Question 1

Added Sugars

Accepted Answer

Any sugars added beyond what naturally occurs in fruits and vegetables, including glucose syrup, sucrose, and dextrose, which establish unhealthy taste preferences and contribute to early childhood obesity.

Question 2

Added Salt

Accepted Answer

Sodium added during manufacturing that places unnecessary strain on immature infant kidneys and establishes a preference for salty foods that persists into adulthood.

Question 3

Artificial Colours

Accepted Answer

Synthetic food dyes with no nutritional value that are flagged for potential links to hyperactivity and behavioural issues in young children whose developing systems are more vulnerable to chemical exposure.

Question 4

Artificial Flavours

Accepted Answer

Synthetic chemical compounds used to create or enhance flavour that mask the natural taste of real ingredients and are entirely unnecessary in products for infants.

Question 5

Carrageenan

Accepted Answer

A seaweed-derived thickening agent that some research links to intestinal inflammation, making it particularly unsuitable for the immature and sensitive digestive systems of infants.

Question 6

Palm Oil

Accepted Answer

A cheap fat used for texture and shelf stability in baby food that research suggests may interfere with calcium and fat absorption in infants when used as a substitute for the fat profile found in breast milk.

Question 7

Maltodextrin

Accepted Answer

A highly processed starch filler with a higher glycaemic index than table sugar, used to bulk out products cheaply with no nutritional benefit for growing infants.

Question 8

Starch Thickeners

Accepted Answer

Modified starches used to improve texture and extend shelf life that dilute the nutritional density of baby food without providing any nutritional benefit to the infant.

Question 9

Preservatives

Accepted Answer

Chemical additives including sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate used to extend shelf life, entirely unnecessary in properly heat-processed baby food and potentially harmful to developing systems.

Question 10

Flavour Enhancers

Accepted Answer

Compounds like yeast extract used to boost palatability that are not appropriate for infants whose palates should be developing through exposure to real whole food flavours.

Question 11

Whole Fruit Puree

Accepted Answer

Minimally processed whole fruit providing natural sugars, fibre, vitamins, and phytonutrients in their most bioavailable form, establishing healthy early taste preferences.

Question 12

Whole Vegetable Puree

Accepted Answer

Minimally processed whole vegetables providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre that support healthy development and establish a broad palate from an early age.

Question 13

Iron

Accepted Answer

A critical mineral for infant brain development and red blood cell formation, particularly important from six months when breast milk iron alone becomes insufficient to meet growing needs.

Question 14

Zinc

Accepted Answer

An essential trace mineral supporting immune function, growth, and neurological development that is critical during the rapid growth phase of infancy.

Question 15

DHA (Omega-3)

Accepted Answer

A long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that is a primary structural component of the brain and retina, supporting cognitive development and visual acuity in infants.

Question 16

Vitamin C

Accepted Answer

An essential nutrient that supports immune function and significantly enhances the absorption of plant-based iron, making it a particularly valuable addition to vegetable-based baby foods.

Question 17

Organic Ingredients

Accepted Answer

Ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers, reducing the infant's exposure to chemical residues during the most vulnerable period of development.

Question 18

Prebiotic Fibre (Inulin/FOS)

Accepted Answer

Natural plant fibres that selectively feed beneficial gut bacteria, supporting the development of a healthy infant microbiome that influences immunity and digestion for life.

Question 19

Prunes

Accepted Answer

A naturally sweet whole food that provides sorbitol and fibre to gently support digestive regularity in infants, avoiding the need for any chemical laxative additives.

Question 20

Legumes (Lentils, Chickpeas)

Accepted Answer

Whole legume purees that provide plant-based protein, iron, zinc, and fibre in a highly bioavailable form that supports healthy growth and development.

Baby-food

Bellamy's Organic Vanilla & Pear Custard 120g Pouch, 8+ Months

Rafferty's Garden Pear & Prune 120g Smooth Puree for 4+ Months

Smiling Tums Apple, Pear & Cinnamon Puree 120g, No Added Sugar

Smiling Tums Apple & Banana with Oats 120g Puree No Added Sugar

Smiling Tums Pear, Banana & Mango Puree 120g No Added Sugar

Bellamy's Organic Banana & Apple Porridge 120g Made with Brown Rice

Bellamy's Organic Baby Rice with Prebiotic GOS, 125g, Good Source of Iron

Bellamy's Organic Apple Snacks 20g Freeze-Dried for Toddlers

Ingredient Guide for Baby-food

Ingredients We Avoid

Beneficial Ingredients