Are rice-based baby drinks like rice milk hiding inorganic arsenic?

What's actually in it

Rice plants pull inorganic arsenic from soil and water. Rice milks, rice protein drinks, and rice-based toddler formulas concentrate that arsenic, sometimes more than the original grain. Inorganic arsenic is a known human carcinogen and a developmental toxin.

Babies and toddlers fed rice drinks daily, especially as a milk substitute, can pile up real exposure fast.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Foods tested rice-based beverages on the Italian market. Inorganic arsenic was found in nearly every product, with some samples above limits set for kids. The dietary exposure for toddlers using rice milk daily reached levels flagged for cancer and developmental risk.

The team called for stricter labeling and limits on rice drinks for young children.

For dairy alternatives, pick oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, or cow's milk over rice milk for kids. The UK's Food Standards Agency recommends not giving rice drinks to children under 5. Rotate any single brand or grain to spread the load.