Registered Dietitians Say These Baby Foods Are the Healthiest (2024)

Once Upon A Farm is the first baby and kids food brand to earn the Clean Label Project Purity Award. This award comes from a third-party nonprofit that checks for many environmental and industrial toxins, like heavy metals. The company is also a recipient of the Clean Label Project Pesticide-Free Certification.

In this line of baby food pouches, co-created by Jennifer Garner, every ingredient is certified USDA Organic and sourced sustainably, according to the brand. Each item is also made with whole ingredients and is free from added sugars or preservatives. “Love the minimal ingredients and my son loves these!” said one parent tester.

The packaging stands out for being BPA-, BPS-, and PVC-free. Although the pouches are not curbside recyclable, the brand teams up with Recyclops to repurpose them, effectively reducing landfill accumulation. The pouches can remain unrefrigerated for up to four hours and to make it easier for you, the brand provides a cooler pouch.

We appreciate that the brand works with a team of experts, such as registered dietitians, speech language pathologists and pediatricians who consult on product development and contribute their expertise to their blog and social media to offer support on navigating all stages of parenthood.

In addition to the variety of fruit and vegetable blends, the brand also offers dairy-free smoothies and overnight oats. Stephanie Middleberg, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., dietitian and author of The Big Book of Organic Baby Food also recommended this brand, which can be purchased on Amazon or through a subscription on their website for extra savings.

Founded by a practicing neurosurgeon, Cerebelly's organic baby food includes 16 brain-supporting nutrients, such as omega3’s docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and choline. The first three years of a child's life are a time of remarkable brain development, when essential skills like seeing, hearing, memory, movement, planning and social awareness are established. DHA can affect learning and behavior in healthy children, and it can be particularly important for babies' vision and brain development.

Designed with busy parents in mind, Cerebelly maintains freshness without the need for refrigeration, ensuring convenience without sacrificing quality or nutrition. The brand makes a variety of products from pouches to snack bars, but we found the highlight to be the organic baby food purees, which have a strong vegetable focus and no added sugars.

We were impressed by the nutrient-packed ingredients in the puree. For example, the Green Bean Pumpkin flavor contains organic green beans, pumpkin, apples and olive oil, as well as a blend of tapioca fiber and nutrients derived from chlorella, kelp, pumpkin seeds, spinach, sunflower seeds and maitake mushrooms. It also features organic shiitake mushrooms and DHA algal oil.

Parent testers admired the nutritious blends of the products, which babies also enjoyed. “I loved that the ingredients were simple, clean and geared towards a child's nutritional needs. It was reassuring that key nutrients are included in it, which is one less thing (as a busy mom) you have to think about for your baby,” said one parent.

As the first shelf-stable baby food to receive the Clean Label Project Purity Award, it's also free from the big eight allergens, with facilities ensuring minimal cross-contamination risk.

Love Child Organics is a top Canadian baby food brand now available in the U.S. after being acquired by Nature’s Path. Malina Malkani, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., a Love Child Organics partner, and author of Safe and Simple Food Allergy Prevention stands strong behind this brand, “Love Child Organics crafts thoughtful baby foods using simple ingredients, wholesome nutrient-rich foods and adventurous flavor combinations that come in BPA-free packaging, including pouch purees, snack bars and puffs, all made without artificial colors, flavors or ingredients, and with no refined sugar, preservatives or GMOs.”

For parents seeking high-quality organic purees, especially for kids with nut or wheat allergies, this is a great option. The superblend purees feature nutrient-dense foods like kale, sweet potatoes, blueberries, mangos, strawberries, quinoa and acerola and cherry loaded with antioxidants.

It received the Clean Label Purity Award, which tests for over 400 contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides and plasticizers, which we appreciated. The brand's commitment to the best ingredients places them in the top 33% of 471 baby food products evaluated in North America, according to the company.

Keep in mind that the purees stay fresh for only 24 hours after opening.

This company's recipes are designed to replicate the macronutrient profile of breast milk, providing the ideal balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates for babies over 6 months old. It claims to use grass-fed, pasture-raised meats from small American family farms that never utilize antibiotics, hormones or GMO feed.

The BPA-free, shelf-stable pouches provide protein-rich blends that include meats like salmon, bison and turkey paired with organic vegetables and extra virgin olive oil without the use of fillers or common allergens. The flavors are well-balanced, and our nutrition experts consider the ingredients to be top quality, although not suitable for vegetarian or vegan families.

