Doctors say overusing the pouches could affect dental health and even speech
of ConsumerAffairsSales of baby food pouchessoft bags with plastic spouts that make eating easyhave skyrocketed by 900% since 2010, now surpassing jarred purees as the top choice for baby food.
Typically, parents spoon-feed purees to babies for a few months when introducing solid foods, but pouches, especially those marketed to parents of toddlers and older children, have extended the use of pureed foods for years.
While using pouches occasionally is fine, doctors and nutritionists are worried that relying too much on them could affect a child's nutrition, long-term food preferences, dental health, and even speech and language development. The marketing of pouches can also confuse parents about whats actually inside.
"Pouches are highly processed foods," said Dr. Steven Abrams, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas at Austinin a recent Los Angeles Times report. "Theyre convenient as a quick snack, but they shouldnt make up too much of a toddlers diet. Kids need to learn to chew and eat whole foods like meat, fruits, and vegetables."
The contents of pouches vary widely. Some have only fruit, while others include vegetables, grains, yogurt, or even meat. Many pouches feature sweet fruits like apple or pear as the main ingredient, unlike traditional jarred foods, which often contain single items like peas or carrots.
A 2019 study found that pouches had significantly more sugar per serving than other types of packaging.
Smooth, sweet texture
Although most children dont have problems chewing, Dr. Mark Corkins, a pediatric gastroenterologist, says that some kids get so used to the smooth, sweet texture of pouches that they develop aversions to regular fruits and vegetables. "In the long run, were going to pay for it," he said.
Pouches are popular because theyre convenient. They dont break like glass jars, and toddlers can eat from them without help.
However, Dr. Tanya Altmann, a pediatrician, pointed out in the Times article that not all pouches are created equal. She emphasized that while pouches can be part of a familys nutrition, they shouldnt be a main food source. Pouches without added sugar or salt can be better than other processed snacks, but parents should focus on what's inside.
Pouch labels like "all natural" or "organic" can mislead parents. A pouch advertised as broccoli-pear might mostly be pear puree, or a "turkey dinner" pouch might be mostly applesauce with only a hint of turkey.
Parents of picky eaters are especially vulnerable to this kind of marketing, as they want to make sure their children are getting proper nutrition. However, Martinez admits that the real appeal is the convenience. She thinks of pouches as being similar to smoothies or yogurt but in an easier-to-go form.
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2024-10-23 00:39:13
