing controversy. See the Independent Testing Controversy section below for full details.
What We Evaluated
This review uses R3's kids vitamins methodology v1.0.0, evaluating factors across Safety (35%), Efficacy (35%), Value (15%), Usability (10%), and Sustainability (5%).
Independent Testing Controversy (Important Disclosure)
In September 2024, Lead Safe Mama, an independent consumer advocate, tested Hiya vitamins and reported finding detectable levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic. We believe transparency requires disclosing this.
Hiya's Response: The company states their heavy metal levels are "well below federal standards" and questions the testing methodology. In May 2025, Hiya obtained Clean Label Project certification, which tests for over 400 contaminants.
R3's Assessment: We have adjusted our safety score from 9.5 to 7.8 to reflect this controversy. While Hiya now has third-party certification, the independent testing results warrant disclosure. Parents prioritizing a longer clean-testing track record may prefer SmartyPants.
Safety Analysis (7.8/10)
Third-Party Testing: 8/10 Hiya submits every batch to independent third-party testing for potency, purity, and contaminants. They obtained Clean Label Project certification in May 2025. However, the September 2024 Lead Safe Mama findings, while disputed by Hiya, represent an independent data point we cannot ignore.
No Artificial Colors: Yes Zero synthetic dyes. Colors come from fruits and vegetables (beet, carrot, blueberry). Your kids will not be consuming Red 40 or Yellow 5 every morning.
No Artificial Sweeteners: Yes Sweetened with monk fruit extract and mannitol (a natural sugar alcohol). Zero grams of added sugar per serving. No sucralose, aspartame, or high fructose corn syrup.
Heavy Metal Testing: Disclosure Required Hiya now publishes Clean Label Project certification (May 2025). However, the September 2024 independent testing by Lead Safe Mama found detectable lead, cadmium, and arsenic. Hiya states levels are "well below federal limits" and disputes the methodology. We present both perspectives and let parents decide.
Allergen Safety: 10/10 Free from top 9 allergens. No dairy, gluten, nuts, soy, eggs, or fish. Made in a dedicated allergen-free facility to prevent cross-contamination.
Age-Appropriate Dosing: 9/10 Designed for ages 2-12 with appropriate nutrient levels. Does not over-dose on vitamin A or include iron (which can be dangerous in excess). The one-tablet format makes dosing simple.
Efficacy Analysis (9.2/10)
Nutrient Completeness: 9/10 15 essential vitamins and minerals including the nutrients kids most commonly lack:
- Vitamin D3: 600 IU (100% DV)
- Zinc: 3mg (chelated for absorption)
- Vitamin B12: 6mcg (methylcobalamin form)
- Vitamin C: 40mg
- Vitamin E: 5mg
Missing: Does not include iron or omega-3s. This is intentional for safety (iron) and formulation reasons (omega-3s degrade in chewable form). You may want to supplement separately.
Bioavailable Forms: 9/10 Hiya uses superior nutrient forms:
- Methylfolate (not synthetic folic acid)
- Methylcobalamin B12 (not cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin D3 (not D2)
- Chelated minerals for better absorption
This matters especially for the 40% of people with MTHFR gene variants who cannot efficiently convert folic acid.
Vitamin D Level: 600 IU Meets AAP recommendation of 600 IU minimum. Some families in northern climates may want to supplement additional D in winter, but 600 IU is solid coverage for most kids.
Evidence-Based: 9/10 Formulated by pediatricians and nutritionists, not marketing teams. No trendy superfoods or unproven ingredients, just what kids actually need based on dietary gap research.
Value Assessment (8.0/10)
Monthly Cost: $15 (subscription)
- One-time purchase: $18/month
- Subscription: $15/month (15% savings)
- First month often discounted to $12
Cost Per Day: $0.50 Mid-range pricing. More expensive than drugstore options ($0.15-0.25/day) but less than ultra-premium brands.
Comparison:
- Hiya: $0.50/day
- Llama Naturals: $0.85/day
- Ritual Kids: $1.00/day
- SmartyPants: $0.65/day (but 4 gummies vs 1 chewable)
- Flintstones: $0.12/day (but fails safety)
Usability (8.5/10)
Taste: 8/10 Natural fruit flavor that most kids accept. Not as sweet as sugar-loaded gummies, which some kids initially resist. Give it 2 weeks, kids adjust. Parent reviews are 85% positive on taste.
Format: Chewable Tablet One chewable per day. Easier than 4-gummy regimens of competitors. The tablet is small enough for 2-year-olds to manage.
Age Range: 2-12 Broad range with appropriate dosing. They also offer a separate teen formula for 12+.
Sustainability (9/10)
Packaging: Refillable System This is Hiya's standout feature. You receive a reusable glass bottle on first order, then monthly pouch refills that contain the chewables. Dramatically reduces plastic waste compared to monthly plastic bottles from other brands.
Sourcing: Non-GMO, Vegan Non-GMO Project verified. Vegan formula (no gelatin, which comes from animal bones). Transparent supply chain.
The Bottom Line
Hiya Kids Daily Multivitamin remains a strong option for families who want clean, pediatrician-formulated vitamins with sustainable packaging. However, we have adjusted our safety score to 7.8/10 to reflect the September 2024 independent testing controversy. While Hiya disputes the findings and now holds Clean Label Project certification (May 2025), we believe transparent disclosure serves parents better than omission.
Best For: Families prioritizing ingredient purity who accept the explained controversy, parents of kids with allergies, eco-conscious households Consider Alternatives If: The heavy metal testing controversy concerns you (consider SmartyPants), very tight budget, kids strongly prefer gummy format, need iron included
