SmartyPants Kids Formula Review
Quick Take
SmartyPants pioneered the premium gummy vitamin category and remains a top choice for families who want the convenience of an all-in-one formula including omega-3s. The 4-gummy serving size and 5g sugar per serving are trade-offs for the gummy format, but the quality and third-party testing justify the price.
Safety Analysis (8.2/10)
Third-Party Testing: 9/10 Every batch tested by independent labs for potency and purity. IGEN Non-GMO tested. Clean Label Project certified (tested for heavy metals and contaminants). SmartyPants is transparent about their testing, which is refreshing.
No Artificial Colors: Yes Colors from natural sources like annatto and turmeric. No Red 40, Yellow 5, or Blue 1.
No Artificial Sweeteners: Yes No sucralose or aspartame. However, contains 5g organic cane sugar per 4-gummy serving. This is the main safety trade-off, as it is more sugar than competitors like Hiya (zero sugar) but still far less than candy.
Heavy Metal Testing: Yes Clean Label Project certified means rigorous testing for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Results consistently below detection limits.
Allergen Safety: 8/10 Contains FISH (omega-3 source). Free from milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and shellfish. Not suitable for fish-allergic children.
Why Not Higher Safety Score? The 5g added sugar per serving prevents a 9+ score. While it is organic cane sugar (not HFCS), daily sugar adds up. That said, the sugar enables the omega-3 inclusion, which cannot easily be added to sugar-free formats.
Efficacy Analysis (9.0/10)
Nutrient Completeness: 9/10 Comprehensive formula covering 15 essential nutrients plus omega-3s:
- Vitamin D3: 600 IU
- Vitamin B12: 18mcg (methylcobalamin)
- Folate: 400mcg DFE (methylfolate)
- Iodine: 75mcg (often missing from kids diets)
- Zinc: 2.5mg
Omega-3 DHA/EPA: 9/10 This is SmartyPants' differentiator: 180mg total omega-3s (100mg DHA + 80mg EPA) from sustainable fish oil. Most gummy vitamins cannot include omega-3s due to taste, but SmartyPants cracked the code with their proprietary process.
Bioavailable Forms: 9/10
- Methylfolate (not folic acid)
- Methylcobalamin B12 (not cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin D3 (not D2)
- Vitamin K2 included for D3 synergy
Evidence-Based: 9/10 Formulated with guidance from pediatric nutritionists. Includes nutrients supported by research for childhood development. The omega-3 inclusion is particularly evidence-backed for brain and eye development.
Value Assessment (7.8/10)
Monthly Cost: $27 for 120 gummies (30-day supply)
- Subscription: ~$24/month (10% off)
- Widely available at Target, Amazon, Costco
Cost Per Day: $0.90 More expensive than Hiya ($0.50/day) but includes omega-3s that you would otherwise pay $15-20/month for separately.
Value Calculation: If you would buy a separate omega-3 supplement ($15-20/month), SmartyPants actually saves money compared to Hiya + omega-3.
Usability (7.5/10)
Taste: 9/10 This is where SmartyPants excels. Kids love these, the flavors (lemon, orange, strawberry banana) are legitimately good. The sugar helps with taste acceptance.
Format: Gummy 4 gummies per day. This is the main usability downside, getting kids to eat 4 gummies daily is harder than 1 chewable. But the taste makes it easier.
Age Range: 4+ Not recommended for children under 4 due to choking hazard from gummy texture. For ages 2-3, consider Hiya chewables instead.
Sustainability (7/10)
Packaging: Plastic Bottle Recyclable plastic bottle. No refillable option like Hiya. Less eco-forward but standard for the industry.
Sourcing: Sustainable Fish Omega-3s sourced from wild-caught small fish (anchovies, sardines) certified by Friend of the Sea for sustainability. Non-GMO, gluten-free.
Company Values: B-Corp certified. Donates vitamins to underserved communities through their "1 Billion Vitamins" initiative.
The Bottom Line
SmartyPants Kids Formula is the best choice for families who want omega-3s included in their kids' daily vitamin. The 5g sugar and 4-gummy format are trade-offs for the convenience of an all-in-one formula. If your kids already take a separate omega-3, Hiya is cleaner. But for one-stop nutrition with excellent taste, SmartyPants delivers.
Best For: Families wanting omega-3s included, kids who resist pills/chewables, parents who prioritize taste compliance Consider Alternatives If: Avoiding added sugar is priority, fish allergy, prefer 1-tablet simplicity, kids under 4
