Babies should not be fed food pouches as they often contain excessive sugar and do not meet adequate health standards, according to a study by researchers at Glasgow University. These products are frequently likened to fruit smoothies and experts suggest they are inappropriate for infants under 12 months of age.
This assessment aligns with existing advice from the NHS, which states that newborns younger than one year do not require fruit juice or smoothies. The study analyzed 298 wet commercial baby food products purchased from six supermarkets, comparing their sugar, protein, and energy content to that of breast milk. A significant portion, 60 percent, of these products were sold in spouted pouches, commonly referred to as 'sPouches'. Of these, 70 percent were marketed towards infants younger than six months, despite health recommendations advising that weaning should begin only after six months of age.
Researchers found that, in comparison to breast milk, the pouches generally contained lower levels of protein, higher sugar content, and less energy. Out of all the products examined, only 14, representing 8.5 percent, were deemed fully suitable and met all desired health criteria.
"Many wet CBF delivered in sPouches have the texture and composition of sweet drinks, while very few meet the desired characteristics for complementary foods," the study's authors noted in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood. They also pointed out that packaging often misleadingly claims "no added sugar" despite containing high amounts of free sugars derived from pureed fruit.
The authors urged regulatory bodies to reassess the appropriateness of labeling spouted-pouch baby food products as complementary foods and to consider whether these packaging systems are suitable for infant feeding. Dr. Vicky Sibson, a study co-author, stated that parents are being misled into believing these pouches are healthy and suitable choices for their babies.
The UK government has set a deadline of February 2027 for the baby food industry to adhere to new voluntary guidelines. However, initial observations suggest slow progress, leading to calls for a mandatory approach. Experts advocate for stronger regulations on the composition, marketing, and labeling of commercial baby and toddler foods and drinks, based on current evidence, to better protect the health of infants and young children.