Key findings
- 1Simple purees (just vegetables or fruits) are among the least processed commercial foods
- 2Baby puffs are essentially tiny extruded cereals, far more processed than purees
- 3In our analysis, baby foods average a Processing Score of 5.8, which is Level 3
- 4Homemade purees are the least processed option and allow you to control ingredients exactly
Why is Baby Food Level 3 on average?
Single-ingredient baby purees (pureed peas, applesauce) are minimally processed. The concern is with the growing market of baby/toddler snacks: puffs use extrusion technology similar to adult cereals, "yogurt melts" are spray-dried dairy confections, and pouches often blend cheaper fruits (apple, pear) with vegetables to mask flavor while appearing healthy.
How 107 baby food products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Baby Food brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a baby food label
- 1
Single-ingredient purees are the least processed; look for just the food and water
- 2
Baby puffs and melts are extruded products with processing similar to adult cereals
- 3
Pouches: check if apple or pear is the first ingredient (cheaper filler) regardless of the variety name
- 4
Added sugars in baby food can condition taste preferences, so check for "fruit juice concentrate"
Ketzal for iPhone
Got Baby Food At Home?
Scan yours in Ketzal to see how your exact product scores, not just the average, plus a less processed swap.
Scan It Free
Frequently asked questions
Is Gerber baby food ultra-processed?
It depends on the product. Gerber single-ingredient purees are a short list of recognizable ingredients, while Gerber Puffs, Lil' Crunchies, and Yogurt Melts carry significantly more processing and additives. Check the label of the product you are buying.
Are baby food pouches healthy?
Pouches are convenient and the puree inside is minimally processed, but many use apple or pear juice concentrate as the primary ingredient regardless of the flavor name. Check the ingredient order carefully.