A Gram Research analysis of 298 baby foods in UK supermarkets found that 60% of baby foods in spouted pouches are too thin and too sugary compared to breast milk, with nearly half having a liquid texture similar to juice. Only 8% of pouch foods had adequate calories, protein, and low sugar content, while 29% failed to meet any of these nutritional standards. In contrast, 32% of baby foods in other containers met the desired nutritional profile.
A new study looked at nearly 300 baby foods sold in UK supermarkets to see if they’re actually good for babies learning to eat solid foods. Researchers found that baby foods in spouted pouches, those squeezable pouches many parents use, often have the texture of juice or thin soup rather than real food, and many contain too much sugar. According to Gram Research analysis, only a small number of these pouches have the right mix of nutrients and thickness that babies need as they grow. The findings suggest parents might want to consider other packaging options or make their own baby food to ensure their babies get proper nutrition.
Key Statistics
A cross-sectional analysis of 298 commercial baby foods in UK supermarkets found that 60% were delivered in spouted pouches, of which 49% had a liquid texture compared to only 7% of foods in other packaging types.
According to research reviewed by Gram, 61% of baby foods in spouted pouches contained more sugar than breast milk, while only 8% of other baby food packaging types exceeded breast milk’s sugar content.
A 2026 study of 298 baby food products found that only 8% of pouch-delivered foods met desired standards for energy density, protein content, and low sugar, compared to 32% of baby foods in alternative packaging.
Research showed that 70% of baby foods in spouted pouches were marketed for babies 6 months or younger, despite 49% having a liquid texture unsuitable for learning to eat solid foods.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether baby foods in squeezable pouches have the right texture and nutrients compared to baby foods in other containers
- Who participated: Researchers examined 298 different wet baby food products available in six UK supermarkets, focusing on those in spouted pouches versus other packaging types
- Key finding: About 60% of baby foods came in pouches, but 70% of those were marketed for babies 6 months or younger. Nearly half of pouch foods were liquid-like, compared to only 7% of foods in other containers. Most pouch foods had too much sugar and not enough protein or calories compared to breast milk
- What it means for you: If you use baby food pouches, check the labels carefully for sugar content and consider mixing them with thicker foods or trying other options. This doesn’t mean pouches are bad, but they may not be the best choice as a baby’s main complementary food
The Research Details
Researchers visited six supermarkets in the UK and looked at every wet baby food product they could find. They measured 298 different baby foods and sorted them by how thick or thin they were, some were liquids, some were thick pastes (purées), and some required chewing. They wrote down all the nutrition information from the packages, including calories, protein, and sugar content.
They then compared what they found to breast milk’s nutrition profile. Breast milk has certain amounts of calories, protein, and sugar that babies need. The researchers wanted to see which baby foods came close to meeting those standards. They paid special attention to foods in spouted pouches, those squeeze bottles many parents use, and compared them to baby foods in other types of containers like jars or trays.
As babies grow, they need to learn to eat thicker foods and get more calories and nutrients than breast milk provides. If baby foods are too thin or too sugary, babies might not get what they need to grow properly, and they might not learn the eating skills they need. This study helps parents understand whether the convenient pouches they’re buying are actually meeting their babies’ nutritional needs
This study looked at real products available in actual stores, which makes it very practical and relevant. The researchers used a standardized method for measuring food texture that’s used by medical professionals worldwide. However, the study only looked at UK supermarkets, so results might be different in other countries. The study is descriptive rather than experimental, meaning it shows what’s available but doesn’t prove that using pouches causes problems
What the Results Show
The researchers found that 60% of all baby foods studied came in spouted pouches. Of those pouch foods, 70% were labeled for babies 6 months old or younger, an age when babies are just starting to eat solid foods. This is important because very young babies should be learning to eat thicker textures, not thin liquids.
When they looked at texture, nearly half (49%) of the pouch foods were liquid or nearly liquid, like juice. In comparison, only 7% of baby foods in other containers were that thin. This means pouches are much more likely to be thin and drinkable rather than thick like real food.
On nutrition, most baby foods, whether in pouches or other containers, had fewer calories than breast milk. But pouches were worse for protein: 49% of pouches had less protein than breast milk, compared to only 9% of other baby foods. For sugar, pouches were much sweeter: 61% of pouches had more sugar than breast milk, while only 8% of other baby foods were that sugary.
