Best organic baby food pouches


The 6 Best Organic Baby Food Pouches of 2022

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Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Are Baby Food Pouches Good for Babies? 
  • What Should You Look for in Organic Baby Food Pouches?
  • The Best Organic Baby Food Pouch Brands+−
    • 1) Serenity Kids
    • 2) Once Upon a Farm
    • 3) White Leaf Provisions
    • 4) Cerebelly
    • 5) Happy Family
    • 6) Sprout Organics
  • The Bottom Line: Choose the Right Organic Baby Food Pouch for Your Little One
  • Organic Baby Food Pouches: My Top Picks
  • FAQs About Organic Baby Food Pouches+−
    • Are baby food pouches better than jars?
    • Are organic baby food pouches healthy?
    • What is the best age for starting baby food pouches?
    • Should I feed my baby only organic food?
    • Is homemade baby food healthier than store-bought baby food?
    • What is the difference between natural and organic baby food?
    • How long do baby food pouches last?
Looking for the best
organic baby food pouches? It can be hard to know which ones are healthy and use the best ingredients, but we’ve found the healthiest organic baby food pouches.

I always feel like a super mom when I make homemade baby food for my little ones. Having full control over the ingredients, I can be assured they are getting a nutritious meal at home—and I love that.

However, I’m also a busy mom, and it’s not always possible for me to achieve my ideal standards—especially with cooking. Sometimes you just need convenient baby food that’s healthy and ready-to-go. So I’ve used baby food pouches more than once. And it’s great knowing that I don’t need to sacrifice the nutrients that my baby needs or my standards for healthy, organic ingredients.

When it comes to buying baby food pouches, there are many different choices available: refrigerated, shelf-stable, subscription-based, and more! That’s why I took the time to research and review the best ones on the market. I wanted to create a complete guide to organic baby pouches to help you choose the highest quality brands for your baby.

The brands I’ve included in this guide are organic and made by responsible companies that have earned my trust. Read on to decide which brand is right for your little one and for the smartest ways to integrate baby food pouches into your baby’s diet.

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, M.D., FAAP

Are Baby Food Pouches Good for Babies? 

Organic baby food pouches are practically a parent’s dream… the food is premade and prepackaged, has a long shelf life, and the brands listed below contain healthy, organic ingredients. All you have to do is unscrew the cap and hand it over to your baby, which usually buys a few uninterrupted minutes of focused self-feeding time (aka time for you to get a chance to think). 

And it seems like baby food pouches are sold everywhere. When you walk through the baby section at the grocery store, you’ll find dozens of pouches in different flavors. At my local Target, for example, there is an entire half-aisle dedicated to them. 

But are baby food pouches good for babies? Being that baby food pouches are so convenient and accessible, it’s easy to assume that they’re a good and reliable way of feeding your baby. I know I assumed this as a first time mom while I was strolling the aisles at Target and Whole Foods. I almost didn’t even question it. The subtle message I received was, “Okay, when you start feeding your baby, choose between jarred baby food and pouches.”

But that’s misleading. And I want you to know that there are drawbacks to consider. The message that doesn’t really get out to parents is that baby food pouches should only be used occasionally. You don’t want to count on them as your baby’s main source of nutrition. 

Here are some important reasons not to overuse baby food pouches—yes, even the organic ones: 

1. Baby Food Pouches Prevent Important Oral Muscle Development

Because the food in pouches is consumed by sucking, it bypasses traditional feeding methods, which include spoon-feeding and offering age-appropriate finger foods. If your baby isn’t primarily spoon-fed or doesn’t self-feed using finger foods, the opportunity is missed to develop important oral muscles and chewing skills, which can hinder normal oral motor and speech development.  

2. Pouches Offer Limited Sensory Exploration

When babies sit at the high chair for a meal, it’s usually a pretty messy experience. If they’re being spoon-fed, they’ll often have food on, in, and around their mouth. And if they’re doing Baby Led Weaning or if they’re experienced eaters that self-feed, there’s a whole host of senses and motor skills involved as they touch, grasp, select, and move the food through their mouth. Babies who self-feed work hard at developing their pincer grasp, for example, where they use the pads of their index finger and thumb to grasp things. Since baby food pouches conceal the food they’re eating, this removes the sensory experience babies have when they’re touching or seeing their food and can hinder their fine motor skill development.

Food is meant to be smelled, seen, and touched—at least by babies. This helps babies gain exposure to different textures, too, which is an essential part of learning to eat table food. Pouch-feeding, for the most part, offers none of these important experiences.

The main exception to this would be babies and toddlers who have problems with texture and sensory integration. Pouches are useful for children with sensory issues since the consistency can be very refined because they’re commercially made. In fact, I had sensory issues as a child and still have problems with certain textures, especially anything “mushy”. But I had zero issues when I was tasting pouches for this article. In fact, I really liked the taste and texture of Once Upon a Farm and enjoyed the flavors I sampled.

3. Pouches Reduce Parent/Baby Interaction During Mealtimes

Another good reason to not overuse baby food pouches is that they often lead to reduced interaction between mom/dad (or the caregiver) and baby during mealtimes. That’s a lost opportunity for your baby to connect with you while working on this important new skill of eating.

4. Baby Food Pouches are Difficult to Recycle

If you needed more convincing, baby food pouches are not easily recycled, adding to a growing problem in our landfills and oceans. The reason is that they are made from multiple layers of plastic, which means that the recyclable components can’t be separated. Terra Cycle, however, does offer a program for recycling baby food pouches, and you can recycle the pouch caps at any recycling facility that processes plastic.

And there is good news: Gerber has plans to launch a single-material pouch by 2025, which would be recyclable.

The Recommendation: Use Baby Food Pouches Occasionally

For these very important reasons, it’s best to only use baby food pouches occasionally and for specific purposes. 

For example, you could take them for a snack when you’re out of the house. Pouches are perfect for a playdate, the park, or a trip to the zoo. Just throw them in your purse or diaper bag, and you’re set.

They’re also great for adding foods and flavors to your baby’s diet that you might not otherwise get to expose them to. For example, how often do you serve grass-fed bison in your home?

And for some little ones with special needs, premade baby food may also be their only source of fruits and vegetables, in which case it’s better than the alternative of not using the pouches. If your baby has sensory challenges, your pediatrician or occupational therapist may recommend an extended period of pouch-feeding to ensure their nutrition is adequate when they won’t take anything else. (In this case, you could also make your own purees using reusable pouches yourself.) So the key is to use them strategically. In the majority of cases, it’s just not wise to use baby food pouches daily in place of spoon-feeding your baby or offering age-appropriate finger foods. But you and your baby can benefit from intentional occasional use.

Related: Yumi Baby Food Subscription Review — What I Really Thought

What Should You Look for in Organic Baby Food Pouches?

Now that we’ve covered the importance of not overusing baby food pouches, let’s go over the criteria for choosing the best brands. When it comes to deciding on the right organic baby food pouches for your little one, there are a lot of important things to consider. Here’s what to look for: 

1) USDA Organic Certified Ingredients

When it comes to store-bought baby food, it’s recommended to go with a brand that’s USDA organic certified. By choosing an organic brand, the ingredients contain fewer pesticides and other toxins than conventional options. One of the brands on this list is also certified biodynamic, which is an even higher certification standard than USDA organic.

2) Only Food-Based Ingredients 

When looking at baby food pouches, always look at the full ingredient list. The best organic baby food pouches will be made from only food ingredients, and each ingredient should be organic, grass-fed, or wild-caught.

