Nearly three out of four baby food products sold in major U.S. grocery stores are ultra-processed, according to a new study published in the journal Nutrients.
The research, led by scientists at The George Institute for Global Health, analyzed 651 infant and toddler food products from the top 10 U.S. supermarket chains using data from the FoodSwitch database.
The team classified the foods using the NOVA system, which groups foods based on how much processing they undergo.
The results were concerning. About 71% of the baby foods studied were classified as ultra-processed foods, often called UPFs.
These are industrially manufactured products made from refined ingredients, additives, and flavorings.
They are usually designed to be convenient, inexpensive, and appealing in taste, but they tend to be lower in essential nutrients compared to whole or minimally processed foods.
Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, a research fellow at The George Institute and adjunct assistant professor at the University of North Carolina’s Department of Nutrition, said infancy is a crucial period for shaping long-term eating habits.
Introducing babies to foods that are very sweet or salty, or packed with additives, may influence their taste preferences in ways that last into adulthood. Research has also linked high consumption of ultra-processed foods in childhood to increased risks of heart disease and metabolic problems later in life.
One of the study’s key findings was the widespread use of additives in baby foods. Additives were found in 71% of products. Common types included flavor enhancers, thickeners, emulsifiers, and artificial colors.
In total, researchers identified more than 100 different additive ingredients. Some studies suggest that certain emulsifiers and stabilizers may affect gut health, while synthetic colors have been linked to behavioral issues in some children. Although more research is needed, the high presence of these “cosmetic” additives in foods for babies raises concerns.
The study also found that ultra-processed baby foods contained much more sugar and sodium than less processed options. On average, UPFs had twice as much sugar as non-UPFs. Added sugars appeared only in ultra-processed products. Snack and finger foods showed the biggest gap, with ultra-processed versions containing about two and a half times more sugar. Sodium levels were also consistently higher in ultra-processed foods, and these products were often more calorie-dense due to added sugars and refined ingredients.
Convenience products dominated the baby food aisle. Nearly all snack-size packaged items were ultra-processed. Pouches and full-size packaged meals also had high rates of processing. Sales of baby food pouches have increased dramatically over the past decade as busy families look for quick and easy feeding options.
The researchers say clearer labeling and stronger regulation are needed to help parents make informed choices. In the meantime, checking ingredient lists carefully may help. If a product contains long lists of unfamiliar additives, it may be more processed than it appears.
