29 April 2025
Marketing of baby and toddler snacks out of control
BBC Panorama show The Truth about Baby Food Pouches last night revealed these type of snacks are high in sugar and low in vitamins and minerals - despite being marketed as healthy alternatives to homemade food.
New research finds the problem goes way beyond these specific products though, with an average of 20 promotional claims on the packaging of foods aimed at babies and toddlers. Action on Sugar reports that in some cases up to 43 claims were made on a single product.
An upcoming Food Foundation report - due out on May 14 - will examine the diet and health of children aged one to five across the UK, will highlight concerns around the heavy promotion of baby and toddler snacks.
Speaking ahead of publication, Dr Hannah Brinsden, The Food Foundation's Head of Policy and Advocacy, said: "Policies are urgently needed to protect the health of our youngest children and ensure they have the best start in life.
"The existing early years nutrition policies are weak, and the extent of claims on packaging is just one area where the government needs to step up to protect both children and their parents from misleading marketing."