Certified Pesticide Free with a Clean Label Purity Award, the company's baby food uses a process that preserves more vitamins to ensure maximum nutrition and shelf stability without preservatives or refrigeration. Ingredients are blended in small batches, heating them to a non-boiling temperature and then pressure-cooked in pouches.

"My son loves eating this carrot puree, and it's great that Serenity includes olive oil to give kids some good fat. I have confidence when I feed my son that he is getting good nutrition and [he] likes the flavors,” said one parent tester.

For older children, the brand offers grain-free cassava flour puffs and bone broth toddler pouches.

Little Spoon Babyblends offer over 40 options, including single-ingredient and multi-texture purees, catering to six different stages of baby food introduction (from infants to big kids) to help simplify the process of starting solids. All products are certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO and Clean Label Project verified. The convenient smoothies, packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seed butter and coconut milk, are a standout.

The subscription model works by signing up with your email, answering questions about your child's eating journey and age and then choosing a meal plan for one, two or three meals a day. Meals are shipped cold to your home and can be stored in the fridge for 14 days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Middleberg acts as the brand's nutrition advisor, expressing genuine enthusiasm for Little Spoon's products and appreciating their blend of nutrition and taste. She told Good Housekeeping in a previous story that, "It’s a great option for parents to feel good about what they are feeding their kids."

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Why Dietitians and Moms Love Little Spoon

Founder Shibani Baluja was disappointed by the bland and over-processed baby food options when she introduced solids to her son. Wanting to offer him nutritious and flavorful meals without sacrificing time, she started cooking meals herself. Recognizing the positive impact on his palate, she launched lil' gourmets with a focus on introducing unique flavor profiles to encourage adventurous eating habits in infants.

The single-serving vegan meals are made with USDA organic veggies and beans as the main ingredients, and without added sugar, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Some include healthy fats like coconut milk and olive oil. Recipes combine fresh veggies and protein-rich beans with nourishing fats like coconut milk and extra virgin olive oil, seasoned with unique spice blends for global flavors.

Despite a smaller selection, lil' gourmets has earned the Clean Label Project Purity Award for its top-quality offerings. It is also the only retail brand to have their products endorsed by Partnership for A Healthier America for their meaningful delivery of vegetables. According to the company's website: “We pledge that all of our recipes will always feature veggies and beans as the first and primary ingredients."

You can buy meals individually from Amazon or the brand's website, or subscribe to receive 16 meals monthly.

CEO Hamutal and co-founders Uriel and Michael noticed that many babies, including their own, experienced intolerances, allergies, sensitivities and other problems worsened by current formulas. They developed a baby cereal suitable for ages 6 months and older that is organic, plant-based and free from gluten, dairy and soy.

A Clean Label Project Purity Award winner, Else Nutrition offers a unique blend of plant protein, healthy fats, natural fibers and over 20 essential vitamins and minerals, including 40% of the daily value for vitamin B12. According to the brand, more than 80% is made with whole foods featuring key ingredients including buckwheat, almonds and tapioca from cassava root. And it comes in flavors like banana, vanilla and plain to suit various tastes.

“During the transition to solid foods, it's beneficial to include foods that are gentle on the baby's digestive system and nutrient-rich,” said Krystal Duhaney, R.N., I.B.C.L.C., a registered nurse and lactation consultant. Recommended as one of the first solid foods around 6 months, baby cereals provide essential energy when breastfeeding alone is insufficient. This cereal can be mixed with breast milk, water or formula and is ideal for babies transitioning to solids.

“We use this with my fourth child, and it's the first baby cereal I’ve found that's not lumpy or bland and hasn't caused constipation,” said one Amazon reviewer. Else Super Cereal is Certified Plant-Based, USDA organic and FODMAP -friendly. However, it is not suitable for babies with tree nut allergies.

While other brands might hesitate to introduce the top allergens early, subscription-based meal delivery company Square Meals follows recent research from studies like LEAP, and EAT, which suggest that introducing allergens early and often may prevent food allergies. Their meals include early allergen introduction options like milk, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, soy, egg and sesame.

Registered dietitian Katie Thomson and certified genetic counselor Kendall Glynn were tired of fruit-heavy, sugary baby foods being sold as balanced meals. They knew how crucial a baby's first year is for their health and development, so they created Square Meals. These meals offer balanced nutrition with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein to support optimal growth and development and they are low in sugar.

Here's how the subscription works: First, customize a meal plan for your baby based on age, dietary needs and preferences. Then, choose from a variety of meals, such as hazelnut pumpkin pie or almond butter and banana. Meals are delivered to your home every two weeks. We also appreciated Square Meals' commitment to sustainability with USDA certified organic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging made from 100% post-consumer materials.

