If you’ve ever wondered why so many kids grow up addicted to sugar, then look no further than right here.
This week, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission took Heinz to Federal Court over misleading marketing of their Little Kids Shredz products (aimed at toddlers). The ACCC says that the sugary snacks could actually make children develop a preference for sweet foods over fresh fruit and veggies.
We knew there had to be more to this story. So we investigated some other baby food products peddled as “healthy” and “organic” to parents. The results? Many had over three teaspoons of sugar per serve (meeting the daily amount recommended by the World Health Organization for a child, let alone a baby or toddler).
To put it in perspective, these seven products have more sugar in them than a whole Curly Wurly chocolate bar!
Heinz Little Kids Fruit & Veg Shredz Berries Apple & Veg 18g
Teaspoons of sugar: 2.9
Since removed from the Heinz For Baby website, we can see why the ACCC is going after this product. Although the packaging states 99 per cent fruit and veg, these glorified lollies are also 60 per cent sugar. For comparison, a fresh apple is just 10 per cent sugar.
Rafferty’s Garden Pureed Pear and Superberries Baby Food 120g
Teaspoons of sugar: 3.3
Fruit purees are simply liquified fruit, without any of the fibre to slow down the sugar rush. Even with the addition of “superberries”, this sickly sweet concoction contains far too much sugar for a four-month-old.
Whole Kids Organic Apple & Sultana Fruit Bars 5 pack 200g
Teaspoons of sugar: 3.3
Healthy fruit bar… or just dessert? Despite the “no added junk” claim, the product contains 15 per cent cane sugar. Slapping on an “organic sugar” claim does not make this a healthy option.
Heinz Summer Fruits Gel 6+ Months Glass Jar 110g
Teaspoons of sugar: 3.3
Not only is this product 99 per cent fruit juice, it also contains a gelling compound called carrageenan, which is linked to inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. Carrageenan is banned in infant formula in the EU, so why is it in this product?
Whole Kids Organic Apple & Date Barefoot Bar 5 pack 125g
Teaspoons of sugar: 3.5
This product is 94 per cent dried fruit. In other words, condensed sugar without the fluid to fill you up. What’s wrong with a few slices of fresh apple?
Rafferty’s Garden Baby Brekkie Rice Cereal 4+ Months 120g
Teaspoons of sugar: 3.8
Rafferty’s Garden have mixed banana, pear, milk and cereal into this oh-so-appetising sugar mush. With nearly four teaspoons of the sweet stuff, talk about a bad start to the day!
Organic Bubs Blueberry Banana & Quinoa 6+ Months 120g
Teaspoons of sugar: 4.3
A timely lesson that just because it says the words “organic”, “superfoods”, “gluten-free” and “quinoa”, doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Manufacturers will still stuff in teaspoons and teaspoons of sugar, even if it’s for babies.
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