Why 65% of kids foods are ultra processed and how it affects their health

Sugar is a big part of the daily diet for American children. In fact, it makes up about 1/10 of their intake. The problem begins earlier than many realize. Baby and toddler foods are becoming sweeter every year. Most of these foods are ultra-processed. This can lead to long-term health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

So, what is in these products? How can parents tell if they're buying something healthy? Baby food has been around since the 1920s. Harold Clap, a father from Rochester, New York, was one of the first to make it. He fed his sickly infant son strained peas and soups. He decided to bottle these meals for others in his community. Soon, parents across the country were buying them.

Before the 20th century, many believed that adult food was unsafe for babies. Fruits and vegetables were introduced later than one or two years old. Babies often missed out on important proteins, carbs, and vitamins.

The Gerber brand changed this. Frank and Daniel Gerber owned a canning company. Daniel's wife, Dorothy, struggled to prepare strained peas for their sick daughter. She asked Daniel to have his company produce baby food. Canned fruits and vegetables were hard to find and costly at that time. So the Gerbers saw a chance to provide affordable, nutritious baby food.

By 1928, Gerber launched its first range, which included strained peas and prunes. The project was a success. Many pediatricians recommend Gerber baby food. Manufacturers marketed their products as nutritious alternatives. They claimed that their food was scientific and untouched by human hands. They used heat to sterilize and stabilize the ingredients. However, this process can alter color and flavor.

Currently, about 70% of baby food in the U.S. is ultra-processed. The global baby food market has grown significantly, reaching $17.9 billion in 2022. It's important to check nutrition labels. For example, a yogurt pouch may advertise natural flavors but still contain 14 grams of sugar, including 8 grams of added sugar.

Recent reports show that baby foods are getting sweeter each year. Added sugars have increased over the last decade. Sometimes, fruit-derived sugars are not labeled correctly. In the U.S., fruit concentrate does not always count as added sugar.

When shopping for baby and toddler food, look for pouches. The market for pouches has exploded, increasing by about 900% since 2010.

Start with products like Happy Baby Green Beans, Pear, and Spinach. The first ingredient is organic green bean puree, followed by organic pear puree. However, this combination still packs a lot of sugar, especially from the pear.

Another option is Earth's Best Organic Apple Peach Oatmeal. It has 12 grams of total sugars, with 2 grams added. This sugar comes from concentrated fruit rather than whole fruits.

You might see healthy-sounding labels. For instance, Happy Baby Organics Apples, Blueberries, and Oats has 80 calories per serving. All sugars come from fruit instead of being added. However, the ingredient list includes ascorbic acid, a common stabilizer.

Puffs are popular snacks from around six months old. Some contain healthy ingredients, like organic peanut butter and whole grains, without added sugars.

As children grow, food marketed toward older babies becomes more complex. Happy Baby Organic Yogis, for example, may sound healthy. However, they lack live probiotics and contain tapioca starch, which is often empty calories.

Next, we have toddler snacks like animal crackers. They may claim to deliver vitamins but often contain added sugars. Each serving can have 2 grams of added sugar, meaning the sweetness comes from artificial sources.

Sugar is risky for young children and can have lasting health impacts. The World Health Organization recommends reducing added sugars in children's foods.

Some products, like Nestle Neo toddler milk, contain excess sugars and additives. These products are often unnecessary as children grow older and can drink regular milk.

In short, when you shop for baby food, look for options with fewer ingredients and no added sugars. Avoid products with preservatives and artificial colors. Focus on natural sources of nutrients. Remember, parents shouldn't bear all the responsibility for choosing healthy foods. Manufacturers and regulators should help make these choices easier. It's okay to use pouches when needed, but also try to introduce whole foods like broccoli. Your efforts to provide varied and healthy options will help your child develop a positive relationship with food.