Between diaper changes and sleepless nights, finding the time to whip up homemade baby food isn’t always practical. Add on trying to appease picky eaters and prioritize organic produce, and it can be even more challenging. But you shouldn’t have to compromise quality for convenience, which is why our registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute evaluated over 30 baby food brands to find the best organic options for littles.
Organic baby food is grown without the use of hormones, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, genetically modified organisms (GMO) or synthetic pesticides, explains registered dietitian Stephanie Middleberg, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., founder of Middleberg Nutrition and author of The Big Book of Organic Baby Food, The Big Book of Organic Toddler Food, and The Big Book Of Pregnancy Nutrition. “Some studies show that organic foods often contain higher nutrients than their conventional counterparts.”
But Middleberg adds that organic foods are far from perfect, and there is still great nutrition in conventional produce and baby food as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends purchasing organic produce when possible, especially for items known to be highest in pesticide residues.
Most importantly, try to feed your baby by hand with a spoon from a pouch instead of letting them suck straight from the packaging – this helps them develop important mouth muscles required for speech and chewing and encourages them to take a break between bites.
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Pros
- Cold-pressure process locks in nutrients and flavor
- Free from added sugars, preservatives and additives
- Clean Label Project Purity Award winner
Cons
- Pouches require refrigeration
Pricing: Starts at around $4 per pouch
Every ingredient in this line of baby food pouches — co-founded by Jennifer Garner — is certified USDA organic and sustainably grown. All items are made using whole ingredients and are free from added sugars or preservatives. In addition to the fruit and veggie blend line, the brand also offers dairy-free smoothies and even overnight oats. You can order the pouches off Amazon or via a subscription on their website for even more savings.
We like that Once Upon a Farm sets itself apart from the other brands we reviewed due to the cold-pressure (HPP) process to lock in the nutrients, taste and texture of the farm-fresh ingredients instead of traditional heat processing methods. Testers said their littles loved the flavors, and one parent said she liked that the packs needed to be refrigerated, which made her feel that they were “very high quality.”
Another parent said, “No preservatives! I love that it’s all fresh, healthy ingredients I can pronounce.” That being said, they aren’t the best for convenience when you are on the go. The pouches can be unrefrigerated for up to four hours though, and the brand does offer a cooler pouch for ease (which I’ve personally used and it’s performed very well). Middleberg recommends this brand too.
Once Upon a Farm is the first baby and kids food brand to receive the Clean Label Project Purity Award, a third-party nonprofit that tests for hundreds of environmental and industrial toxins including heavy metals. All packaging is BPA-, BPS- and PVC-free as well. Although the pouches are not curbside recyclable, the brand has partnered with Recyclops to repurpose the pouches and keep them out of landfills.
Pros
- Affordable, high-quality organic purees
- Choline and DHA added to brain blends line
- Clean Label Project Purity Award winner
Cons
- Some products made with rice flour
Pricing: Starts around $2 per pouch
Mom Shazi Visram founded Happy Family Organics to provide a wide variety of organic baby food options to parents. The brand offers a range of 100% USDA organic jars and pouches that are Clearly Crafted, meaning they are fully transparent so you can see exactly what is inside the pouch. Plus, they come in at a lower price point than other organic options in the baby food aisle and are slightly bigger than most pouches.
The brand says that they work closely with suppliers, farmers and field experts to create processes that ensures quality and safety, and many of the Clearly Crafted pouches are Clean Label Project Purity Award winners too, meaning they have been tested for hundreds of toxins, heavy metals and contaminants.
Both the apple, kale and avocado pouch and the apple, guava and beet pouches were a hit. “I think it’s great to expose littles to unique flavors from the get-go, and this made that easy in an approachable way,” one parent said. “I really appreciate that the sugars are natural and no added sugars have been included.”
We also like their line of brain blends that incorporate DHA and choline, essential nutrients to support baby’s brain health. Our tiny testers enjoyed it and couldn’t taste the difference. “I love the focus of this product and the added benefits and additions for the health of young ones in the vital growth years,” a parent tester said. And their new nutty blends are a convenient way to introduce allergens to your infant on a consistent basis. However, keep in mind that some of the brand’s other baby food products such as the teething wafers are made with rice flour, which our experts say to try to limit or avoid in baby’s diet. You can read more about rice-based products and arsenic concerns at the end of this article.
