Waitrose has partnered with Piccolo to launch what it claims is Europe’s first bone broth made specifically for children.

Piccolo Organic Beef Bone Broth has been developed for children aged three and over, giving parents a simple way to add protein, collagen and flavour to family meals.

The product is launching exclusively in Waitrose stores nationwide, priced at £3.50.

The launch comes as bone broth continues to grow in popularity among adult shoppers, with Waitrose and Piccolo aiming to bring the trend into family-friendly nutrition.

Piccolo said existing bone broths on the market are often designed for adults and can be too high in salt for young children. Its version has been created with low salt and organic ingredients.

The broth contains 2.9g of protein and 1.3g of collagen per 100ml. Piccolo said protein contributes to the normal growth and maintenance of bones in children.

Waitrose buyer Sarah Mayall said: “The bone broth trend is certainly not going anywhere and we’re excited to see the offering extend into kids nutrition.

“Nutrient dense and an easily digestible source of protein and collagen, it is increasingly popular with parents looking for wholesome food options for children.”

The broth is slow-cooked and ready to use straight from the pack. It has been designed to be stirred through pasta sauces, added to soups and stews, poured into purées or used as a base for homemade recipes.

It can also be served warm as a savoury drink.

Piccolo said the product could appeal to parents dealing with picky eating phases, as it can be added to familiar dishes as a simple way to introduce extra nourishment.

Piccolo founder Cat Gazzoli said: “Parents are increasingly looking for easy ways to cook nourishing meals at home, but the bone broths currently available are designed for adults and can contain high levels of added salt.

“We created this product specifically for little ones because we saw a real gap in the market for a child-friendly bone broth made with organic ingredients and designed for real family life.

“It’s about helping parents cook smarter by adding flavour, protein and goodness into everyday meals in a way that feels easy and achievable.”

The launch forms part of Piccolo’s growing cooking range, which is designed to help families prepare meals with real ingredients more quickly.

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