Square Baby claims to use high-pressure pasteurization to preserve nutrient density and freshness. It offers dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian options and the brand has received the Clean Label Purity Award.

Registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab evaluated baby food products from over 30 brands, specifically analyzing ingredient lists and nutrition labels. Our nutrition experts prioritized USDA Certified Organic options made with wholesome ingredients and free of artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.

We also investigated efforts that the brands are making to minimize heavy metal exposure in their products and highlighted blends that were verified by the Clean Label Project.

In addition to expert analysis, we recruited a panel of parents and little ones to provide real-life feedback on quality, variety, portion sizes, convenience, packaging and more. We’re confident that our top picks are the best baby food options to provide exceptional nourishment and quality while also appeasing the pickiest of eaters.

✔️Key nutrients: Malkani stressed the importance of including iron- and zinc-rich foods in babies' diets to meet their nutritional needs, so be sure to look for them on the baby food's nutrition label. "Iron is vital for brain development, and both iron and zinc support immune function and overall growth," she explained. Other key nutrients include calcium, vitamin D, folate, protein, carbohydrates, and fats, which can be sourced from legumes, nuts, seeds, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and whole grains.

✔️ Flavors: It's good to have a variety of flavors to develop your baby's taste buds, but also keep some familiar ones on hand.

✔️ Cost: Organic options can be more expensive, so consider buying in bulk or using subscription models for savings.

✔️ Storage: Some baby foods need refrigeration from the start, while others can be stored at room temperature until opened. Consider your lifestyle and the level of convenience you'd prefer, whether you'd want ready-to-eat options or those that need reheating. Always check the preparation instructions before buying baby food.

The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of a baby's life.

Unless advised otherwise, most babies are typically ready for soft or pureed foods by around 6 months of age.

Formula-fed babies may be ready to try solid foods when they show signs of readiness (see our list below). While some babies may start solids around 4 or 5 months, it's essential to consult your pediatrician.

There is no perfect first food for babies, but Malkani advised that avocado, banana, sweet potato and oatmeal are all nutrient-dense early options that tend to work well for most babies.

• Avocado: Creamy texture, vibrant color and rich in healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Mash solo or mix with breast milk or formula.
• Banana: Naturally sweet, packed with potassium, fiber and essential vitamins. Ideal pureed or mashed.
• Sweet potato: Nutritious choice with appealing color, smooth texture and natural sweetness. Rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, fiber and potassium.
• Oatmeal: Hearty texture, nutty flavor and high in fiber and essential nutrients. Ideal for energy and easy preparation.

  After the few first foods have been introduced, start introducing allergenic foods.

  "Research shows strong evidence that introducing common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, wheat and soy as soon as your baby starts solids can reduce the risk of allergies," advised Dr. Husain, who pointed to a landmark 2015 study that babies reduced their risk of allergy by 80% when exposed to peanuts early on. Always speak with your child's pediatrician on the best ways to offer these potential allergenic foods and the appropriate ages to do so for your baby.

As babies start eating solids, it's important to offer a variety of textures and nutrients while continuing breastfeeding, said registered nurse and lactation consultant, Duhaney. She recommended avocado as a great first food because of its healthy fats and smooth texture, which are easy for babies to digest. Mixing mashed avocado with a bit of breastmilk can help babies adjust to the new taste. Breastmilk or formula should be the main source of nutrition for the first year, with solids adding to their diet.

When it comes to strategies for maintaining a breastfeeding-friendly feeding routine while introducing solid foods, Duhaney suggested the "breast sandwich" technique: nurse the baby first, offer some solids next, and then finish with more breastfeeding. "This method ensures that breastmilk continues to be the primary component of the baby’s diet, helping to maintain a healthy milk supply by ensuring adequate milk removal. It’s a great way to keep the baby satisfied and support ongoing lactation,” she said.

Concerns about heavy metals in baby food arose following a Congressional report that revealed some top baby food brands contained elevated levels of arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury.

Heavy metals are naturally present in the environment, found in air, soil and water. Certain metals like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury pose significant health risks, particularly to infants and young children due to their smaller size and metabolism. “Heavy metals are literally everywhere — they are naturally occurring in the earth’s crust — so there is no way to 100% avoid them," said Middleburg.

To address this issue, the Food and Drug Administration launched the Closer to Zero program, which aims to lower contaminants in food while keeping nutritious options readily available.

To safeguard your baby from heavy metal exposure, ensure a varied diet to maximize nutrient intake and minimize arsenic levels.

