With headlines suggesting some UK baby pouch foods contain as much sugar as a fizzy drink, navigating the UK baby food market seems to be as challenging as ever.
We asked dietitian and child nutritionist Dr Frankie Phillips to talk us through why some of these options may be dangerous for a baby's health.
The formative years
The first years of a baby’s life are crucial for establishing healthy eating habits. However, statistics suggest that during these months children are already starting to consume ‘free sugars,’ the type we should all limit in our diets. In fact, some toddlers are eating in excess of the amount advised for children of four years and older.
Much of the problem is down to misleading messages that dupe parents into buying products they believe to be ‘healthy’. In fact, many of these products could be argued to carry a health ‘halo’ declaring ‘no added sugar’, ‘organic’ etc. when in fact they contain high levels of naturally occurring ‘free’ sugars from ingredients like concentrated fruit juice or processed fruit purée. A recent study by the University of Leeds found half of the baby foods they assessed contained inappropriate levels of sugar and a quarter were so excessive they would warrant warning labels under the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. The study also found that one in five first weaning foods were too low in energy to support healthy growth and 14 per cent of the vegetable-based meals did not contain adequate protein.
Why the baby food sector needs guidance
Although some baby food brands are working to reduce the sugars in their products, there are still some with unsuitable sugar levels and misleading labelling. The industry focus has been primarily on commercial baby foods and snacks, leading us to ask whether ready-made jars and pouches, as well as snack foods, have a place in the diet of babies and young children.
Some brands actively undermine the UK government’s advice on weaning, suggesting their products are suitable from four months of age. Other labelling tactics include the use of unclear claims such as ‘nutritionist approved’ as a way of creating a healthy image
Sugar in the diets of infants
Up to the age of six months, public health recommendations advise the best way to feed a baby is exclusive breastfeeding and ideally to continue to the age of two while adding in ‘complementary’ foods. Introducing these complementary foods, or ‘weaning’ as it is commonly called, should start at around six months. You can introduce a wide range of tastes and textures to your child by the age of 12 months, so they can enjoy eating family foods in the second year. If babies are exposed to different tastes from early on, they will be more willing to try new things. Studies suggest that vegetables, including bitter flavours such as cabbage, spinach and broccoli, as well as sweeter vegetables like carrots and parsnips, should be your baby’s first tastes.
The guideline maximum amount of ‘free’ sugars (the sugar added during cooking and by manufacturers, as well as those found in honey, syrups, fruit juice and concentrate) for children aged one year is no more than 10g – that’s the equivalent of 2½ sugar cubes. There is no guidance limit for those under one year of age, but sugars should not be added to foods or drinks. A number of the food pouches assessed by the recent study contained higher levels than this, albeit from naturally occurring ‘free’ sugars from concentrated juice or purée.
Public health advice suggests that the amount and frequency of eating sugary foods should be minimised and not encouraged between meals.
Why the fuss about sugar?
It’s clear from national nutrition and diet surveys that the type of foods consumed by young children are not, on average, in line with dietary recommendations, with free sugar intake in excess of that recommended.
A poor diet in infancy and childhood, which is a critical time for establishing food preferences and dietary patterns, can have an impact into adult life.
With almost one in ten children being classed as obese by the time they start school and a quarter suffering with tooth decay, public health experts are concerned that children are starting off on the wrong path for their future health.
Are some sugars good?
Sugars are naturally present in a number of different foods, including milk, yogurt, fruit and vegetables. These foods have an important part to play in a healthy diet for all ages. The type of sugar present in unsweetened dairy foods is called lactose and this isn’t thought to have any damaging effects on teeth. Sugars in fruit and vegetables aren’t added sugars and the vitamins, minerals and fibre in these foods, when eaten whole, makes them good choices. However, dried fruits need to be limited to mealtimes, and juices and smoothies should be kept to small amounts (one 150ml glass per day) at mealtimes only.
The NHS has a guide to sugar in children's diets.
Is homemade baby food a better option?
Although there are guidelines on the foods produced for babies and young children, many products continue to be high in sugar, often from fruit juice concentrates or purées, and the sweetness of these foods may lead to a preference for sweet foods as children grow up.
The latest reports have criticised commercial baby foods for having too much sugar, even in products that are savoury. The WHO has called for a ban on sugars added to foods aimed at children under three years old, and a limit on fruit juice concentrate and purée, particularly in savoury foods. On top of that, according to one report, misleading labelling and marketing is encouraging the introduction of solid food before official recommendations, which is around six months.
Homemade foods for babies do not need any added sugars or salt – making things from scratch gives you control over what goes into them. Comparing homemade with manufactured baby food, a report from the First Steps Nutrition Trust said that manufactured versions tended to lack taste, texture and appearance.
So how should you wean your infant?
Homemade weaning recipes for babies and young children can be made easily and at low cost, and with no hidden ingredients bumping up the sugar content. Plus, the nutrient density is often higher because it is fresher. The flavours and textures are far more likely to be varied, and toddlers will be able to enjoy a wide variety of meals.
Looking for more advice on child nutrition? Try our handy guides…
When is my baby ready for weaning?
Weaning recipes for the first weeks
What is baby-led weaning?
How much sugar should children have?
Sugar addiction and children
This guide was reviewed on 21 May 2025 by Kerry Torrens.
Frankie Phillips is a registered dietitian and public health nutritionist with over 20 years' experience. With a PhD in nutrition, Frankie has worked in the NHS as well as in academic research and charity sectors and now works as a freelance consultant. Frankie has a wealth of experience in communicating a sensible fad-free approach to healthy eating for all ages, but specialises in maternal and childhood nutrition with practical hands-on experience based on feeding her own four children.
All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.
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