Most Baby Foods In the U.S. Don’t Meet Nutritional Guidelines: What to Know

• A new study found that 60% of baby foods don’t meet nutritional guidelines set by the World health Organization (WHO).
• Many foods were low in protein but high in sugar and sodium.
• Proper nutrition is crucial for a child’s health and development, so experts advise reading baby food labels carefully.
• Health claims can be verified with organizations like the Baby Food Council (BFC) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) .

While many people assume that baby foods are healthy and nutritionally balanced, this may not necessarily be the case, according to a new study published on August 21 in the journal Nutrients .

The researchers found that 60% of foods designated for babies and toddlers fell short of the nutritional requirements set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This finding is significant given the vital role that good nutrition plays in a child’s growth and development.

The WHO states that proper nutrition during the first three years of life can help reduce the risk of death and illness and lower the risk of chronic disease later in life.

Evaluating the nutritional content of baby foods

At present, the United States does not have any laws in place requiring baby food makers to meet the WHO’s recommendations, the authors of the new study noted.

Furthermore, its regulatory process has not kept pace with the vast number of new baby food products that have entered the market.

The goal of this research was to determine just how well U.S.-based companies are doing in meeting nutritional standards in the absence of regulation.

The team collected data from 669 different baby and toddler foods that were available at the time of the study in 2023.

The researchers selected various baby foods sold at major grocery store chains around the U.S. by visiting one location of each store in the area of Raleigh, NC. The grocery stores visited by the researchers included:

• Walmart
• Kroger
• Costco
• Ahold Delhaize
• Publix
• Sam’s Club
• Target
• Aldi stores

They additionally collected data from the websites for H-E-B and Safeway.

Among the facts collected were the manufacturer’s name, brand name, product description, ingredients, nutrition information per 100-gram serving, and any health-related claims on the package.

Their analysis, however, did not include formulas, fortified milks , oral electrolytes, or foods not specifically available in the baby food section of each store.

The foods were divided into eight categories as outlined by the WHO’s Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model (NPPM) . Within these categories, they were further broken down into subcategories.

Each food was then compared against the NPPM’s standards for its category to determine whether its nutrient composition measured up.

Finally, the team looked at any claims the product manufacturers made, deeming those related to allergens, religion, or vegetarian/vegan as being allowed while all others were considered to be prohibited.

Baby, toddler foods fall short of nutritional requirements

Looking at individual macronutrients , the researchers found that only about 30% of all products met the WHO’s protein recommendations.

Additionally, only 56% were in line with the organization’s advice regarding sugar. However, 93% did comply with its recommendations on fat content.

They also found that around 25% of the products did not meet calorie requirements, and contained added free sugar and sweeteners.

Also, about 1 in 5 items had more than the advised sodium limit.

About 60% of baby and toddler foods were not labeled with age recommendations, which should be listed in months and years, according to the WHO. Instead, many used words or phrases like “toddler” or “crawling baby.”

The study authors also reported that, on average, products had nearly five health- and nutrient-related claims each.

Additionally, many of these health claims fell into categories that the WHO did not allow, such as “organic” or “no preservatives.”

What to look for on baby and toddler food labels

Steve Gendron, PhD , an immunology and endocrinology specialist and founder of Mindful Living Choice, said it’s important to read labels when it comes to baby food. Gendron wasn’t involved in the study.

He advised looking for foods with recognizable ingredients, such as fruits , vegetables , and grains . He advised against foods with added sugar , salt , and artificial preservatives.

Gendron suggested looking at the amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in the food. “These are key for your baby’s growth and development,” he told Healthline.

Additionally, you’ll want to keep an eye on the product’s iron content. “Babies need iron for brain development, so choose foods fortified with iron, especially if your baby is mostly breastfed,” he said.

Gendron further noted that you’ll want to make sure the label clearly indicates whether the food contains common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Regarding serving sizes, he said to make sure the size is appropriate for your baby’s age and needs. “Overly large portions can lead to overeating or waste,” he cautioned.

“By keeping these tips in mind, parents can make informed choices that support their baby’s health and development,” said Gendron.

How to verify health claims on labels

When it comes to health claims, James Hook of Neurogan Health, also not involved in the study, told Healthline that food labels may sometimes contain information that sounds too good to be true.

“In that case, you need to check if it has been certified by organizations that regulate the manufacturing and distribution of the foods,” he explained.

Among these organizations are the Baby Food Council (BFC) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) , Hook said.

“If the food product has many of these certifications, it shows that it’s safe and nutritional for your baby,” Hook concluded.

Takeaway

According to a new study, 60% of baby and toddler foods in the United States do not meet the World Health Organization’s guidelines for nutrition.

The U.S. does not currently have any laws requiring it to meet the WHO’s nutrition standards.

Parents need to read labels carefully to ensure foods are nutritionally adequate and appropriate for their child.

Look for real ingredients and no added sugar, sodium, or artificial preservatives. They should also have adequate protein , vitamins, and minerals.

If the baby food you’re buying makes certain health claims, it’s a good idea to use an organization such as the BFC or the NSF to verify them.