In a recent story on the best organic baby foods, Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition and Fitness Director, Stefani Sassos said, "not only does fruit juice have a high sugar content and no fiber, but a 2019 report found levels of arsenic and lead in many popular fruit juice brands. Grape juice and juice blends had the highest average heavy metal levels. Limit fruit juices to no more than 4 ounces per day and avoid them until at least 1 year of age." Instead, Sassos suggested breast milk or infant formula for babies, and water or milk for older children.

Try cutting back on rice-based foods because of arsenic levels (parboiling rice can lower arsenic levels too) and opt for oat, barley or multigrain cereals. Also try adding grains like buckwheat, millet and quinoa to your baby's diet.

"Opt for natural, antioxidant-rich whole foods and limit processed foods to protect against potential cell damage from metals," said Middleberg who also suggested looking for products with the Clean Label Project mark, which means they've been tested for contaminants and use high-quality ingredients.

Baby food pouches can be convenient, easy, enjoyable and healthy — just mix it up and don't always let your baby eat straight from the pouch. “When sucking from a pouch, the baby misses out on the opportunity to see, smell or touch the food, and they aren't able to practice the fine motor skills of picking up food or bringing a spoon to mouth,” said Catherine Callahan, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P., C.L.C., a pediatric speech-language pathologist, feeding therapist, certified lactation counselor and owner of ChiKids Feeding.

When possible, feed your baby by hand with a spoon from a pouch instead of letting them suck straight from the package — this helps them develop important mouth muscles required for speech and chewing and encourages them to take a break between bites.

Dr. Husain said parents should prioritize practical decisions that suit their family's needs. Focus on a well-balanced diet that includes all food groups for optimal nutrition, rather than solely opting for organic foods, especially if budget constraints are a concern, as organic options tend to be more expensive.

According to Middleberg, organic baby foods are the healthiest option for your baby because they are grown without the use of hormones, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, genetically modified organisms (GMO) or synthetic pesticides. "Studies also show that organic foods often contain higher nutrients than their conventional counterparts and can be better for the environment,” she said.

While organic foods have benefits, Middleburg believes it's important not to let perfectionism get in the way of providing nutritious options for your baby. If organic isn't feasible, prioritize buying the most frequently consumed produce, whether organic or conventional, to ensure your baby still receives essential nutrients. For example, a conventional apple still provides valuable nutrition for your little one.

Valerie Agyeman, R.D.N. is a women's health dietitian and the host of the Flourish Heights podcast, where she produces science-driven content covering overlooked nutrition, wellness and women’s health topics. She has over 10 years of nutrition communications, corporate wellness and clinical nutrition experience. Agyeman is a trusted expert and regularly appears on networks including ABC’s Good Morning Washington, and she is a contributing expert to publications like Women’s Health, The Thirty and Shape.

For this story, Agyeman also interviewed the following experts:

• Dr. Amna Husain, M.D., F.A.A.P., is a board-certified pediatrician, lactation consultant and mom of two with one on the way. She serves as a pediatric health correspondent for the media and public spokesperson for various pediatric healthcare companies. As part of a busy dual-physician household, reading books with her daughter is Dr. Husain's favorite way to relax at home with her little ones.
• Stephanie Middleberg, M.S., R.D, C.D.N, is a registered dietitian nutritionist, founder of Middleberg Nutrition and mother of two. Her best-selling books, The Big Book of Organic Baby Food and The Big Book of Organic Toddler Food, have helped countless families feel at ease with the stresses of feeding their little ones. Middleburg's latest release, The Big Book of Pregnancy Nutrition, offers comprehensive guidance on nourishing yourself and your baby through all trimesters.
• Krystal Duhaney, R.N., I.B.C.L.C., is a registered nurse, international board-certified lactation consultant and breastfeeding mommy of two. She is also the Founder of Milk Mama, a product line that includes lactation cookies and more.
• Catherine Callahan, M.S, C.C.C., S.L.P., C.L.C., is a speech-language pathologist, feeding therapist, certified lactation counselor and mom of three. She created ChiKids to provide individualized support for children and families, virtual feeding education, printable resources, simple tools and product recommendations.
• Malina Malkani, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., is a registered dietitian, best-selling author and single mom of three. Malkani owns a nutrition consulting company and private practice dedicated to helping parents feed their babies and kids with confidence. She is the author of Simple and Safe Baby-Led Weaning: How to Integrate Foods, Manage Portion Sizes and Identify Allergies and the creator of two online courses for parents called, Safe & Simple Baby-Led Feeding and Solve Picky Eating.