Shopping for baby food can feel like trying to crack a secret code. With countless products boasting claims like "healthy," "natural," or "perfect for toddlers," it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially when you’re running on empty.
To help you out, we’ve broken down the essentials of reading food labels so you can confidently identify the good stuff from the sneaky stuff. Here's your ultimate guide to decoding sugar, sodium, and preservatives like a supermarket sleuth.
1. Sugar – The Sweet Sneak
When checking baby food labels, sugar is often the trickiest ingredient to spot. Here's what to look for:
- Key Tip: Focus on the "total sugars" listed in the per-100g column. Ideally, baby food should have less than 5g of sugar per 100g.
- Watch Out: Added sugars can hide behind names like fructose, malt syrup, or even organic cane sugar. While fruit naturally increases sugar content, it also provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthier choice compared to refined sugars.
- Pro Tip: If fruit purées are listed as the first ingredient, that’s a better option than products containing sugar-based syrups.
2. Sodium – Keep It Low
Babies don’t need extra salt, and high sodium levels can be harmful. Here's how to spot it:
- Key Tip: Look for sodium content in the per-100g column. Baby food should ideally have less than 120mg of sodium per 100g—the lower, the better.
- Why It Matters: High sodium levels can strain your baby’s tiny kidneys and influence taste preferences for salty foods later in life.
- Pro Tip: Choose products with no added salt. Look for natural flavoring from herbs and spices instead of sodium-heavy ingredients like yeast extract or hydrolysed vegetable protein.
3. Preservatives – What to Embrace and Avoid
Preservatives are common in packaged baby food, but not all are created equal.
- Good Choices: Natural options like citric acid (330) or ascorbic acid (300) are safe for babies.
- Best to Skip: Ingredients like sulfites (220–228) and benzoates (210–213) can upset sensitive tummies or cause allergic reactions.
- Pro Tip: Short ingredient lists with familiar names are always a better choice. If a product doesn’t list preservatives, it’s likely closer to homemade. (For long-lasting options without chemicals, don’t forget to check the freezer aisle!)
4. Use the ‘Per 100g’ Column to Compare
The per-100g column is your best friend when comparing products. It allows you to evaluate options side by side. For example:
- Baby Rusk A: 3.5g sugar / 100g, 80mg sodium / 100g
-
Baby Rusk B: 8.5g sugar / 100g, 250mg sodium / 100g
Winner: Baby Rusk A is the better option for your little one!
5. Common Ingredients to Watch Out For
Keep an eye on these common culprits:
- Added Sugars: Found in baby cereals or snacks.
- Hidden Sodium: Often sneaks into savory foods and toddler snacks.
- Long Ingredient Lists: Products with chemical-sounding names can signal heavy processing.
Trust the Freezer ❄️
When in doubt, remember that freezer foods often rely on ice as a natural preservative instead of chemicals. However, it’s always a good idea to check the ingredient list, even in the freezer aisle. At Le Puree, we freeze our food to lock in nutrients and keep it as close to fresh as possible—just the way your baby deserves. No Nasties. Not Ever.