Basically, you want the baby food to be as pure as possible and not contain anything like water (used to dilute the purees), added sugar, artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, GMO ingredients, concentrates, citric acid, xanthan gum, nondescript “natural flavors,” or other chemical-sounding additives that you don’t understand. Ideally, you should recognize and be able to pronounce every one, and the flavors named on the front of the pouch should be at the top of the ingredient list.

The pouches you choose should only include ingredients that you are comfortable giving your baby. If you are avoiding certain foods due to your baby’s sensitivities, don’t get a pouch that contains something that may trigger their system. For example, some babies and toddlers may not tolerate baby food pouches that contain dairy or coconut. (Just another reminder to always read the labels!)

One thing to note is that some organic baby foods (including brands on this list) occasionally contain added ascorbic acid or lemon juice. Ascorbic acid is a derivative of vitamin C that is added to some baby foods to lower the pH and make the food more shelf-stable. It’s also an antioxidant and has antimicrobial properties. Though I prefer only whole food ingredients, I don’t personally mind this at all. 

3) What’s the Expiration Date?

Most brands of baby food pouches are shelf-stable and can be kept in your pantry for months. But Once Upon a Farm, for example, must be refrigerated, and the pouches only have a 120-day shelf life. They can still be used on the go but must be consumed within four hours if left unrefrigerated. (This is actually a plus, and I really like the freshness aspect of this brand!)

Keep this in mind when shopping: how will you use these pouches? And would you prefer fresher food or a pouch that doesn’t need to be refrigerated? Most likely, both types would be helpful for different uses.

4) Consider the Packaging

Lastly, consider the packaging. You should be aware that a 2017 study of baby food (including 138 baby food pouches) found that 60% of the products claiming to be BPA-free actually tested positive for BPA! Obviously, this is troubling—not to mention all of the other toxic metals they found.

As an ingredient-savvy parent who goes out of your way to give your baby organic food, I’m confident you’re not going to be okay with baby food pouches that contain BPA or other toxic metals. So let me be honest here about the packaging:

Baby food pouches aren’t ideal from a packaging perspective. The pouches are sterile, flexible containers usually made from polypropylene with a layer of aluminum foil, which does not make contact with the food contents of the pouch. Some may contain polyesters or polyethylene as well. Each brand uses its own packaging, so this differs from company to company.

Making homemade baby food and storing it in glass jars will always be preferable to buying premade baby food. You can control the ingredients and the packaging, and you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals introduced without your knowledge that might show up in some study. You can pretty much avoid using plastics altogether when you make your own baby food at home.

However, I’m not saying that you should never use pouches. I still believe that pouches can serve a purpose and even help you give your baby better nutrition in some cases. For example, I personally didn’t have the time or know-how to make my baby a wild-caught salmon puree with butternut squash and beets! I think that as long as pouches aren’t the sole source of your baby’s nutrition, you can use them wisely on occasion without adversely affecting your baby’s development. 

5) Consider the Company

In that same study done by the Clean Label Project, 65% of baby food products tested had detectable levels of arsenic, 36% had lead, 58% had cadmium, and 10% contained acrylamides (a chemical created during the manufacturing linked to brain damage, cancer, and reproductive harm). 

What does a conscious parent make of this? First, try to relax because some of these metals would be found naturally in the foods themselves. Being grown in soil, the foods we normally eat contain some level of these metals. But, what you don’t want is a baby food pouch that is prepared irresponsibly and contains unsafe levels of acrylamide or introduces heavy metal contamination during the manufacturing process.

I bring up these points to raise awareness and inspire your vigilance towards researching baby foods, whether they’re in a pouch, jar, or something else. Not all store-bought baby food is bad, but it’s important to know that they’re definitely not all on the same playing field. 

So let’s get to the reviews and focus on which brands make the best organic baby food pouches. That way, you’ll know what brands to buy!

The Best Organic Baby Food Pouch Brands

These are the brands of organic baby food pouches that I would grab if I needed the convenience of premade baby food. Here are my top six brands: 

1)

Serenity Kids

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Save 15% on your order with code GENTLENURSERY when shopping through this link.

Founded by a husband and wife team, Serenity and Joe, Serenity Kids delivers pureed foods that pack in the most nutrition per bite. They actually designed their pouch recipes to mimic the macronutrients contained in breastmilk. This means they have a similar balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrates that is ideal for babies 6 to 12 months old.

Also important, their products never contain artificial sweeteners, chemicals, or sugar. You won’t find low-nutrition fillers (like grains and corn) either. These pouches are also allergy-friendly as they avoid gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts. The ingredients used are largely certified organic or raised organically; however, not all of their ingredients will carry a USDA organic certification.

And the pouches currently contain no fruits, meaning that you can do your baby a huge service in life by exposing their palate to a variety of savory flavors. Nothing against fruit, but I find that it’s easier to serve fruits than meats and vegetables since you usually don’t have to cook it. And you can always serve fruit along with the pouch or separately as a snack.

What You’ll Love About Serenity Kids Organic Baby Food Pouches:

  • Serenity Kids baby food pouches are shelf-stable, making them great for on-the-go.
  • All blends have an optimal balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
  • Their veggie blends are all “savory” in flavor.
  • They have an entire line of pouches that contain ethically sourced meats like grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, and free-range chicken.
  • The company offers a 20% discount when you subscribe, and I have an exclusive coupon to save you 15% (in the gray box below).

Some Things to be Aware of:

  • Serenity Kids pouches exclusively feature meats, veggies, and fats–– there are no fruit varieties.
  • Their product line contains 6 meat varieties and 4 veggie blends.
  • They don’t give exact age guidelines but list all of their products as 6+ months.
  • The pouch does not have a see-through window so you can’t preview the contents.

2)

Once Upon a Farm

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Once Upon a Farm baby food was co-founded by actress Jennifer Garner. The company’s mission is to provide nutritious, farm-fresh, organic baby food, and they source many of their ingredients from small, locally owned farms.

Once Upon a Farm products are all stored in a refrigerated facility. They use high-pressure processing, which helps to maintain flavors and nutrients. The use-by dates are 120 days post-production. This is one of the features that really sets these organic baby food pouches apart—the freshness!

Because their blends are cold-pressed, they do not kill off the vital nutrients, enzymes, or healthy bacteria present in the ingredients.

I have so much love for this company and think they are a true winner in the baby food space. And after doing my personal taste-testing of all the brands on this page, I can confidently say that this is the tastiest brand because I finished all of the Once Upon a Farm pouches that I sampled. They were delicious! 

What You’ll Love About Once Upon a Farm Organic Baby Food Pouches:

  • All of their pouches are certified USDA organic.
  • Their line of pouches is divided into stages, making it easy to find the right blends for your little one.
  • Their pouches are available in almost every major big-box retailer and grocery store.
  • These pouches need to be refrigerated, which allows for the ingredients to maintain better nutritional value than shelf-stable alternatives.
  • Their limited shelf-life means this is the closest store-bought baby food available to homemade.
  • The pouches have a preview window, which is nice because you can see the contents of your baby food before buying it.

Some Things to be Aware of:

  • Once Upon a Farm pouches are exclusively fruit, veggie, and dairy blends––you will not find any meat in their products at this time.
  • Their pouches need to be stored in the refrigerator but can go unrefrigerated for up to 4 hours, meaning they can still be used on the go. YAY!
  • You’ll need to find them in the refrigerated section of your local retailer, usually next to the yogurts or in a cooler in the baby food aisle.
  • Some of their flavors are made in a shared facility, meaning they may be exposed to some common allergens.

3) White Leaf Provisions

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Certified organic and free of glyphosate, White Leaf Provisions’ biodynamic certified baby food takes organic pouches to a new level. Created by a husband and wife team (with the husband being a chef), this company works hard to make eating healthy and nutritious meals easier for babies. 

