Industry Responses
All brands stated their products are intended as part of a balanced weaning diet. Here’s how some responded:
Ella’s Kitchen:
Claimed comparisons to fizzy drinks are “misleading.” Their products use only naturally occurring sugars from fruit and vegetables, with added fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They emphasized their decision to change product labeling from 4+ months to 6+ months occurred prior to BBC contact.
Kraft Heinz:
Said they follow UK/EU regulations and emphasized the products are made from natural ingredients with no added sugars, designed to be spoon-fed.
Aldi:
Announced plans to shift all products to “6 months+.” Claimed sugar content is naturally occurring and equivalent to homemade purees.
Lidl:
Stated its products meet UK/EU safety and nutritional guidelines, are organic, and contain no added sugar or salt.
British Specialist Nutrition Association:
Defended baby pouches as convenient options to introduce babies to textures and flavours safely, whether homemade or store-bought.
Department of Health and Social Care:
Reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring babies have the best start in life, supporting enforcement of existing laws, and mentioned ongoing efforts to tackle childhood obesity, including a junk food advertising ban.
