Most baby food isn't nutritious despite what the label says

Babies bubbling with laughter and toddlers on their unsteady feet are the essence of joy. But, are we providing babies with an adequate amount of nutritional nourishment in their food? The answer might unsettle you.

A recent study reveals that a whopping 60% of infant and toddler foods do not meet the desired nutritional standards. What’s more baffling? None of these foods meet the promotional standards outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Nutrition guidelines for baby food

Scientists at The George Institute for Global Health embarked on a journey to scrutinize how baby foods match up with international standards.

“Despite growing concerns over the increasing popularity and health impact of commercial foods for infants and toddlers, no nutrition or promotional guidelines currently exist for the United States,” noted the researchers.

The team analyzed data from 651 infant and toddler food products retailed across the top ten US supermarket chains. The startling revelation? A significant majority of these products failed to meet crucial nutritional benchmarks.

Overall, 70% of these products did not meet protein requirements; 44% surpassed the sugar limits, and a quarter of these foods did not satisfy calorie requirements. The salt content didn’t fare any better, with one in five products overshooting the stipulated sodium recommendations.

Significance of baby food

The study was led by Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, a research fellow at The George Institute and an adjunct professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of North Carolina.

“Early childhood is a crucial period of rapid growth and when taste preferences and dietary habits form, potentially paving the way for the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and some cancers later in life,” said Dr. Dunford.

Convenience foods lack nutrients

Our taste preferences and dietary habits are formed during early childhood, potentially paving the way for chronic maladies like obesity, diabetes, and even some cancers as we age. The root cause?

“Time-poor parents are increasingly choosing convenience foods, unaware that many of these products lack key nutrients needed for their child’s development and tricked into believing they are healthier than they really are,” noted Dr. Dunford.

False claims on baby food packages

Baby food pouches are gaining momentum within this sector. Within a mere span of 13 years, sales from these pouches have vaulted by a staggering 900 percent. However, these products ranked among the unhealthiest ones evaluated, with a dismal 7% meeting sugar recommendations.

What about the packaging? Dr. Daisy Coyle, a research fellow and dietitian at The George Institute, noted that a whopping 99.4% of products sported at least one illicit claim on their packaging. Some baby food products even showcased as many as 11 false claims.

These crafty claims give rise to a “health halo” illusion, painting these products to be healthier than they are. “The lack of regulation in this area leaves the door wide open for the food industry to deceive busy parents,” said Dr. Coyle. She also pointed out that deceptive product names are often used that do not mirror the main ingredients listed.

“For example, snack and finger foods often referred to fruit or vegetables in the product name, despite primarily being made of flour or other starches,” said Dr. Coyle.

Hidden epidemic: Childhood obesity

Childhood obesity in the US has more than doubled since the 1970s, with about 13% of preschool children grappling with obesity. The COVID-19 pandemic has only fueled this issue.

“While reducing childhood obesity was a priority under the Obama administration, the issue appears to have fallen by the wayside in recent years,” said Dr. Dunford.

“Our findings highlight the urgent need for better regulation and guidance in the infant and toddler foods market in the United States – the health of future generations depends on it.”

So, what’s next? As conscious consumers, it’s important to remember that while convenience is appealing, our food choices can lay the groundwork for our baby’s future health.

We must scrutinize the products we purchase and the claims decorating them. As for the food manufacturers, it’s time to put nutritional value before profits.

The study is published in the journal Nutrients.

—–

Like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates. 

Check us out on EarthSnap, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

—–