Overview

• University of Leeds analysis of 632 snacks, cereals, jars and pouches found 31% of ready-made baby foods are ultra-processed.
• Researchers reported baby snack bars typically contain twice the sugar of a digestive biscuit, with some products deriving up to 89% of calories from sugar.
• Fruit-based purées that escape ultra-processed classification still deliver high levels of released sugars when fruit is broken down.
• Experts warn that early consumption of sugary, ultra-processed foods can set children on a path to obesity and raise lifetime risks for more than 30 chronic diseases.
• The NHS now recommends processed baby foods be used only occasionally rather than as meal replacements, and health groups are urging the government to ban added sugars and tighten processing rules.