The data: Some 81% of baby and toddler foods sold in US grocery stores are ultra-processed, according to a new University of Texas study. Nearly half (49%) of the 2,700-plus products analyzed also failed to meet at least one World Health Organization nutrient standard for children ages 6 to 36 months.

The findings align with a study published in February which showed 71% of foods for children ages 3 and under were ultra-processed, and that many snack and pouch products marketed with fruit or vegetable names consisted primarily of flour or starch.

Why it matters: The two studies reinforce concerns about ultra-processed foods for young children raised by parents and policymakers.

• 82% of US parents support more government regulation of highly processed foods, per an August 2025 KFF survey.
• 68% of parents perceive highly processed foods as a serious threat to children’s health.

Meanwhile, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative identifies ultra-processed foods as a leading contributor to childhood chronic disease and has called for reducing them in federally supported meals, including those served to infants and toddlers in child care. Researchers say diets high in ultra-processed foods during childhood are linked to a higher risk of heart and metabolic disease later in life.

Both studies advocate for clearer labeling to help parents make healthier choices, while the Texas researchers also say warning labels could encourage product reformulation. The FDA is developing front-of-package nutrition labels to highlight saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, but the proposal excludes children under age 4 because the agency says they have different nutritional needs. The FDA said it would take separate suggestions and input for that age group last year, but has not announced any further details.

Implications for food manufacturers: Growing scrutiny of baby and toddler foods is putting pressure on brands as parents shift toward less-processed products. A January Kidfresh report found parents are moving away from processed foods in favor of shorter ingredient lists, brands with greater transparency about ingredients, and foods they perceive as simpler.

Baby and toddler food brands that reformulate products, or can demonstrate they already offer healthier options, will be able to stand out before regulatory or consumer pressure pushes more of the category in the same direction.