Packaged baby and toddler foods: questions of sugar and sodium
- 23 April 2014
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in Pediatric Obesity
- Vol. 10 (2), 149-155
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2047-6310.2014.223.x
Abstract
Sugar and sodium levels in packaged foods is a critical consideration when it comes to the public health of Americans, yet little is known about the sugar and salt contained in packaged foods targeted at our youngest consumers. To examine the sugar and sodium content of packaged baby and toddler foods sold in the American marketplace and to evaluate them in light of current intake recommendations and the current policy context. Content analysis of baby and toddler foods (n = 240) found in nine US retail stores. Summary statistics were created for sugar and sodium; the products' per-serving sodium levels were assessed in light of the US Institute of Medicine's dietary reference intakes while the products' sugar levels were evaluated in light of American Heart Association recommendations. Fifty-eight percent of the products assessed either have a high level of sodium or >20% of calories from sugar. Sodium levels in toddler foods were of concern in certain product categories (i.e., toddler entrées) and 15% of toddler foods exceeded the 'moderate level' recommended for sodium. Sugar levels were high in 45% of the products coded, and over half of those products - 56% - were designed for babies. More than one in six products had sugar as the first or second ingredient. Baby and toddler foods are not, by definition, 'healthy' foods and some exceed normal expectations for sugar and sodium. A policy opportunity exists to consider placing limits on the allowable levels of sugar and sodium in these packaged food products.Keywords
This publication has 11 references indexed in Scilit:
- Sodium and potassium intakes among US infants and preschool children, 2003–2010The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2013
- Nutritional content of infant commercial weaning foods in the UKArchives of Disease in Childhood, 2013
- How growing up sweet can turn sourPediatric Obesity, 2013
- Calorie‐sweetened beverages and fructose: what have we learned 10 years laterPediatric Obesity, 2013
- Essential and trace elements content of commercial infant foods in the UKFood Chemistry, 2011
- Toddler foods, children’s foods: assessing sodium in packaged supermarket foods targeted at childrenPublic Health Nutrition, 2010
- Sweet and salty: nutritional content and analysis of baby and toddler foodsJournal of Public Health, 2010
- Dietary Sugars Intake and Cardiovascular HealthCirculation, 2009
- Nutritional Content of Foods Advertised During the Television Programs Children Watch MostAmerican Journal of Public Health, 2005
- A prospective study of food preferences in childhoodFood Quality and Preference, 2004