Your baby will love the flavors and smooth consistency, and you will love that it’s just pure goodness in a pouch. In fact, the consistency is amazing! This is a perfect choice for picky eaters or little ones that are sensitive to textures. If you are looking for a pure organic baby food pouch, definitely consider White Leaf. 

Currently, four flavors are available: 

  • Mango + Carrot + Banana + Pear
  • Carrot + Sweet Potato + Pea
  • Pear + Banana + Kiwi
  • Apple + Sweet Potato + Beet

What You’ll Love about White Leaf ProvisionsBaby Food Pouches:

  • Certified organic, biodynamic, and glyphosate-free
  • Never any added sugars or flavors
  • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
  • Babies seem to love these pouches (it must be the smooth texture and subtle flavors!)
  • Take advantage of my 15% off discount code – below!

Save 15% on your White Leaf Provisions order with my exclusive discount code YASMINE


4)

Cerebelly

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Founded by an MD-PhD neurosurgeon mom, Cerebelly is an interesting player in the baby food space. The company was founded on the premise that baby food should directly supply the nutrients needed for early brain development. 

Cerebelly makes certified organic baby pouches with flavors like broccoli pear or black bean sweet potato that are formulated to offer babies the key nutrients they need. On each label, you’ll find added nutrient blends like: 

Organic Nutrient Blend: Organic Tapioca Fiber, Nutrients derived from (Spinach, Squash Seed, Kelp, Maitake Mushroom, Chlorella, Sunflower Seed), DHA Algal Oil.

What You’ll Love About Cerebelly:

  • All of their pouches are certified USDA organic.
  • Each pouch flavor lists the key nutrients it includes, such as zinc, iron, folate, and iodine.
  • The food combinations offer unique blends like sweet potato and mango or peas and basil.
  • The pouches are free of BPA, BPS, and phthalates.

Some Things to Be Aware Of:

  • The added nutrients might not be for everyone, but many parents are thrilled about this feature.

5)

Happy Family

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Happy Family Organics has been around since 2003 and has a large selection of products for babies and toddlers. Their food pouches are non-GMO and use certified USDA organic ingredients without added preservatives.

Their line of food pouches is divided into stages 1–4. This takes a lot of the guesswork away, especially when first introducing solids. Simply start with the stage corresponding to your baby’s age and readiness for solid foods.

Because they are a well-established company, they offer a HUGE selection of flavors and varieties featuring fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats. You’ll find everything from guava and turkey, to quinoa, and beyond.

What You’ll Love About Happy Family Organic Baby Food Pouches:

  • All of their pouches are certified USDA organic.
  • Happy Family pouches are shelf-stable, making them easy to use on-the-go and for travel.
  • They offer a huge selection of ingredients and flavors, helping you to easily add variety and exposure to different foods into your little one’s diet.
  • Their price point is far lower than many other organic baby food pouches on the market.
  • You can find pouches geared for your baby’s age and ability using their filter features.
  • They’re available in almost every major big box store or grocery store that sells baby food.

Some Things to be Aware of:

  • Some of their ingredient lists contain ascorbic acid or lemon juice concentrate.

6)

Sprout Organics

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Sprout is another great company that makes organic baby food pouches you can trust. Their pouches come in stages to help you identify the right purees for your little one, beginning with stage 2, which is for 6 months and up. 

And what I love is that the food combinations are flavorful but contain no added sugars and no artificial ingredients. As far as the pouches go, you’ll find multiple options that include fruits, vegetables, bone broth, grains, and more.

What You’ll Love About Sprout Organic Baby Food Pouches: 

  • All of their products are USDA Certified Organic.
  • You’ll find flavorful food combinations and healthy ingredients like organic olive oil and organic beef bone broth in their pouches.
  • They use no artificial ingredients, and there’s never any added sugar in their pouches.
  • They have dozens of flavors for you to choose from. 
  • The pouches are shelf-stable, making them super convenient for on-the-go feedings.
  • Order their flavor variety sampler to receive 12 different flavor pouches, and see which ones your baby likes.

Some Things to Be Aware Of: 

  • While their ingredients are organic, the meat used is not from grass-fed cattle.
  • This brand does use grains, like organic oats. If you are avoiding grains for any reason, look at the ingredients carefully.

When it comes down to it, you choose what’s best for your baby! These are six great brands that I personally trust. There is no right or wrong answer because we all have different needs, goals, and budgets when deciding on the baby food we will buy for our littles. Try a few different kinds and see what your baby likes!

Organic Baby Food Pouches: My Top Picks

  • Best For Introducing Meats: Serenity Kids
  • Best Overall : Once Upon a Farm
  • Best Certifications: White Leaf Provisions

If I were starting pouches with a new baby, I would probably use a combination of these three brands. Each of them offers something unique and they all meet my standards. For example, White Leaf has biodynamic organic stage 1 purees while Serenity Kids has awesome savory veggies and grass-fed/pasture-raised meats that I would use all the time. And Once Upon a Farm has probably the tastiest and freshest purees, so they would always have a spot in my rotation, too.

FAQs About Organic Baby Food Pouches

Here are some commonly asked questions about using baby food pouches. You might find these useful if your baby is new to solids or if you’re planning on using baby food pouches for the first time. 

Are baby food pouches better than jars?

Pouches are convenient, especially from the standpoint of messiness. Babies can often feed themselves using a pouch, and they are portable. On the other hand, jars require your baby to be spoon-fed. 

Pouches may help your baby develop a sense of independence while they self-feed but can have adverse effects on development if they are overused—or serve as your baby’s sole source of nutrition. Jarred baby food (as well as homemade purees) helps babies to accept spoon-feeding and eventually learn how to eat with a utensil, though a great little hack for using pouches is to squeeze the purees onto a spoon or into a bowl. 

Mom tip! If your baby needs a little extra help with using pouches, try this awesome baby food pouch holder that gives them something to grip.

Are organic baby food pouches healthy?

Yes, most organic baby food pouches give your baby great nutrients, but there’s more to consider. If you can make your own homemade baby food, that would always be preferable because it would be fresh, and you would control the ingredients. But that’s not always possible, and the brands of organic baby food pouches listed here are nutritious, safe, and healthy alternatives you can count on to be ready when you need them. 

As with any food, you want to limit your baby’s intake of sugar and other unnecessary ingredients. Opt for pouches with only fruits, vegetables, and/or meats without additives or fillers to get the most nutrients. Also, keep in mind that having your baby feed directly from pouches is different from spoon-feeding purees. Pouches do not let your baby practice the same eating mechanisms, so you want to make sure you save them for when you really need that convenience. 

What is the best age for starting baby food pouches?

Most babies will be curious and ready for solid foods between 6 and 7 months old. You can start baby food pouches during this time. Remember to stick with the appropriate stage (stage 1 being the thinnest consistency). You can always spoon-feed using a food pouch by squeezing its contents onto a baby spoon, too!

Should I feed my baby only organic food?

Organic foods are healthier than conventional in terms of chemical exposure. They are generally grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. By choosing organic foods, you are limiting your baby’s exposure to these toxins. 

Is homemade baby food healthier than store-bought baby food?

Homemade baby food is often healthier, mostly because you are able to control the ingredients and the quality of those ingredients. Choosing healthy, fresh, and nutrient-dense foods (in pouch form or homemade pureed form) will give your baby the best and healthiest variety.

What is the difference between natural and organic baby food?

This can be tricky! Manufacturers often market foods using the terms “organic” and “natural” interchangeably. But they are different! Organic baby food is made with ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Natural baby foods typically are free of artificial ingredients as well as other additives. However, baby food labeled as “natural” may still include food grown with synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. 

