Study Reveals Low Nutritional Quality Of Many Baby Food Pouches

An Australian study into the nutritional quality of of popular baby food squeeze pouches has revealed alarming results.

Western Sydney University researchers analysed 276 Australian baby food pouches from 15 manufacturers, finding most lacked an adequate level of nutrients, and added sugars – despite claiming to have no sugar added.

The baby food pouches, or squeeze pouches, were analysed for nutritional content, texture, serving size and packaging label. The researchers then came up with a Nutrition Profile Index (NPI), which they compared to Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines.

“The findings revealed that only two of the 276 products tested had an adequate level of nutrients. 59 per cent of pouches also claimed to have ‘no sugar added’, despite the addition of free sugars,” said lead researcher Dr Catharine Fleming.

“The sweet flavour profiles present in the squeeze pouches particularly promote the ongoing acceptance of foods rich in free sugars. We know that sugar consumption is a health concern and can contribute to diet-related chronic disease developing later in childhood and adulthood.”

Ready-to-use baby food squeeze pouches first became available in 2012, and are a convenient on-the-go food option for parents.

“Parents are potentially unaware of the pouches’ true nutritional value, particularly as they are often marketed as a ‘whole’ meal,” explained Dr Fleming.

“They are often promoted as providing a large portion of a child’s daily nutritional intake despite being an inadequate source of nutrients when used regularly and solely.”

Dr Fleming explained that between six and 24 months, it’s vital infants eat foods that are age appropriate and nutritious.

“This developmental period establishes long-term dietary intake patterns for a child and lays the foundations for nutrition and feeding practices for life. It is well understood that highly processed foods with high amounts of sugars, salt and fats are a risk factor for non-communicable diseases,” said Dr Fleming.

The researchers have recommended a review of baby food pouches, with greater regulation for serving sizes, labelling and production composition.

The advice for parents is to introduce a variety of nutritionally rich foods, with fresh food being the best option to support children’s health.

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32 Comments

- - ~Loui~ said
  - 30 Jun 2023
    11:33 pm
Even baby food is processed I suppose we’ll just continue to make our own.

- - Jessica said
  - 30 Jun 2023
    8:39 pm
So deceptive! Poor parents thinking they’re doing the right thing by their child

- - mom265671 said
  - 13 Jun 2023
    10:47 pm
It’s a shame because these are specifically targeted and made for such young kids.

- - mom465794 said
  - 13 Jun 2023
    1:31 pm
I always try to make fresh food for the kids – tastes better too for them

- - mom493188 said
  - 13 Jun 2023
    12:31 pm
This is simply appalling!

- - mom465683 said
  - 12 Jun 2023
    7:51 pm
I’m not sure if that is news. I mean, doesn’t everyone know that pouches are full of sugar and that fresh is best.

- - Mom466555 said
  - 12 Jun 2023
    3:38 pm
Hopefully some good comes from the findings

- - MummaD said
  - 12 Jun 2023
    1:08 pm
Pouches didn’t exist when my kids were little but wonder if jars are the same?

- - Dom's mum said
  - 12 Jun 2023
    10:28 am
I’m shocked and very disappointed because food pouches are so handy when you’re in a hurry.

- - Sklh said
  - 12 Jun 2023
    12:36 am
Shocking…

- - Kindness is Real said
  - 10 Jun 2023
    12:52 pm
Yes of course they are full of sugar and who knows what else

- - mom93821 said
  - 10 Jun 2023
    6:35 am
I agree with fresh is best and shop for fresh produce at the markets when the produce is cheaper.

- - Witskers said
  - 09 Jun 2023
    8:23 pm
How incredibly disappointing. We know companies are trying to stretch products as far as possible to boost income, but it is never acceptable to do this at a cost to a child.

- - RA1234756 said
  - 09 Jun 2023
    2:10 pm
This is horrible. I always check the back for added fillers and sugars, but theyre lying! No one has time to make everything themselves.
- mom93821 replied
  
  11 Jun 2023 , 5:57 am
  It is indeed, time consuming checking all labels of all products.
- - Julzie13 said
  - 09 Jun 2023
    9:39 am
This is an example of fresh being best. Yes it takes some effort to buy ingredients and make into baby food yourself, but much better for bubs health. I only ever went to give my now 14 year old baby food once when he was first trying solids whilst out for dinner and he was not having anything to do with it. So first and last time for him.

- - Ellen said
  - 09 Jun 2023
    4:43 am
No surprise here. I think that not everybody is that concerned about the nutritional value of the food they present to their younger or older kids

- - tessie said
  - 08 Jun 2023
    2:51 pm
I think they’re okay in an emergency but not as the sole source of their meals.

- - mom486400 said
  - 08 Jun 2023
    2:35 pm
That’s really disappointing to read. It seems these companies can only see dollar signs not the children. The government needs to be a lot stricter after a review of what has research found.

- - MandaMags said
  - 08 Jun 2023
    1:02 pm
Glad they are doing studies on the nutritional value of baby food. I’ve always made my kids their food growing up and the only pouch they had were the yogurt ones. I know too many mothers that rely on the pouches for their babies which worries me.

- - rovermum said
  - 08 Jun 2023
    9:59 am
Pouches weren’t around when my son was young but I certainly used jars as back-up. There should be regulations and/or honest info on the labels so people are aware.