Overview
- A peer-reviewed Nutrients study assessed 651 infant and toddler products from top U.S. grocery chains using the NOVA system and classified 71% as ultra-processed.
- Additives were present in 71% of products, with flavor enhancers (36%), thickeners (29%), emulsifiers (19%) and colors (19%) among 105 unique additives identified.
- Ultra-processed items averaged twice the sugar of less-processed products (14.0g vs 7.3g per 100g), and added sugars appeared only in ultra-processed foods.
- Sodium levels were higher in ultra-processed products (70mg vs 41mg per 100g), which were also typically more calorie dense.
- UPFs dominated convenience formats—snack-size 94%, full-size 86%, pouches 73%—as pouch sales rose nearly 900% since 2010, and authors urged clearer labeling and targeted regulation alongside new dietary guidance to limit highly processed foods.