Pros
- Shelf-stable and convenient
- Includes 16 brain-supporting nutrients
- Clean Label Project Purity Award winner
Cons
- Expensive
Pricing: Starts at around $3 per pouch
Founded by a practicing neurosurgeon, this line of organic baby food from Cerebelly focuses on incorporating 16 brain-supporting nutrients into every product, ranging from pouches to snack bars. The product is shelf-stable, making it very convenient for busy parents, but this doesn’t sacrifice quality or nutrition.
Our dietitians point out that the organic baby food pouches from Cerebelly are veggie forward and contain no added sugar. Parent testers appreciated the “thoughtful and healthful combinations,” and babies loved them too. They also offer a line of savory bone broth purees with 5 grams of protein in every pouch for children over 11 months.
Cerebelly pouches were the first shelf-stable baby food to receive the Clean Label Project Purity Award, which means they have been tested for hundreds of contaminants including heavy metals, chemicals, plastics, pesticides and more. We also appreciate that the products are free from the big eight allergens and that the Cerebelly facilities undergo rigorous processes to prevent cross-contamination.
4
Best Savory
Serenity Kids
Pros
- Convenient way to introduce meat and fish
- High-quality ingredients including organic vegetables
- Clean Label Purity Award winner and Certified Pesticide-Free
Cons
- Not suitable for vegetarian and vegan families
Pricing: Starts at around $4 per pouch
This innovative baby food brand offers exceptional high-quality meats, poultry and fish in pouch form alongside organic veggies and premium oils. It takes the prep work out of an otherwise messy ordeal of having to prepare and puree protein for little ones. The blends are balanced nicely from a flavor standpoint too, and the ingredients are best-in-class according to our nutrition pros.
The BPA-free pouches are shelf-stable and a great way to introduce tasty savory blends and protein-packed ingredients like salmon, bison, turkey and more to your child. Their grain-free puffs made with cassava flour are also noteworthy as your little one grows, and their toddler pouches incorporate nutritious bone broth. Not only do they hold a Clean Label Purity Award, but they are also Certified Pesticide Free by CLP.
Parents loved the use of premium ingredients like organic produce and extra virgin olive oil. “My doctor kept telling me to introduce meat to my daughter but I just didn’t know how to prepare it,” one parent said. “These pouches were a simple way to give my daughter meat and she absolutely loved it! She took it as easily as she does fruit purees.” Valerie Trumbower, P.C.D., C.L.C., who is a DONA-certified postpartum doula and a certified lactation counselor, is also a fan of Serenity Kids highlighting their protein-rich blends.
Pros
- Simple purees perfect for baby food introduction
- Glass jars make for a more sustainable choice
- Clean Label Purity Award winner
Cons
- Not travel-friendly
Pricing: Starts at around $1.50 per jar
Baby food pouches are convenient and portable, but oftentimes not the most sustainable choice. Glass baby food jars are not only recyclable and reusable, but also tend to be a bit more budget-friendly. Beech-Nut offers both varieties, and their organic baby food jars feature a great blend of fruit and veggie options.
I used these jars to help introduce single-ingredient purees to both my children since it was some of the only ones I could find on the market made with high-quality ingredients when I didn’t have time to prep the food at home. “I only use glass bottles at home since I have concerns with microplastics, so it was nice to find a glass baby food jar that was organic too, and my son loved it,” one parent tester said. Just keep in mind that a glass jar isn’t the most portable choice when on the go.
Not only is this choice USDA-Certified Organic, but one thing that stood out in our tests was the vibrant color of the baby food itself. That’s because Beech-Nut gently cooks the blends to preserve the color, flavor and nutrients of the food. The brand also offers organic oatmeal cereal, which was a huge hit with my babies and our tiny testers.
6
Best Subscription
Little Spoon
Pros
- Nutrient-dense, high-quality ingredients
- Meals for infants, toddlers and big kids
- Clean Label Project Purity Award winner
Cons
- Pouches must be refrigerated
Pricing: Starts at around $3 per container
Designed to grow with your baby as they progress into toddler and big kid years, this subscription-based baby food service is one you can stick with for a while. They offer a plethora of Babyblends, from freshly made single-ingredient purees to textured multi-ingredient options that are all USDA Organic and Clean Label Project verified.
