Majority of Baby Foods Classified as Ultra-Processed, Study Suggests
USA: A new study published in the MDPI journal Nutrients has raised concerns about the extent of ultra-processing in commercially available complementary foods for infants and toddlers in the United States. As consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) continues to rise among children under three years of age, researchers sought to better understand the ingredient composition and additive use in products marketed to this vulnerable age group.
The cross-sectional analysis evaluated 651 infant and toddler food products sold in 2023 by the 10 largest US grocery retailers. Data were collected in person from eight stores in Raleigh, North Carolina, and online from two additional retailers. Ingredients were categorized using Codex Alimentarius and US Food and Drug Administration classifications, while the Nova system was applied to determine the level of processing.
The researchers calculated the proportion of products classified as UPFs, the number of UPF-related ingredients per item, and compared nutrient profiles between ultra-processed and non-ultra-processed products.
Key Findings:
- A total of 71% of the analyzed infant and toddler food products were classified as ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
- Additives were present in 71% of products.
- The most common additive categories were flavor enhancers (36%), thickeners (29%), emulsifiers (19%), and artificial or added colors (19%).
- Ingredient counts varied widely, ranging from 1 to 56 ingredients per product.
- Snack products generally contained the highest number of ingredients.
- Processed fruit and vegetable derivatives were commonly used across product categories.
- Ingredients derived from dairy, meat, and legumes were less frequently included.
- Ultra-processed products had higher average levels of total sugar, added sugar, sodium, and energy density compared with non-UPF products.
- Added sugars were present exclusively in ultra-processed products.
The authors acknowledged certain limitations. The analysis relied on publicly available ingredient lists, which do not specify ingredient quantities or disclose the use of additives as processing aids. In addition, the study evaluated product availability rather than actual sales or consumption patterns. However, the researchers emphasized that these limitations do not diminish the central finding: ultra-processed foods dominate the commercial baby food market in the United States.
Given the critical role of early-life nutrition in shaping long-term health outcomes, the study highlights the need for greater transparency in labeling and clearer regulatory standards regarding processing levels and additive use. The authors suggest that policy reforms, improved labeling practices aligned with international dietary recommendations, and product reformulation by manufacturers may be necessary to foster a healthier food environment for infants and toddlers.
As evidence linking UPF consumption to adverse health outcomes continues to grow, the widespread presence of ultra-processed ingredients in complementary foods raises important questions about how best to protect and promote optimal nutrition during the earliest stages of life.
Reference:
Dunford, E. K., Pries, A., Calvo, M. S., & Coyle, D. H. (2026). Tiny Tummies, Big Questions: Unpacking Ultra-Processed Ingredients and Additives in Complementary Foods in the United States. Nutrients, 18(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18040584
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