Researchers at The George Institute for Global Health analyzed data on 651 products from the institute’s FoodSwitch database, which includes infant and toddler food products sold in the top 10 US grocery store chains. The products were assessed using the well-established NOVA classification system.

UPFs are defined as industrially made products created from highly processed ingredients and additives. Such products tend to be cheap, convenient, and hyper-palatable, but lack the nutrients of whole foods and less processed products.

Experts warn of long-term health risks

Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, research fellow at The George Institute, and adjunct assistant professor, Department of Nutrition at the University of North Carolina, said the results represent a worrying trend.

“Infancy is a critical time for shaping lifelong eating habits—introducing babies to foods that are overly sweet, salty and packed with additives can set the stage for unhealthy preferences that last beyond childhood. We also know that high UPF consumption in children is linked to heart and metabolic conditions later in life, so it’s best to try and avoid introducing them in the first place,” she said.