How long do baby food pouches last?

Unopened baby food pouches should be consumed by the best-by date. Once opened, pouches should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours.

I hope you found the best organic baby pouches for your little one!

The Best Baby Food Pouches: 2022 Guide

By Anjali Shah on · Last Updated on

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.

This is your guide to the healthiest and best baby food pouches on the market today! Learn what to avoid, what to buy, and what to look for on the label!

When your little one transitions to solids, a common question is: should I buy pre-made baby food pouches or make baby food at home? While it doesn’t necessarily have to be an either-or, many of you know that I’m a huge fan of homemade baby food because it’s so easy and you can control all of the ingredients your little one is getting. I shared all of the recipes I used for Layla and Ayan in my baby food cookbook and put many on my blog here!

But there are those times when you’re on the go, or pressed for time, and you don’t have any homemade baby food on hand. Which is when baby food pouches can be a quick and convenient meal for your little one! But there are SO many baby food pouches out there, and not all of them are healthy. Many are filled with processed ingredients and added sugars. This can set your baby up to only appreciate sweet foods and reject vegetables as they get older. So what should you buy? And what should you avoid?

This is your guide to the best baby food pouches available today!

Can Some Baby Food Pouches Really Be That Unhealthy?

The food industry knows that babies shouldn’t be having added sugars when they first start solids, right?

Wrong.

As you have probably heard when it comes to buying pre-packaged food, what’s on the front is often misleading. This is also true when it comes to baby food pouches. The front may say spinach and kale, but when you turn it over you’ll find less expensive fillers such as fruit purees, or even fruit juices like apple juice concentrate. Sometimes in a “spinach” pouch the first 3 ingredients are fruits! That’s because, while there may be spinach, the manufacturer is not required to list the percentage of ingredients on the label.

This basically means that your baby is only getting a sweet taste when eating that pouch and isn’t getting exposed to the actual taste of a vegetable. And in those early months of developing tastebuds, getting exposure to all kinds of flavors and tastes is essential to having a baby who doesn’t become a picky eater (who rejects veggies) later on!

Why Is It So Confusing To Find The Best Baby Food Pouches For Your Child?

Ingredient labels are confusing, packaging is misleading. I remember when I first gave Layla a baby food pouch and she devoured it. It was a pouch that said “organic super greens” on it. And I remember thinking: “Yeah! She loves greens!” When I turned it over, the ingredients were: bananas, pear, apple, spinach. What??

It has always really bothered me that most baby food pouches (even the ones promoting veggies) contain fruit. Like why add bananas or pears to a carrot & sweet potato pouch? Carrots and sweet potatoes are already naturally sweet – there is no need for fruit purees to make it even sweeter! Since breast milk is naturally sweet, it’s so important that babies learn the other tastes: bitter, sour, pungent, etc. when they start solids. All the fruit purees are essentially taking over your baby’s taste buds, making them think that if food isn’t sweet it’s not worth eating.

On top of that, many pouches that are fruit-forward and look healthy actually have a ton of unnecessary processed ingredients added. Take a look at Gerber’s Fruit & Yogurt Strawberry Banana Pouch.

Sugar, Carrot Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavor, Gelatin, Two different types of coloring…

These are all major red-flag ingredients in baby food. What in the world is gelatin doing in a pouch that looks vegetarian-friendly? And for a pouch that is supposed to have apples and strawberries (both of which are rich in fiber), there is less than 1g fiber in the entire pouch because of all of the fillers added. AND this pouch has 14g sugar. That’s as much as 1.5 Fun Sized Milky Way bars, or 1/3 of a can of Coke.

That’s why reading labels is so important to finding healthy, packaged baby food! So how do you find those pouches? Skip to the end of this post for my list of the healthiest baby food pouches! But first…

Top 5 Tips To Find The Best Baby Food Pouches

  1. Look at the sugar content: Stick to pouches with less than 8g of sugar, but ideally you’ll want to find pouches between 4-6g of sugar. For example, if you look at the front of Ella’s Organic Apples, Green Beans, Raisins pouch, you might think, “green beans are in here, this is great!” But the pouch actually has 13g of sugar from the apples and raisins, while the green beans are a very small addition. 13g sugar is equal to a fun sized milky way bar.
  2. Look to see if the ingredient listed on the front of the package is the first ingredient listed on the back. If you’re buying “spinach and apples,” it’s likely that apples are the dominant flavor. Some companies are more transparent than others on the percentage or amount of each ingredient in the pouch.
  3. Stick to pouches that ONLY have vegetables. These are harder to find, but they do exist. And they actually taste like vegetables! If you do buy one with veggies & fruits, make sure there is <8g sugar, that vegetables are first, and fruits are last on the ingredients list. Beware of labels that make it seem like the pouch only has veggies: there are some deceptive pouches such as Veggie Blends, and Plum Organics Mighty Veggie pouches. These veggie blends also contain fruit, and often has as much or sometimes more sugar than those labeled as fruit blends.
  4. Fiber matters. A good sign that a pouch is either mostly water or fillers is when the fiber content is 1g or less. Aim for pouches with 2g fiber or more.
  5. Avoid ingredients likely to be contaminated with heavy metals. Pouches that have apples, pears, carrots, sweet potatoes, and rice are particularly at risk. (For more details: A study done by the Clean Label Project in 2017 found that 65% of baby food products had detectable levels of arsenic, 36% detectable levels of lead, and 58% contained detectable levels of cadmium. A more recent study done by Consumer Reports in August of 2018 found that out of 50 nationally distributed baby food products, every single one of them had trace amounts of at least one of the heave metals which included arsenic, lead, or cadmium. Two-thirds of those tested had worrisome amounts of heavy metals, and 15 of the foods could pose potential health risk. The pouches that included rice and/or sweet potato were more likely to have higher amounts of heavy metal, and organic foods were just as likely to contain heavy metals as their non-organic counterparts.)

There are pouches out there that are organic, vegetable-forward, and don’t have any added sugars or fruit juices in them.

So here it is: the healthiest baby food pouches on the market today, the brands I love, and which pouches to buy.

A special shout out to Alison Corey from Keeping the Peas who helped me with some of the research for this post! If a pouch is not listed on this list, it’s likely either high in heavy metals (per the Consumer Reports and Clean Label Project studies) or too high in sugar/fruits/processed ingredients, and should be avoided. But if you have a question about a particular pouch, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments of this post!

What Makes These the Best Baby Food Pouches?

  • They contain between 0-8g of natural sugar; and 0g added sugar
  • They have 2g fiber or more
  • They are all organic
  • They don’t carry a risk of heavy metals

The Best Baby Food Pouches (Organized by Brand)

Holle Organic Baby Food: Holle’s baby food is made in Europe and is certified both Organic and Biodynamic, which means that their farming practices go above and beyond just regular organic standards. All of their baby food is unsweetened, I love these flavors from this brand:

  • Veggie Bunny: Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, and Peas
  • Power Parrot: Pear, Apple, Spinach
  • Zebra Beat: Apple, Banana, Beetroot

Cerebelly Organic Custom Pouches: All of Cerebelly’s pouches are super healthy and made with 100% organic ingredients. All of their pouches were developed by their founder – a neuroscientist and mom who is dedicated to creating the highest quality baby food possible. The way it works is super simple: you fill out a quick survey that tells Cerebelly your child’s age and what they’re up to. Cerebelly recommends a personalized pack of organic purees with the right blend of nutrients, and it gets shipped right to your door! The best part – they offer 20% off your first order + free shipping with the code: FIRSTORDER20!

