Experts have issued a warning that some baby food pouches sold in UK supermarkets, often marketed as suitable for infants under six months, are similar in composition to fruit smoothies and should not be introduced before babies reach one year of age.
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Glasgow’s College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences in collaboration with First Steps Nutrition Trust analysed 298 commercial wet baby food products available across six UK supermarkets. The investigation focused on key nutritional factors such as sugar, protein, and energy content, comparing them with breast milk.
Findings revealed that 60% of the products analysed were sold in spouted pouches, commonly referred to as sPouches. Notably, 70% of these were targeted at children aged under six months, despite health recommendations that babies should only start complementary foods around six months.
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The study found that these pouches generally contained lower protein levels, higher sugar content, and less energy compared to both breast milk and other baby food products. Many of the pouches resembled sweet fruit smoothies - products that health authorities advise against giving to babies and preschool children due to their high sugar and acid content.
According to NHS guidelines, fruit juice and smoothies are not suitable for babies under 12 months.
The researchers emphasized that many sPouches do not meet the desired nutritional characteristics for complementary foods. They highlighted concerns that parents may be misled by product packaging, which often claims ‘no added sugar’ despite containing high amounts of free sugars derived from pureed fruit.
The paper published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood calls on regulators to reassess whether these spouted-pouch products should be classified and marketed as complementary foods. The authors suggest that such packaging might be inappropriate for introducing solid foods during infancy.
Dr Vicky Sibson, co-author and director of the First Steps Nutrition Trust, commented: “The NHS warns against fruit drinks and smoothies for babies due to their damaging effects on teeth. Yet supermarkets are filled with fruit-based baby food pouches marketed as suitable first foods from four to six months old. Our research shows these products are more like fruit drinks or smoothies, potentially misleading parents into thinking they are healthy choices.”
She further noted that the Government has set a voluntary compliance deadline of February 2027 for the baby food industry to adhere to new guidelines. However, progress appears slow, prompting calls for mandatory regulations on the composition, marketing, and labelling of commercial baby and toddler foods to better protect infant health.