We especially love their convenient refrigerated smoothies that are packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seed butter, coconut milk and more. Babyblends start at $3.32 per blend and smoothies start at $2.82 per pouch.
The brand never uses rice, fortifiers or anything artificial in their blends, which our experts appreciate. They also utilize a cold-pressure technology as an alternative to heat pasteurization, killing harmful bacteria without the use of high heat but retaining those important nutrients. Our dietitians were impressed that this process allows the Babyblends and Smoothies to stay fresh in the fridge for up to 14 days or in the freezer for up to three months.
Parent testers were impressed with the ingredient list and fresh flavors. “The packaging and serving size was nice and seemed high quality,” one parent said. “What I loved most is that my son loved it! I greatly enjoyed this too,” another said. Middleberg serves as the brand’s nutrition advisor, sharing that she is truly passionate about Little Spoon’s products and loves that the baby food is both nutritious and delicious. “It’s a great option for parents to feel good about what they are feeding their kids.”
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Little Spoon Meal Delivery Service
7
Best For Baby-Led Weaning
Tiny Organics
Pros
- Certified organic ingredients and savory blends
- Textured purees and multi-ingredient blends
- Curated by a team of chefs and neonatal nutritionists
Cons
- Items arrive frozen
Pricing: Starts at around $3 per meal
“Baby led weaning is offering your baby safe, soft table foods with the intention of them feeding themselves,” Trumbower explains, who is very familiar with this method in her work with families as both a certified postpartum doula and lactation counselor. “It doesn’t need to be an either or situation; parents can do a combination of both purees and baby led weaning. Most importantly, parents should do what they’re comfortable with.”
These textured organic baby and toddler meals from Tiny Organics are designed for baby-led weaning and are conveniently delivered to your door. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, all Tiny products are free from the big eight allergens and curated by a team of chefs and neonatal nutritionists. The meals are all made fresh and shipped frozen, with purees starting at $3.36 per meal.
Tiny offers both multi-ingredient purees and textured purees designed for little ones over 6 months. Flavors are unique but were well-received by tiny testers, and the brand aims to introduce infants to their first 100 flavors to raise a healthy eater for life. One tester said, “I love the concept that you are giving your children 100 new flavors to try. Being able to put the lid back on and save for later is also a great feature. No waste, very healthy and takes the mental pressure away from always thinking about planning the next meal.”
When sourcing ingredients, Tiny’s team shared with GH that they require the farmers to provide heavy metal tests on the lots from the year prior and when they harvest the new lot. The team also does internal lab tests on specific ingredients to make sure it is within the brand’s specifications. All ingredients are all sustainably sourced within the U.S. from local farms to reduce carbon footprint and are USDA-certified organic. And they recently published their heavy metal testing results on their website, in accordance with accordance with California’s AB 899 legislation.
Pros
- Shelf-stable, powdered form
- Simply add water, formula or breast milk
- High-quality organic ingredients
Cons
- Preparation can be a bit messy
Pricing: Starts at around $2 per meal
Our nutrition experts rave about these organic plant-based meals in powder form. The method Amara uses does not require repeated high-heat processes. Just add water, formula or breast milk to the mix and you have a healthy meal ready for your little one in seconds. These shelf-stable pouches are excellent for on-the-go, though preparation can get a bit messy.
Testers loved that the wholesome offerings were conveniently shelf-stable and featured unique superfood combos like applesauce with maqui berry. Moms appreciated that they could use leftover breast milk to mix in for even more nutrition.
Amara shared that they individually source each baby food ingredient so they have the opportunity to deeply work with suppliers and sourcing in efforts to minimize heavy metal exposure in their food. They also do not use any rice products, additives, preservatives or ingredients that are traditionally known for heavy metals. As per their website, every one of their suppliers meets annual third-party federal requirements and compliance regulations for heavy metals and organic certification. Their oats & berries variety is a Clean Label Project Purity Award winner as well.
9
Best Regenerative
White Leaf Provisions
Pros
- Sustainably-minded choice
- High quality farming principles
- Clean Label Project Purity Award winner
Cons
- Pouches are not curbside recyclable
Pricing: Starts at around $3 per pouch
Sustainably-minded parents may want to prioritize both regenerative agriculture and organic farming when sourcing ingredients for baby food. Regenerative agriculture works to restore and enhance the entire ecosystem, including soil health and biodiversity. Essentially, it’s about leaving the land better than you found it by using practices that actively repair the land.
