Dentists have urged the government to confront the ‘grotesque levels of sugar’ in baby food following ‘damning’ research into the industry.
The most wide-ranging market analysis of its kind, the research included 209 products aimed at children under 12 months. It found no improvement in the sugar content of the baby food industry.
More than a quarter of the products had higher sugar content by volume than Coca-Cola, with some pouches containing up to 184% of the sugar found in the soft drink – and marketed to infants as young as four months.
In addition, nearly a quarter of the products contained up to two-thirds of the maximum recommended daily allowance of free sugars for adults.
The worst offenders included Ella’s Kitchen, with it’s ‘Banana Puree’ containing the highest sugar by volume. In addition, For Aisha’s ‘Pear & Pomegranate’ pouch targets infants from four months while containing 16.4g of sugar per 100g.
Likewise, the sugar content of Aldi’s Mamia Organic ‘Bananas & Apples’ pouch contains nearly two thirds of an adult’s recommended dietary allowance – the same amount as half a can of Coca-Cola.
Other findings include:
- Nearly three quarters of products exceeded the 5g of sugar per 100ml threshold set by the sugar tax
- Almost a quarter contained up to two thirds of an adult’s recommended maximum daily intake of free sugars
- ‘Boutique’ brands have higher levels of sugar than traditional baby food brands or own-brand alternatives, with market leader Ella’s Kitchen being the worst offender
- The industry uses disingenuous language, avoiding ‘added sugars’ and claiming the products are ‘organic’, ‘nutritionist approved’ or contain ‘one of your five a day, therefore suggesting they are a healthy food option
- Leading brands are actively contradicting government advice on weaning from six months.
Ahead of BBC’s Panorama‘s launch of these market findings this evening (28 April), baby food brands Ella’s Kitchen, Piccolo and Aldi have now changed their labelling to align with NHS guidance against marketing to infants under six months. Despite this, dental experts warn that these changes do not address the high sugar levels or restrict the use of ‘halo labelling’ claims.
Baby food industry ‘out of control’
Following these findings, the British Dental Association (BDA) has launched a petition to ‘make sugar the new tobacco’.
Addressed to health secretary Wes Streeting, the petition states the food industry is ‘out of control’. It says: ‘From tooth decay to type-2 diabetes, excessive sugar is fuelling preventable diseases with a multi-billion-pound price tag to our NHS. Voluntary action to try and encourage the food industry cut the dose has failed.
‘So, we need mandatory policies that force them to do the right thing. To reformulate their food, to remove misleading claims in their ads and on their packaging, to stop them peddling junk food to infants in the face of government guidance.
‘The very same strategies that have been applied to tobacco need to be brought to bear on sugar.’
BDA chair Eddie Crouch said: ‘Parents of infants are still being marketed products sugarier than Coke. It shouldn’t take dentists naming and shaming the worst offenders to bring about needed change.’
‘Public health crisis’
Dental therapist Amy Mesilio Peralta said: ‘I witness firsthand the detrimental effects that sugar can have on the oral health of our youngest and tiniest patients. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children, and its roots often begin in infancy filtering into adulthood. This foundation then creates scope for bigger issues associated with poor nutrition and an unhealthy diet, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and more.
‘Excessive sugar consumption through these “baby foods” fuel harmful bacteria to erode enamel and cause cavities. When considering that these baby foods are aimed at children below 12 months, the decay we would witness would be before a child’s first birthday!
‘This is not just a parental issue; it’s a public health crisis that requires urgent government action. Stronger regulations on marketing sugary products to young children, clearer labelling of sugar content, and public education campaigns are essential. Without systemic intervention, we risk setting an entire generation on a path of preventable dental disease and broader health problems.
‘Protecting the oral health of our babies must be a national priority.’
Lacking in nutrients
Dental hygienist Sejal Patel comments: ‘As a dental professional, I would like to raise concerns regarding baby food pouches, particularly due to their high sugar content and the manner in which they are consumed, both of which can significantly increase the risk of tooth decay.
‘While fresh fruits are an excellent source of nutrients, the process of pureeing fruit releases sugars, making them more readily absorbed. Additionally, allowing babies to suck directly from pouches prolongs the contact of sugary food with their teeth, further heightening the risk of dental decay.
‘It is important to note that infants should consume as little sugar as possible. For instance, a one-year-old should not have more than 10g of free sugars per day. However, research shows that more than half of the fruit pouches available in supermarkets exceed this recommended limit. Excessive sugar intake from an early age not only impacts immediate dental health but also influences long-term taste preferences, making children more likely to crave sweet foods later in life. This habit increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and further dental issues as they grow.’
She adds: ‘Moreover, some baby food pouches may lack essential nutrients crucial for healthy development. Babies and toddlers learn about food through multiple senses – touching, seeing and smelling are integral to how they experience and become familiar with different foods. Limiting exposure to pureed and pouch-fed foods ensures a richer, more balanced introduction to healthy eating habits.’
You can download the full market analysis here.
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