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Tiny Tummies, Big Questions: Unpacking Ultra-Processed Ingredients and Additives in Complementary Foods in the United
Elizabeth K Dunford1,2, Alissa Pries3, Mona S Calvo4
1The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia.
Nutrients
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Most US infant and toddler foods are ultra-processed (UPFs), containing additives and higher sugar and sodium. This highlights a need for better labeling and healthier options for young children.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Food Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption is rising in infants and young children.
- Understanding ingredient profiles in commercial complementary foods is crucial due to links between early UPF exposure and adverse health outcomes.
- Limited data exists on the extent of UPF use in infant and toddler foods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the degree of processing in commercial complementary foods available in the US.
- To characterize the types of ingredients and additives used in these products.
- To identify UPFs using the Nova classification system.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 651 infant and toddler food products from major US grocery stores in 2023.
- Ingredient classification using Codex Alimentarius and US FDA taxonomies.
- Identification of UPFs based on the Nova classification system and analysis of nutrient content.
Main Results:
- 71% of analyzed products were classified as UPFs.
- Additives, including flavor enhancers, thickeners, emulsifiers, and colors, were present in 71% of products.
- UPF products had higher levels of total sugar, added sugar, sodium, and energy density compared to non-UPFs, with added sugars found exclusively in UPFs.
Conclusions:
- The majority of US commercial complementary foods for infants and toddlers are ultra-processed and contain multiple additives.
- Findings indicate a need for improved labeling and regulatory standards for identifying UPF ingredients and additives.
- Ensuring availability of healthier products for young consumers is essential.
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