PlumX Metrics
Embed PlumX Metrics

The Nutritional Profile of Baby and Toddler Food Products Sold in Australian Supermarkets

Maternal and Child Health Journal, ISSN: 1573-6628, Vol: 19, Issue: 12, Page: 2598-2604
2015
  • 21
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 68
    Captures
  • 0
    Mentions
  • 46
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

  • Citations
    21
  • Captures
    68
  • Social Media
    46
    • Shares, Likes & Comments
      46
      • Facebook
        46

Article Description

Background/Aims: To examine the nutritional profile of baby and toddler foods sold in Australia. Methods: Nutrient information for baby and toddler foods available at Australian supermarkets was collected between Auguset and December 2013. Levels of declared energy, total fat, saturated fat, total sugar, sodium and estimated added sugar were examined, as well as the presence of additional micronutrients on the label. The Health Star Rating (HSR) system was used to determine nutritional quality. The range of products on offer was also examined by product type and by the age category for which the product was marketed. Results: Of the 309 products included, 29 % were fortified. On a per 100 g basis, these 309 products provided a mean (±SD) of 476 ± 486 kJ, 1.6 ± 2.4 g total fat, 10.7 ± 12.2 g total sugar, 2.7 ± 7.4 g added sugar, and 33.5 ± 66.5 mg sodium. Fruit-based products or products with fruit listed as an ingredient (58 %) were the predominant product type. On the nutrition label, 42 % displayed at least one additional micronutrient while 37 % did not display saturated fat. The most common HSR was four stars (45 %) and 6+ months was the most commonly identified targeted age group (36 %). Conclusions: The majority of baby and toddler foods sold in Australian supermarkets are ready-made fruit-based products aimed at children under 12 months of age. Baby and toddler foods are overlooked in public policy discussions pertaining to population nutrient intake but their relatively high sugar content deriving from fruits requires close attention to ensure these foods do not replace other more nutrient dense foods, given children have an innate preference for sweet tastes.

Provide Feedback

Have ideas for a new metric? Would you like to see something else here?Let us know