Yumi Organic Baby and Toddler Food. Yumi prides itself on creating custom blends for your baby that are 100% organic, made with real food, customized based on your baby’s stage of eating (from Stage 1 purees all the way to snacks and mini meals!). Their food comes in little jars – not pouches – as it’s made fresh and delivered weekly, straight to your door. You can also be confident that Yumi’s food contains no heavy metals, as they partner with trusted farms that are USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and follow rigorous food safety testing. They look at federal data on soil contamination to find the best farms. Lastly, you get to choose from their range of 60+ unique organic meals you won’t find anywhere else, handpicked by nutritionists to support every milestone! Yumi is also offering 50% off your first order with the code: PICKY50!

Serenity Kids

I love Serenity Kids because ALL of their pouches are under 5 grams of sugar! They’re 100% organic, made with super clean ingredients, has no added preservatives or sugars, and were created by a husband and wife team trying to find a better option for baby food for their daughter. Here are all of hte pouches I love – use the code PICKY to get 15% off your first order!

  1. SK – Kabocha Squash, Butternut, Pumpkin, 2g Sugar
  2. SK – Butternut Squash + Spinach, 2g Sugar
  3. SK – Carrot, Spinach and Basil, 3g Sugar
  4. SK – Chicken, Beef, Pork or Wild Salmon (choose your variety here), 2-3g Sugar
  5. SK – Carrots, 4g Sugar
  6. SK – Sweet Potato + Parsnip, 4g Sugar
  7. SK – Mixed Root Veggies, 4g Sugar
  8. SK – Sweet Potato + Spinach, 4g Sugar

White Leaf Provisions: WLP is a family business run by a husband and wife team who are bringing the first 100% regeneratively farmed, biodynamic, organic & GMO-Free baby food line to retail in the US! I love their pouches because the ingredients are so pure, and the majority of them have less than 8 grams of sugar per pouch! And, they are offering all of my readers 10% off your purchase by using the code “PICKYEATS” at checkout! My two favorites are:

  1. WLP – Pumpkin + Nectarine, 5g Sugar
  2. WLP – Peach + Oat, 7g Sugar
  3. WLP – Pumpkin + Nectarine, 5g Sugar
  4. WLP – Peach + Oat, 7g Sugar

Amara OrganicNote: these do not come in a pouch that is ready to serve – they need to be mixed with water or milk and served in a bowl. But these are still a good option if your baby is ok eating from a bowl/spoon and you need an option that saves you time!

  1. Amara – Black Bean and Sweet Corn, 0g Sugar
  2. Amara – Peas, Corn, Carrots, 2g Sugar
  3. Amara – Potato Kale Mash, 2g Sugar
  4. Amara – Pumpkin + Pear, 2g Sugar
  5. Amara – Sweet Potato Raspberry, 5g Sugar
  6. Amara – Oats and Berries, 5g Sugar

Ella’s Kitchen Organic

  1. Ella’s Kitchen Veggie Bean Feast, 1g Sugar
  2. Ella’s Spaghetti and Meatball, 1g Sugar
  3. Ella’s Beefy Stew, 2g Sugar
  4. Ella’s Vegetable and Lentil Bake, 3g Sugar
  5. Ella’s Pears, Peas, and Broccoli, 8g Sugar

Beechnut Organics

  1. Beechnut Peas & Spinach, 2g Sugar
  2. Beechnut Peas, Green Bean and Avocado, 4g
  3. Beechnut Corn, Kale, Quinoa, 4g Sugar
  4. Beechnut Veggies, Squash, Peas, Pear, 6g Sugar
  5. Beechnut Apple, Kiwi, Spinach, 6g Sugar
  6. Beechnut Pear, Pumpkin, Cranberry, 7g Sugar
  7. Beechnut Veggies, Carrots, Zucchini, Pear, 7g Sugar
  8. Beechnut Apple, Black Bean, Raspberry, 8g Sugar

Sprout Organic

  1. Sprout – Green bean, peas, butternut squash, 1g Sugar
  2. Sprout – Butternut squash, chickpea, quinoa, dates, 4g Sugar
  3. Sprout – Butternut Squash, Blueberry, Apple, with Beans, 5g Sugar
  4. Sprout – Mixed Berry Oatmeal, 7g Sugar

Plum Organics

  1. Plum – Hearty Veggie, Pumpkin, Spinach, Chickpea and Broccoli, 1g Sugar
  2. Plum – Hearty Veggie, Corn, Kale, Carrot and Tomato, 1g Sugar
  3. Plum – Hearty Veggie, Butternut Squash, Carrot, Chickpea and Corn, 1g Sugar
  4. Plum – Hearty Veggie, Carrots, Beans, Spinach and Tomato, 2g Sugar
  5. Plum – Stage 3 Meals, Carrot, Spinach, Turkey, Corn, Apple, Potato, Celery, Onion, 2g Sugar
  6. Plum – Stage 3 Meals, Carrot, Chickpea, Pea, Beef, Tomato, Celery, Date, Onion, 4g Sugar
  7. Plum – Eat Your Colors Red, 5g Sugar
  8. Plum – Eat Your Colors Orange, 5g Sugar
  9. Plum – Pear, Green Bean and Greek Yogurt, 6g Sugar
  10. Plum – Pear Spinach and Pea, 6g Sugar
  11. Plum – Pear, Purple Carrot and Blueberry, 7g Sugar
  12. Plum – Eat Your Colors Green, 7g Sugar
  13. Plum – Mighty 4 – Guava, Banana, Black Bean, Carrot, Oat, 7g Sugar
  14. Plum – Mighty 4 – Pear, Cherry, Blackberry, Strawberry, Spinach, 7g Sugar

Happy Family Organics

  1. HF – Hearty Meals, Root Vegetables, Turkey and Quinoa, 2g Sugar
  2. HF – Hearty Meals, Harvest Vegetables, Chicken and Quinoa, 2g Sugar
  3. HF – Hearty Meals, Vegetable Beef Medley, 3g Sugar
  4. HF – Green Beans, Spinach, and Pears, 4g Sugar
  5. HF – Zucchini, Pear, Chickpea, Kale 5g Sugar
  6. HF – Purple Carrots, Banana, Avocado, and Quinoa, 6g Sugar
  7. HF – Zucchini, Apples, Peas, Quinoa, and Basil, 6g Sugar
  8. HF – Pear, Green Beans, Peas + Super Chia,  6g Sugar
  9. HF – Pears, Kale, and Spinach, 7g Sugar
  10. HF – Black Beans, Beets and Bananas, 7g Sugar
  11. HF – Pears, Pumpkin, Peaches, and Granola, 7g Sugar
  12. HF – Pears, Peas, Broccoli, 7g Sugar in the new formulation
  13. HF – Pumpkin, Apples, Peached and Cinnamon, 8g
  14. HF – Pears, Squash, and Blackberries, 8g Sugar
  15. HF – Pears, Zucchini, Peas, 8g Sugar
  16. HF – Pears, Pumpkin, Passionfruit, 8g Sugar

Earth’s Best

  1. EB – Broccoli, Red Lentil, Oat, 1g Sugar
  2. EB – Spinach & Potato, 1g Sugar
  3. EB – Carrots & Broccoli, 2g Sugar
  4. EB – Winter Squash, 2g Sugar
  5. EB – Summer Vegetable Dinner, 2g Sugar
  6. EB – Corn & Butternut Squash, 3g Sugar
  7. EB – Peas & Brown Rice, 4g Sugar
  8. EB – Zucchini & Broccoli Medley, 4g Sugar
  9. EB – Spring Vegetables & Pasta, 4g Sugar

Note: If you are in Canada, Baby Gourmet has a couple of good options (e. g. their roasted squash and fruit medley has only 6 grams of sugar!), and their savory meals are low in sugar as well!

