Contents
Manufacture and composition of baby food jars
Small jars: what does my baby eat?
Battalions of engineers, agronomists and dieticians work so that the small jars perfectly meet the nutritional needs of our children. While it’s easy to prepare a basic mash at home, in the industry, it gets complicated. Because the problem with infant feeding is that the consumer (Baby) is not the buyer (Mom)! Brands must appeal to children and adults alike, who do not have the same perception of taste and texture. And the more demanding of the two, it is often Mum (or Dad), who pushes brands in search of the almost “perfect” little jar.
To obtain quality ingredients, industrialists join forces with farmers, well before production. They impose very precise specifications, controlled at each stage: no GMOs, limited use of pesticides, very few nitrates, etc. Even stricter constraints for organic! Brands buy stocks that they sell in a single production campaign or else prepare, freeze and sell, throughout the year.
Small pots: Chef, the recipe …
Let’s wring our necks on rumors: there are no preservatives in the small jars. It is simply forbidden, like dyes! The cooking method (sterilization or pasteurization) guarantees the preservation of the product until the expiration date. But after cooking at high temperature, the vitamin content is not what it used to be. Some brands boost their little jars with a good dose of vitamins to catch up on the level! On the organic side, we forbid ourselves to favor a healthy and natural product.
Taste buds that wriggle
The taste, as with any “preserve”, is often disappointing, and out of all proportion to “homemade”. So we add a touch of salt as a flavor enhancer, banana or carob flour for a smoother texture and which holds in the spoon, a little sugar to counter the acidity… Whatever, You’re in a good position to know that not all moms like to cook, or don’t always have the time. The important thing is that Baby also knows the real flavor of the carrot, for example, discovers that behind a mash there is a vegetable and a farmer, and not just a supermarket!
Decipher the labels
– In Europe, it must mention ingredients and proportions in descending order, the net weight, the expiry date, the identification of the conditioner, the origin of the product and the instructions for use.
– For Baby, it must specify “food suitable for the child” and the age group.
– Mandatory: a list of all ingredients, including gluten, shellfish, eggs, fish, peanuts, soya… Essential for children with allergies or intolerance!
– Strictly follow the instructions for use for optimal product quality.