New research findings from Western Sydney University have revealed the low nutritional quality of many popular baby food squeeze pouches.
Published in the journal, BMC Public Health , University researchers analysed 276 Australian baby food pouches from 15 manufacturers. They assessed the baby food pouches for nutritional content, texture, serving size and packaging labelling to determine a Nutrition Profile Index (NPI) score, which was then compared to the Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines.
Squeeze pouches, also known as spout pouches or pouch-and-spout packaging, are a plastic baby food sachet or pouch with a mushroom-style cap containing pureed foods, enabling children to consume wet ready-to-use food directly from the packet.
Lead researcher Dr Catharine Fleming, from the University's School of Health Sciences and Translational Health Research Institute, said the research found that a high proportion of squeeze pouch products available in Australia do not contain adequate nutrients, are high in sugar and not fortified with iron.
"The findings revealed that only two of the 276 products tested had an adequate level of nutrients. 59 per cent of pouches also claimed to have 'no sugar added', despite the addition of free sugars," said Dr Fleming.
"The sweet flavour profiles present in the squeeze pouches particularly promote the ongoing acceptance of foods rich in free sugars. We know that sugar consumption is a health concern and can contribute to diet-related chronic disease developing later in childhood and adulthood."
Emerging onto the market in 2012, ready-to-use squeeze pouches are often marketed as a convenient option for time-poor parents seeking what they perceive to be healthy food for their child.
"Parents are potentially unaware of the pouches' true nutritional value, particularly as they are often marketed as a 'whole' meal," explained Dr Fleming.
"They are often promoted as providing a large portion of a child's daily nutritional intake despite being an inadequate source of nutrients when used regularly and solely."
Dr Fleming said that during an infant's complementary feeding period (6-24 months) it is vital that foods are both age appropriate and nutritious, with a particular focus on macronutrients and micronutrients to promote growth and cognitive development. Essential nutrients include iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B6.
"This developmental period establishes long-term dietary intake patterns for a child and lays the foundations for nutrition and feeding practices for life. It is well understood that highly processed foods with high amounts of sugars, salt and fats are a risk factor for non-communicable diseases," said Dr Fleming.
After a decade in the market, the researchers recommend a review of baby food pouches by industry stakeholders, suggesting greater regulation for production composition, serving sizes and labelling.
She said the best advice for parents is to introduce a variety of nutritionally rich foods with fresh food options being the most supportive of overall health.
To read the full paper, The big squeeze: a product content and labelling analysis of ready-to-use complementary infant food pouches in Australia, click here .
