Top Organic Baby Foods for Your Little One
Plum Organics Stage 1 Organic Baby Food
This option is perfect for infants just starting their journey into solid foods, providing nutritious and tasty blends.
- Great for introducing new flavours and textures to babies.
- Convenient packaging makes it easy to transport.
- Some babies may prefer thicker textures as they grow.
Earth’s Best Organic Stage 3 Baby Food
We found this stage ideal for older babies ready for chunkier textures and more complex flavours.
- Offers a variety of flavour combinations for adventurous eaters.
- High-quality organic ingredients ensure safety and nutrition.
- Some packaging may be less convenient for on-the-go feeding.
Gerber Organic 2nd Foods Baby Food
We believe this product is excellent for babies transitioning to more solid textures, with a smooth consistency that’s easy to eat.
- Includes a variety of wholesome ingredients to support baby’s growth.
- Easy to find in most supermarkets, making it accessible.
- Some babies may prefer fresh homemade options as they grow.
Plum Organics Stage 2 Organic Baby Food
This baby food is well-suited for babies who are ready for more complex flavours while still needing a smooth texture.
- Great portion sizes for satisfying little appetites.
- Variety of flavours to keep mealtime exciting.
- May not be as filling for older babies who have bigger appetites.
Serenity Kids Baby Food
We found this brand perfect for parents looking for nutrient-dense options with clean ingredient lists.
- Focuses on protein-rich ingredients for healthy growth.
- Unique flavour combinations that stand out in the market.
- Higher price point compared to traditional baby food brands.
Best Organic Baby Food
Transitioning from milk or formula to baby food is a thrilling step for your little one, as it opens up a world of flavours and textures.
With the growing selection of organic baby foods available, you will find an impressive variety of nutritious blends. These foods are crafted from organically grown ingredients and adhere to strict regulations to achieve USDA organic certification. Some brands even carry Non-GMO Project certification, ensuring they meet high standards of quality and safety.
Choosing the right organic baby food can be overwhelming, but we’ve compiled this comprehensive buying guide to assist you in navigating the options available. Read on to discover the best organic baby food for your child.
Key Qualities of Organic Baby Food
USDA-Certified Organic Produce
When identifying organic baby food, look for the green and white USDA-certified organic badge. This certification indicates that 95% or more of the ingredients are sourced from farms that meet rigorous organic standards.
Produce: To be certified organic, fruits and vegetables must be grown in soil that has been free of prohibited substances for at least three years. The growing, harvesting, and handling processes must also comply with strict regulations.
Livestock and Poultry: Organic meat, poultry, and dairy baby foods come from farms that adhere to stringent animal welfare standards. Animals must be fed 100% organic feed and raised in a manner that meets organic guidelines for at least a year before any products can be labelled as organic.
“Made with Organic” Label
Some baby foods may carry a “made with organic” label, which means they contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients but do not meet the USDA’s full certification standards.
Non-GMO Project Certified
Look for baby foods with the Non-GMO Project badge, which indicates the product has been tested to ensure it contains 0.9% or less GMO organisms.
Other Notable Qualities
Organic baby food typically avoids artificial additives, colours, and synthetic ingredients. Some brands cater to specific dietary needs, such as being gluten-free, sugar-free, or vegan. Always check the labels to ensure they meet your requirements.
Product Features
Flavours
The variety of flavours available in organic baby food is impressive. You can find single-flavour options or blends featuring multiple ingredients. Flavours like chicken and rice or pear-cranberry-potato are not uncommon, and we found ourselves tempted to try these combinations.
Packaging
Organic baby food is often packaged in high-quality containers that are BPA-free and eco-friendly. Options include glass jars, squeeze pouches, and BPA-free plastic tubs.
- Glass jars are recyclable but may be heavier to carry in a diaper bag.
- Squeeze pouches are resealable, making them perfect for mess-free meals on the go.
- BPA-free plastic tubs are lightweight and easy to store or transport.
Stages of Baby Food
Organic baby food is available in four stages, each designed for different developmental milestones. The appropriate stage should be clearly indicated on the packaging.
Stage One: Suitable for babies aged four to six months, this food has a thin, soupy texture, similar to milk or formula.
Stage Two: For babies aged seven to eight months, this stage features a thicker, puréed consistency.
Stage Three: Aimed at babies aged nine to twelve months, this stage introduces small chunks of food that require some chewing.
Stage Four: For babies one year and older, this stage includes “table food” options, allowing them to enjoy diced produce and soft, chewable foods like pasta and rice.
Essential Accessories
Baby Spoons: Olababy Soft-Tip Training Spoon
We highly recommend these soft-tip spoons made from 100% food-grade, BPA-free silicone. They are dishwasher safe and durable enough for teething babies.
Baby Bib: Bumkins Starter Bib
Mealtime can get messy, so a good bib is a must. We like this one from Bumkins, which is free from BPA, PVC, vinyl, phthalates, and lead. It’s available in various fun designs and has a handy pocket to catch spills.
Price Considerations for Organic Baby Food
While organic baby food tends to be pricier than conventional options, the difference may not be as steep as you expect. Some brands are more expensive, but there are organic choices available for every budget.
Inexpensive: Budget-friendly organic baby food can range from £0.80 to £1.00 per serving, typically from large manufacturers.
Mid-range: Mid-range options are priced between £1.00 and £1.25 per serving and often feature more unique flavours.
Expensive: Premium organic baby food usually costs £1.30 or more per serving, with higher quality ingredients and packaging options.
Helpful Tips
- Read Ingredients Closely: Always check the ingredients list, even if the packaging looks impressive. The order of ingredients can provide insight into the product’s quality.
- Keep Extras in Your Baby Bag: Always have a couple of packs of organic baby food in your bag for unexpected outings.
- Try Different Brands: If your baby seems to dislike a particular flavour, experiment with the same flavour from a different brand; they may prefer it.
- Inspect Pouches: While durable, baby food pouches can occasionally be damaged. Always check for any signs of piercing or damage before opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Should I refrigerate organic baby food?
A. While some parents prefer it cold, most organic baby foods are safe to serve at room temperature. However, always refrigerate any opened packages correctly.
Q. What is the shelf life of organic baby food?
A. Check the expiration date on the package, as most organic baby food is shelf-stable for up to two years. Keep in mind that preservative-free varieties may have shorter shelf lives.
Q. What if my jar of organic baby food smells off but isn’t expired?
A. It’s better to err on the side of caution. Dispose of it and try another jar. Contact the manufacturer if multiple jars from the same batch have issues.