I used many of the pouches on this list (prioritizing the flavors listed in bold since those contain only veggies) for my kids when I needed a meal on the go. One thing to note on these pouches is that even if you use them regularly, it’s still important to incorporate a variety of finger foods so your baby becomes familiar with the different textures and flavors of non-pureed food.

I know the baby food aisle can be overwhelming at times, but I hope this post helps you find the healthiest baby food pouches with confidence! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment on this post or contact me here! I respond to every single message I get! 🙂

For more information about the best products for baby, check out these posts!

  • The Best Probiotics for Kids
  • Best Baby Cereal Brands
  • 80+ Healthy Road Trip Snacks For Kids And Toddlers
  • Best Organic Baby Formula
  • Healthiest Children’s Multivitamins (see my top pick here)

rating of the top 10 Russian and foreign brands with reviews according to KP

Goods for children are always under special quality control. Including food. After all, food for a baby is not only a way to satisfy hunger, but also acquaintance with different tastes and a guarantee of healthy development (1). Today there are many different brands. Among them, we selected the best manufacturers of baby food, based on the reviews of parents and expert opinions.

Rating of the top 5 Russian baby food manufacturers according to KP

There are many popular brands among Russian manufacturers of baby food. Basically, various purees, juices, cereals and dairy products are presented on the market. There are also formulas for babies, but in smaller quantities. The popularity of food is due to high quality and rather low (in comparison with foreign analogues) price.

1. "Agusha"

"Agusha". Photo: yandex.market.ru

Agusha is one of the most popular manufacturers of baby food in Russia. The trademark appeared in 1992 and has a wide range of products for children of all ages. Newborns are offered powdered milk formulas, babies from 4 months - a variety of purees, sour-milk products, water, older children - ready-made cereals (both dairy and non-dairy), juices, fruit drinks, compotes and fruit bars for a snack.

Thanks to the availability and variety of products, the manufacturer is confidently holding onto the Russian market. The safety and quality of Agushi is also confirmed by some neutral studies. For example, fruit cottage cheese, as well as kefir from this brand, received the highest rating from Roskachestvo (2, 3).

However, some parents are confused by the rather high price of certain items.

The main characteristics
Manufacturer Pepsico Russia
Assortment puree, Dry Milk mixes, porridge, fruit bars , recommended ages C Founded 1992
Pros and cons

There are mixtures in the product line; a wide range of.

High price for some items.

2. FrutoNyanya

FrutoNyanya. Photo: yandex.market.ru

FrutoNyanya baby food brand products are distinguished by a wide range and wide distribution in stores. Among the products of the brand you can find: a variety of cereals (with additives in the form, for example, pieces of fruit or without them), vegetable, fruit and meat purees, water, dairy products, juices, fruit drinks and nectars, snacks. For children prone to acute reactions to certain products, a special line of hypoallergenic food is offered.

Some of the brand's products have received high ratings from Roskachestvo, for example, biocurd, buckwheat porridge (4, 5).

Nutrition from this brand is designed for both the first complementary foods and for babies after a year. The composition contains salt and sugar, which are not recommended for children under one year old.

Main characteristics
Manufacturer Progress
Assortment purees, drinks, soups, snacks, cereals, snacks, water
Recommended age from 0 months
Founded 2000
Pros and cons
There are hypoallergenic products.

May contain allergenic ingredients (eg sugar).

3. "Grandmother's Lukoshko"

"Grandmother's Lukoshko". Photo: yandex.market. ru

The manufacturer has been present on the Russian market since 1999. The main product is a variety of purees, which are available in glass jars and soft packs. For example, apple puree from this brand received the highest rating from Roskachestvo in all analysis criteria and was awarded the Quality Mark (6).

For older children, prepared meals, meatballs, healthy snacks such as fruit lozenges and biscuits are available. Also, "Babushkino Lukoshko" produces children's herbal teas. Salt in some products is not always welcomed by parents.

The main characteristics
manufacturer "Sivma"
Assortment puree, finished lunch, drinks, fruit pastures
Recommended age from 4 months
Founded 1999
Pros and cons

Relatively low price in the segment; varied products.

There may be undesirable auxiliary components in the formulation (eg salt).

4. "Subject"

"Subject". Photo: yandex.market.ru

"Theme" offers products for children from 4 months to 3 years. The assortment includes a variety of meat, fish and vegetable purees, dairy products, ready meals and juices. But fruit purees are not presented. Packaging 一 is one of the distinguishing features of the brand. Thanks to special tin cans, the products are reliably protected from sunlight, which prolongs the shelf life. Also, many products of the brand are available in non-spill packages, so it is convenient to take them with you on the road. According to the results of the research, cottage cheese and juice "Theme" received the highest rating from Roskachestvo (7, 8).

5. Diaper

Diaper. Photo: market.yandex.ru

All ingredients for production are supplied from our own farm. The manufacturer claims that thanks to this, it is possible to set fairly low prices for products.

The potential buyer is offered fruit and vegetable purees (some with cottage cheese), soups, various juices and fruit drinks, as well as water. Some of the products are hypoallergenic. The composition does not contain unnecessary components: salt, sugar and preservatives. Meat and fish products are not represented in the product line.

The main characteristics
Manufacturer "Gardens Podonya"
Assortment puree, cream-soups, cereal
Recommended age C 40 months of ° Cite. 2005
Pros and cons

Low price in the segment; simple and clear structure.

Lack of meat and fish products in the assortment.

Rating of the top 5 foreign manufacturers of baby food according to KP

There are many foreign companies that produce baby food on the Russian market. A century of history, many years of experience and a good reputation helps to supply the market with quality products, which are preferred by many parents.

1. Gerber

Gerber. Photo: yandex. market.ru

The assortment of the American manufacturer includes products for children from 4 months. In supermarkets and online sites, you can find vegetable and fruit purees, cereals, healthy snacks, juices, and desserts (cottage cheese treats, smoothies, and others). Hypoallergenic food is also provided. For example, dairy-free buckwheat porridge of this brand is highly appreciated by Roskachestvo experts, who noted the safe composition of the product without dangerous and harmful substances, including no added sugars (9).

The manufacturer claims that the high prices are due to the corresponding quality, which is ensured by strict standards and adherence to technology.

The main characteristics
0022
Manufacturer Nestle
Assortment puree, porridge, snacks, desserts
Recommended ° from 4 months from 4 months СО 4 months of from 4 months of
Founded 1927
Pros and cons

Hypoallergenic products; natural composition; high quality.

High price in the baby food segment.

2. HiPP

HiPP. Photo: yandex.market.ru

German manufacturer's products are suitable for children from birth. Infants are offered hypoallergenic powdered milk formulas enriched with vitamins. For feeding - various purees, cream soups, cereals, and as a snack for older children - snacks and dairy desserts.

Meals are made exclusively from natural ingredients, without added sugar. The high price, according to the manufacturer, is due to the use of special technologies and high-quality products.

The main characteristics
9 months 9 months 9 months 9.0025
manufacturer HIPP
Assortment puree, cereals, drinks, snacks, dry dairy mixtures
Recommended age
Country of origin Germany
Founded 1957
Pros and cons

Natural composition; There are baby formulas in the assortment.

High price of products.

3. Fleur Alpine

Fleur Alpine. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Natural baby food of premium quality. The range includes purees, cereals, cookies and juices - both regular and for children prone to allergies or intolerant to gluten. In addition to the usual products, the manufacturer offers olive oil (from 6 months) and sauces (from 3 years).

