A peer-reviewed study published in the journal Nutrients, this analysis found that more than 70 percent of 651 baby foods, drinks and snacks sold in the United States for infants and toddlers are ultra-processed and contain additives linked to inflammation and disruption of the gut microbiome. Altogether, the study identified 105 unique additives across the products tested.
The analysis found that 36 percent of products contained synthetic flavor enhancers such as carrageenan, while 29 percent included thickeners like xanthan and guar gum. A total of 19 percent contained synthetic dyes or emulsifiers. Emerging research has linked certain emulsifiers and thickeners to metabolic and inflammatory effects, including a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes.
Snack and finger foods were among the worst offenders: nearly 94 percent were ultra-processed, and these products contained 2.5 times more added sugar than non-ultra-processed alternatives.
To learn more about the dangers of ultra-processed foods, see this article on our website.
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February 20, 2026Over 70 Percent of Tested Baby Foods are Ultra-Processed and Full of Additives
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The vast majority of baby foods, drinks, and snacks sold in the United States for children ages 6 months to 36 months are ultra-processed and may contain additives increasingly linked to potential health harms, a new study found.
[Source: cnn.com]
[Image source: Freepik]
Comment
A peer-reviewed study published in the journal Nutrients, this analysis found that more than 70 percent of 651 baby foods, drinks and snacks sold in the United States for infants and toddlers are ultra-processed and contain additives linked to inflammation and disruption of the gut microbiome. Altogether, the study identified 105 unique additives across the products tested.
The analysis found that 36 percent of products contained synthetic flavor enhancers such as carrageenan, while 29 percent included thickeners like xanthan and guar gum. A total of 19 percent contained synthetic dyes or emulsifiers. Emerging research has linked certain emulsifiers and thickeners to metabolic and inflammatory effects, including a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes.
Snack and finger foods were among the worst offenders: nearly 94 percent were ultra-processed, and these products contained 2.5 times more added sugar than non-ultra-processed alternatives.
To learn more about the dangers of ultra-processed foods, see this article on our website.
Dr. Rath Health Foundation
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