71 Percent of Baby Foods Are Ultra-Processed, Study Finds

Parents scanning the baby food aisle for healthy options are likely picking up something ultra-processed—regardless of what the packaging implies.

A recent study reveals that 71 percent of infant and toddler foods, drinks, and snacks sold in the United States would be considered ultraprocessed foods. According to the NOVA classification system, UPF (ultra-processed food) refers to industrial formulations typically made with five or more ingredients that are not commonly found in a domestic kitchen.