Experts have raised concerns about many baby food pouches being comparable to fruit smoothies and advised they should not be introduced to infants before they reach one year of age. A recent study examined a wide range of commercial baby foods available in UK supermarkets and found that only a few of these products meet the nutritional standards recommended for complementary feeding.
Researchers from the University of Glasgow’s College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, together with the First Steps Nutrition Trust, analysed 298 wet commercial baby food products from six UK supermarkets. They assessed sugar, protein, and energy contents, comparing them to the nutritional profile of breast milk.
The study revealed that 60% of these products were sold in “spouted pouches” (sPouches), with 70% of those targeted at infants under six months old, despite health guidelines advising weaning to begin around six months. The pouches typically contained lower protein, higher sugar, and less energy than breast milk and other baby food forms.
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The researchers emphasised that many pouches closely resemble sweet fruit smoothies, which are not recommended for babies or preschool children due to their high sugar content. NHS guidance states that babies under 12 months do not require fruit juice or smoothies.
In their article published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, the authors noted: “Many wet commercial baby foods delivered in spouted pouches have the texture and composition of sweet drinks, while very few meet the desired characteristics for complementary foods. These products, equivalent in texture and content to fruit smoothies, should not be offered before 12 months and their intake should be limited thereafter.”
The study also highlighted concerns about misleading packaging claims, as many products advertise “no added sugar” despite containing high levels of free sugars from pureed fruit. The researchers urged regulators to reconsider whether labelling spouted-pouch baby foods as complementary foods is appropriate and to assess if such packaging is suitable for infant feeding.
Dr Vicky Sibson, co-author and director at the First Steps Nutrition Trust, commented: “The NHS advises against giving babies fruit drinks and smoothies due to their high sugar and acid content, which can lead to tooth decay. However, supermarkets and pharmacies continue to stock fruit-based ‘baby food’ pouches marketed for infants as young as four to six months. Our research shows these products are often more akin to fruit drinks or smoothies, potentially misleading parents regarding their suitability and healthfulness.”
She added that despite voluntary guidelines introduced by the Government, with a compliance deadline of February 2027, progress appears slow. Dr Sibson advocated for mandatory regulations on the composition, marketing, and labelling of commercial baby and toddler foods and drinks, ensuring they reflect the latest evidence to protect infant and young child health effectively.