From time to time, the products of this brand come under the attention of experts from Roskachestvo and Roskontrol. For example, Three cereals porridge showed excellent results: a good composition with dietary fiber and no foreign impurities, the appropriate taste, color and smell (10), and buckwheat porridge meets the advanced standards of Roskachestvo, except for the increased protein content (11).

Not all products on the official website can be purchased in a regular store. However, they can be purchased on marketplaces.

High price; Not all brand products are easy to find on offline sites.

4. Semper

Semper. Photo: yandex.market.ru

The Swedish company offers a wide range of products for children of all ages. Dry milk formulas are suitable for newborns, and there are even specialized ones that are best used for constipation. Some of them are designed for babies older than six months. For crumbs older than 4 months, the manufacturer offers a variety of vegetable, meat, fish and fruit purees, cereals, juices and children's tea with vitamins. In addition to the usual products for children, there are wellings — oatmeal and multi-cereal porridges with natural additives, cookies, and meatballs.

Roskachestvo examined this brand's applesauce and, apart from its high carbohydrate content (higher than indicated on the package), found no drawbacks (12). In addition, some purees contain starch.

The main characteristics
° 0 months0025
Manufacturer Hero Group
Assortment Dairy mixtures, puree, cereals, drinks, cookies
Recommended age ° 0 months
Country of origin Sweden
Founded 1963
Pros and cons

There are mixtures in the product line interesting combinations of flavors.

High price in the segment; the presence of starch in the puree; the product according to BJU may differ from that stated on the package.

5. Heinz

Heinz. Photo: yandex.market.ru

American food company offers a wide range of products at affordable prices. There are fruit, vegetable and meat purees, cereals (dairy and non-dairy), soups and drinks. As a healthy snack for babies from 5 months, special cookies are suitable, and fruit and cream puddings will be a great dessert for older children. You can also find a special vermicelli that will suit crumbs from 6 months. The manufacturer's porridges received the highest rating from Roskachestvo (13). However, some products contain sugar and starch, which many parents of babies do not approve of.

The main characteristics
C C C 9 months .
Manufacturer Heinz
Assortment puree, soups, vermichel, pudding, cookies, tea
Recommended age USA
Year of Manufacture 1869
Pros and Cons

Product contains prebiotics; affordable price in the segment of baby food from foreign manufacturers.

Some products contain sugar and starch.

How to choose the right baby food

A child's menu may differ from another baby's diet, not only because of age, but also due to health conditions (for example, a tendency to constipation or a dairy allergy) and personal preferences. However, the first thing to consider is age. It’s also important to keep in mind that your baby’s diet should be free of added salt and sugar (14). Certain positions deserve some explanation.

Milk formulas

Designed for feeding babies. In fact, they are designed to become an alternative to mother's milk. For the full development of the crumbs, it is necessary that vitamins and trace elements are present in the composition.

Canned puree

Introduced from 4 months. There are fruit, vegetable, meat and fish options. Combinations are also possible. For the first feeding, it is recommended to choose one-component purees from vegetables or fruits.

Porridges

Porridges, as well as mashed potatoes, are recommended to be offered to a baby from 4 months. Thanks to the special processing of cereals, baby porridge is easily boiled, which significantly saves cooking time.

Nectars, juices

You can give your baby juice or nectar from the age of 4 months. As long as it doesn't contain sugar. If available, it is better to wait at least up to 1 year.

Reviews of doctors about manufacturers of baby food

一 Baby food is becoming an object of special attention on the part of the state and parents, 一 says pediatrician Ekaterina Mikhaltsova . - The main advantages of industrial products and dishes are ease of use, balanced composition and minimal cooking time. However, you must strictly follow the age recommendations and cooking rules indicated on the labels.

- Dairy products and baby food in particular are complex production products where quality control is essential at all stages. Therefore, it is better to trust large manufacturers, - explains sanitary doctor Nikolai Dubinin . - It is important to pay attention to the composition and, before offering the child, taste the food yourself. In general, doctors agree that commercially produced baby food is no worse than home-cooked. And some are even better, due to supplements in the form of vitamins and trace elements.

Popular questions and answers

We answer the most common questions about baby food together with pediatrician Ekaterina Mikhaltsova and sanitary doctor, epidemiologist Nikolai Dubinin.

How to choose food for the first feeding?

Pediatricians recommend starting the first complementary foods with vegetable puree. Fruits contain a large amount of fructose, which can irritate the lining of the stomach and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Of course, the parent himself can boil and grind vegetables to a puree-like consistency, but it is easier to purchase products in the store, since baby food is made in compliance with special technologies, taking into account all the rules and regulations.

Another question is how to choose a brand among such a variety of baby foods. The best solution is to stick with a well-known brand. Large companies care about their reputation, and therefore strictly follow all established quality standards and do not violate production technology.

The next step is to study the information on the label, make sure the quality, evaluate the following indicators:

Natural composition. Preservatives, salt, sugar and other ingredients should not be present in the composition (at least in products for children under 1 year old).
Consistency (grinding quality). A good puree should be smooth and without lumps.
Multi or single ingredient . The first puree should contain only one ingredient. The child should get used to a certain vegetable, after which it will be possible to introduce others, adding each one in turn, so that the baby gets used to everything individually.
Hypoallergenic product. Formula must not contain ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction.
Package integrity . It is important to inspect the container in detail for dents, scratches or cracks (chips). Tightness must be observed. Don't forget to check the production date.
Appropriate for the age of the child . The age for which this or that product is designed is usually indicated on the packaging in compliance with the recommendations of pediatricians.

When all these factors are taken into account, it can be said that the product is really suitable for the child and will not cause side effects (15).

Which of the Russian manufacturers should I pay attention to?

Baby food brand Agusha has been producing products for over 30 years. The assortment has everything you need for a complete diet for kids: dairy products, cereals, fruit, vegetable and meat purees, juices and compotes. The company produces safe, hypoallergenic, complete nutrition for children of all ages. High-quality substitutes for breast milk and subsequent complementary foods are also produced. It is also recommended to pay attention to the manufacturers "FrutoNyanya" and "Theme".

What composition should healthy baby food contain?

When choosing puree in jars, pay attention to the composition. The ingredients should be natural, a good option (especially for younger kids) if the puree is a one-component puree - a fruit or vegetable plus water. Please note that the product does not contain salt, flour, starch, dyes and preservatives, and is not too diluted with water. The vegetable itself may contain starch, but its additional additives are very undesirable.