The most concerning finding: only 8% of pouch foods had the right combination of being thick enough, having enough calories and protein, and not having too much sugar. In contrast, 32% of baby foods in other containers met these standards. Even worse, 29% of pouch foods failed all three criteria: they were too thin, had too few nutrients, and too much sugar.
The age recommendations on pouches were often too young. Most pouches suggested starting at 6 months or younger, but their thin, sweet texture doesn’t match what babies that age should be eating. The study also found that the texture of many pouches was similar to sweet drinks rather than actual food, which might not help babies develop proper eating skills
Previous research has shown that babies need increasingly thicker foods and more nutrients as they grow. This study confirms that concern and shows that many commercial pouches don’t follow those guidelines. It adds to growing evidence that while pouches are convenient, they may not be the best nutritional choice for babies learning to eat
This study only looked at products in UK supermarkets, so the findings might not apply to other countries with different baby food regulations. The researchers didn’t test whether babies actually had problems from eating these foods, they only measured what was available. They also didn’t look at pouches with thicker textures or other types of baby foods like finger foods. The study is a snapshot in time, so products may have changed since the research was done
The Bottom Line
If you use baby food pouches, read the nutrition label carefully and choose ones with lower sugar content (less than 7g per 100g) and adequate protein. Consider mixing pouches with thicker foods or offering other options like mashed foods or soft finger foods. This is especially important for babies under 8 months who need to learn to eat thicker textures. For babies over 8 months, occasional pouches are probably fine as part of a varied diet, but shouldn’t be the main source of complementary food
Parents of babies starting solid foods (around 6 months and older) should pay attention to this research. It’s especially relevant if you rely heavily on pouches. Healthcare providers working with families on infant nutrition should also be aware. This doesn’t mean pouches are dangerous, just that they may not be ideal as a primary complementary food, especially for younger babies
You won’t see immediate changes by switching from pouches to other foods. However, over weeks and months, babies who eat thicker, less sugary foods may develop better eating skills and get better nutrition. The benefits build gradually as babies learn to chew and swallow different textures
Frequently Asked Questions
Are baby food pouches bad for my baby?
Baby food pouches aren’t inherently bad, but many available in stores are too thin and too sugary. A study of 298 products found only 8% met nutritional standards. They’re convenient, but shouldn’t be a baby’s main food, especially under 8 months when babies need to learn thicker textures
How much sugar should be in baby food?
Baby food should have 7 grams of sugar or less per 100 grams to match breast milk’s sugar content. A recent study found 61% of pouch foods exceeded this limit. Check labels carefully and choose options with lower sugar, or make your own baby food
What texture should baby food be for a 6-month-old?
At 6 months, babies should start with smooth purées and gradually progress to thicker textures with soft lumps. Nearly half of baby food pouches are liquid-like, which doesn’t help babies learn to eat properly. Mix pouches with thicker foods or choose jarred options with better texture
Should I stop using baby food pouches?
You don’t need to stop completely, but use them thoughtfully. Check nutrition labels for sugar and protein content. Mix pouches with thicker foods, offer other options like mashed foods or soft finger foods, and avoid relying on pouches as your baby’s main complementary food source
What’s the difference between baby food in pouches versus jars?
A study of 298 products found pouch foods are more likely to be thin and sweet. Only 8% of pouches met nutritional standards versus 32% of jarred foods. Jarred options typically have better texture for learning to eat and lower sugar content overall
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log the sugar content and texture type of baby foods used daily. Track whether baby is progressing to thicker textures over time (thin purée → thick purée → mashed with soft lumps → soft finger foods)
- When shopping, compare nutrition labels on baby food pouches to other packaging options. Set a goal to introduce at least one thicker-textured food daily, even if it’s just mixing a pouch with plain yogurt or mashed banana to increase thickness and reduce sugar concentration
- Weekly review of texture progression and sugar intake. Monitor whether baby is accepting thicker foods and developing chewing motions. Track any digestive changes or feeding difficulties as textures change
This research describes the nutritional content and texture of commercial baby foods available in UK supermarkets and does not establish that using these products causes harm. Always consult with your pediatrician or health visitor before making changes to your baby’s diet, especially if your baby has feeding difficulties, allergies, or other health concerns. This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual babies have different nutritional needs based on their age, growth, and health status.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
