Study highlights high sugar content of ready-made infant foods
A new study has highlighted the prevalence of high-sugar infant foods.
Researchers found that many ready-made foods and snacks for babies contain an alarming amount of sugar. The baby food industry is growing, and the number of snack products available for parents has increased from 42 in 2013 to 185 in 2019. Despite the diversification of products, there is still a widespread problem with sugar content.
The research team found that savoury spoonable products now contain 16% more sugar, and only 18% of products contain at least 50% fruit or vegetables.
Although health experts often advise parents to give babies homemade foods, there has been an increase in the popularity of ready-made snacks and meals. The study suggests that 58% of infants are given commercially-produced foods between the ages of 6 and 12 months.
In light of the study findings, which have been published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, the researchers have called for analysis of the impact of marketing methods and strategies. It is possible, the researchers claim, that there may be benefits to introducing stricter regulations to reduce the sugar content of baby food and snacks and encourage parents to make healthier choices for their children. Some of the products that contain excessive quantities of sugar may be marketed as healthy snacks, and parents are urged to read labels carefully before buying.
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