Sources

  1. Once again about baby food. Ladodo K. S. 2003.
  2. Roskachestvo rating. Children's cottage cheese "Agusha". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/tvorog-detskiy-fruktovyy-agusha-multifruktovyy-s-massovoy-doley-zhira-3-9/
  3. Roskachestvo rating. Children's kefir "Agusha". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/kefir-agusha-s-massovoy-doley-zhira-3-2-dlya-pitaniya-detey-starshe-8-mesyatsev/
  4. Roskachestvo rating. Biocurd "FrutoNyanya". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/biotvorog-frutonyanya-yabloko-obogashchennyy-vitaminom-d3-s-massovoy-doley-zhira-4-2-dlya-pitaniya-d/
  5. Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge "FrutoNyanya". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/frutonyanya-pervyy-vybor-grechnevaya-kasha/
  6. Roskachestvo rating. Apple puree "Babushkino Lukoshko" URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/pyure-fruktovoe-gomogenizirovannoe-sterilizovannoe-dlya-pitaniya-detey-rannego-vozrasta-s-4-mesyatse/
  7. Roskachestvo rating. Biocurd "Theme". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/biotvorog-tyema-obogashchennyy-bifidobakteriyami-s-grushey-dlya-detskogo-pitaniya-massovaya-dolya-zh/
  8. Roskachestvo rating. Apple juice "Theme". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/sok-yablochnyy-vostanovlennyy-osvetlennyy-dlya-detskogo-pitaniya/
  9. Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge Gerber. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/bezmolochnaya-kasha-gerber-grechnevaya/
  10. Roskachestvo rating. Porridge "Three cereals" Fleur Alpine. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/kasha-fleur-alpine-tri-zlaka-/
  11. Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge Fleur Alpine. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/kasha-grechnevaya-gipoallergennaya-fleur-alpine/
  12. Roskachestvo rating. Applesauce Semper. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/pyure-iz-yablok-fruktovoe-sterilizovannoe-dlya-detskogo-pitaniya-s-4-mesyatsev-semper/
  13. Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge Heinz. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/grechnevaya-kashka-heinz-bezmolochnaya-nizkoallergennaya/
  14. Baby food safety. Zakharova I.N., Aisanova M.R. 2019.
  15. Classification of baby food products, requirements for their quality and safety. Georgieva O.V., Pyrieva E. A., Kon I.Ya. 2018.

For the first time, baby food has been recognized as the best product in Estonia

Economy

20.04.2022, 15:31


PHOTO: Photo: Sven Tupits

The Estonian Food Industry Association announced the best food products in Estonia at today's annual conference. The title of “Best Food Product 2022” was awarded to the Põnn baby food series Salvest, made from organic green buckwheat, beef, vegetables and herbs. Põnn's unique product has become a kind of milestone in the history of the competition - never before has baby food become the winner of the "Best Estonian food product".

In addition to the best food product of the year and regional winners, the Food Industries Association announced three more winners of the competition's gold badges: Värska Originaal's Värska Naturaal Plus mineral water with goji berries and cranberries won “Best Soft Drink”; the title of “Best Alcoholic Beverage” was awarded to Liviko's Vana Tallinn Toffee Caramel liqueur; “Best Value Added Product” was Tere HI!Fiber, a lactose-free yoghurt with fiber, peach and turmeric flavor.

“Despite the fact that we are still living in difficult times, last year the development of products in the Estonian food sector was very intensive – many new and interesting products were introduced to the market. Large manufacturers showed their high level in the competition by presenting interesting flavor combinations, high-quality raw materials, as well as increasingly environmentally friendly packaging. The choice of regional products this year was also very diverse, and the selection of the best ones turned out to be a difficult task for the jury of the competition,” Sirje Potisepp, head of the Food Industry Union, said at the award ceremony

The best products of the year were announced at the awards ceremony by Sirje Potisepp, President of the Food Industry Union, President Kersti Kaljulaid and Minister of Rural Affairs Urmas Kruuse.

”The food industry operates in a highly competitive environment both domestically and internationally, which means being resourceful, focusing on continuous product development and taking into account various external influences is not an easy job. Therefore, it is very important to note the commitment of local food producers to this responsible role. The production of clean domestic food products is important and is becoming increasingly important over time,” said Minister of Rural Affairs Urmas Kruuse.

This year was the 28th edition of the “Best Estonian Product” contest organized by the Food Industry Association. 66 enterprises with 161 food products took part in the competition. The purpose of the competition is to identify the best food products that appeared on the market in the previous year and were produced in Estonia.

The closest competition was in the category of meat products (17 products), followed by desserts (14 products) and confectionery (11 products). Among small producers, South Estonian companies were the most represented (18 products). There were also more value-added products than in previous years.

GOLD SIGNS:

The best non-alcoholic drink in Estonia 2022 – mineral water with goji berries and cranberries Värska Naturaal Plus Goji + jõhvikas; manufacturer Värska Originaal AS. Värska Naturaal Plus is the first scented water product line in Estonia based on natural mineral water. The water, produced in collaboration with Estonian nutrition scientists, is low in sugar and contains healthy vitamins and minerals.

Best Estonian alcoholic drink 2022 – Vana Tallinn Toffee Caramel liqueur; manufacturer Liviko AS. Vana Tallinn Toffee Caramel is a toffee caramel version of the legendary Vana Tallinn liqueur, crafted from Jamaican rum, carefully selected spices and hand-crafted cinnamon and vanilla extract.

Best Value Added Product 2022 - HI! Fiber Yogurt with fiber, peach and turmeric flavor; manufacturer Tere AS. This yogurt was also named the best dairy product this year. Yoghurt was developed in collaboration with scientists from the Center for the Development of Food and Fermentation Technologies. This year's best dairy product is rich in fiber, which supports stomach health and digestion. Yogurt is also lactose-free, sugar-free, and fortified with vitamin D. To develop the product, a study was conducted and the effect of the combination of fiber and vitamin D in a dairy product on the body was studied.

Best Product 2022 – organic puree with raw (green) buckwheat and Põnn beef; manufacturer AS Salvest. The new organic baby food is made from organic raw buckwheat and beef grown in Estonia. The puree also contains organic vegetables and herbs. Raw buckwheat is used in baby food for the first time on the Estonian market, which makes the product unique. Raw buckwheat contains vital minerals and vitamins, carotenoids, enzymes, fiber and trace elements, and is also gluten-free.

REGIONAL GOLD BADGES:

West Estonian Small Business Best Product 2022 — Dirhami Balyk Nori salmon; manufacturer Derhamn OÜ. Tender-tasting beech-smoked salmon balyk with seaweed. The product is produced using only fresh and natural raw materials.

Best Western Estonian Small Business Beverage 2022 – TOHI Aronia Infused Gin; manufacturer TOHI Distellery OÜ. Chokeberry is a vitamin-rich super-berry that gives gin its unique rich and deep taste. Aronia is harvested in Estonian gardens by beating the juice with their feet, as was the custom in the old days in small wineries in Europe. Gin Tohi Aronia Infused Gin is produced once a year and in limited quantities.

South Estonian Best Small Business Product 2022 – Andre Crafter`s Juniper Andre cheese; manufacturer Juustufarm OÜ. Andre Crafter's Juniper, a collaboration between Andre Cheese Farm and Liviko, uses juniper berries left over from the distillation of gin. The cheese is made from the whole milk of cows from the Andre farm and matures for at least 3 months. The result is a creamy cheese with a woody note and a long aftertaste where juniper berries add structure.

The best drink of a small business in Southern Estonia 2022 – Ukulele honeysuckle wine; manufacturer Murimäe Vein OÜ. Ukulele is a semi-sweet red berry wine made from edible honeysuckle berries grown in Southern Estonia. This is the first wine made from edible honeysuckle in Estonia.

Best North Estonian Small Business Product 2022 – FoodStudio Demi-glace; manufacturer: Puljong OÜ. Demi-glace is a thick and concentrated sauce base made from beef bones that is an essential part of French cuisine. With the addition of herbs, butter, cream, mushrooms, cognac, red wine, etc., the sauce goes well with various meat dishes. The sauce base can be used both as a brown sauce and for preparing various sauces and meat dishes, including grilled ones.

Northern Estonia's Best Small Business Drink 2022 – Nudist Spritz with rhubarb and mint flavor; produced by Peenjoogivabrik Nudist OÜ. Summer-style light wine cocktail of rhubarb wine, strawberry juice and mint green tea.

Virumaa small business best product 2022 – organic Kikerikii broiler fillet; manufacturer Äntu Mõis OÜ. Organic broiler fillet in the assortment of the Kikerikii brand is the first product of its kind on the shelves of Estonian stores - no one else in Estonia produces organic broiler meat.


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