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Search Gerber products →Gerber vs Beech-Nut Baby Food Comparison
Both are leading baby food brands, but their product ranges span a wide processing spectrum. Stage 1 purees from both brands are Level 1-2 (just fruit or vegetables, sometimes with water or vitamin C). The difference emerges in toddler snacks, puffs, and flavored products where Gerber's wider range includes more processed options.
Kids & BabyQuick Answer
For purees, both are Level 1-2 and essentially equivalent — just pureed produce. Beech-Nut positions itself with fewer ingredients overall and has a "just" line with single-ingredient purees. Gerber's puffs and toddler snacks (Level 3-4) are significantly more processed, containing modified starches and added vitamins.
Gerber vs Beech-Nut
Gerber
Beech-Nut
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Search Beech-Nut products →Our Verdict
For purees, both are Level 1-2 and essentially equivalent — just pureed produce. Beech-Nut positions itself with fewer ingredients overall and has a "just" line with single-ingredient purees. Gerber's puffs and toddler snacks (Level 3-4) are significantly more processed, containing modified starches and added vitamins.
Important Note
Processing levels can vary significantly between brands and specific products within each category. Always check the ingredient list of the specific product you are considering. Use our product search to look up exact processing scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which baby food brand is less processed?
For basic purees, both are equally simple. Beech-Nut's "just" line emphasizes minimal ingredients. The biggest difference is in the snack and toddler product lines, where Gerber's puffs, teething biscuits, and yogurt melts are Level 3-4, while Beech-Nut offers fewer of these highly processed snack formats.
Are baby food pouches processed?
Fruit and vegetable pouches from both brands are Level 1-2 when they contain only pureed produce and perhaps vitamin C. The pouch format itself is just packaging — the contents matter. Watch for added sugars, starches, or "natural flavors" in some pouch varieties.
Related Food Guides
Learn more about the individual foods in this comparison.