White Leaf Provisions brings the best of both worlds by providing 100% regeneratively farmed and organic baby food to the U.S. market. Their fruity blends are made with exceptional ingredients and come in a few tasty blends that littles gave the thumbs up in our tests. Several blends are also recipients of the Clean Label Project Purity Award.
Although the farming principles prioritize sustainability, White Leaf Provision’s baby food comes in pouches and not glass jars. They are working towards developing an 100% recyclable pouch option, but in the meantime have partnered with Terracycle where you can collect your emptied pouches and send everything to them for free and then they will properly recycle the items.
10
Best For Allergen Introduction
Square Baby
Pros
- Recipes are designed by a registered dietitian
- Made in small batches with high-quality ingredients
- Clean Label Project Purity Award winner
Cons
- Expensive
Pricing: Starts at about $5 per meal
Ideal for infants between the ages of 4 to 8 months, this line of Square Meals offers a variety of purees with impeccable ingredients. All recipes are designed by the co-founder who is a registered dietitian. They are made in small batches using organic foods that are gently cooked, steamed or roasted, then blended by hand and frozen to lock in nutrients and freshness.
Meals arrive frozen and need to be placed in the freezer or refrigerated. The brand says that you can refreeze your Square Meals once thawed, however the consistency of the meal may be slightly altered. While they recommend heating the meals for serving, they advise to not microwave the plastic containers. You can get meals as low as $4.98 which is quite pricey, but the quality is phenomenal.
One standout to our judges and testers was that Square Baby applies the recent research behind introducing allergens early and often, incorporating them into their line of Allergen Introduction meals to take the guesswork out of feeding for parents. They also offer options with probiotics, iron, vitamin C, omega 3s, herbs, spices and more. The meals are all veggie-first, and you can filter for dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan or vegetarian too. And if you are stumped on providing a nutritionally balanced day for your child, their Square Meal System offers 100% daily nutrition meal plans to take the guesswork out of solid introduction. Plus, Square Baby is a recipient of the Clean Label Purity Award.
How we test organic baby food
Our registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab evaluated baby food products from over 30 brands, specifically analyzing ingredient lists, nutrition labels and packaging. We prioritized USDA Certified Organic options made with wholesome ingredients that were free of artificial preservatives, colors or flavors. We also consulted Middleberg, Trumbower and a panel of experts for their recommendations.
Most importantly, we investigated efforts that the brands are making to minimize heavy metal exposure in their products and prioritized picks that have been verified by the Clean Label Project, which tests hundreds of products (including baby food) for toxic metals, contaminants and more.
Nutritional quality is of the utmost importance, but baby food is no use if your child won’t eat it. That’s why we put several brands through a taste test with a panel of babies, toddlers and parents for real-life feedback on which flavors they loved and which ones they scraped off their tongue. Parents also provided commentary on quality, variety, portion sizes, convenience and packaging. We’re confident that our top picks are the best organic baby food options to provide exceptional nourishment and quality while also appeasing the pickiest of eaters.
What to look for when shopping for organic baby food
Figuring out what to feed your little one is no easy task. Here are a few key factors you’ll want to consider.
✔️ Ingredients: Infants typically start out with single-ingredient purees and then progress to two-ingredient and multi-ingredient blends. But some brands will incorporate fillers, preservatives and other additives into their products. Always read the nutrition facts panel and ingredient list of the product you plan to purchase.
✔️ Flavors: Baby food comes in all different flavors and packages. It’s important to incorporate variety to create a balanced palate, and some brands offer globally-inspired flavors for even more diversity. But some “safe” flavors that you know your child will accept are always good to have on hand.
✔️ Cost: Organic baby food tends to be pricier than conventional options. Some brands offer savings if you buy in bulk, whereas other brands offer discounts if you utilize their subscription model. Either way, you’ll want to make sure the food fits into your allotted budget.
✔️ Storage: Some baby food is shelf-stable and only requires refrigeration once opened. Others have to be stored in the fridge from the start. Although options stored in the fridge tend to be freshest, they aren’t the most convenient for busy parents who are constantly on the go. Most baby food can be eaten straight from the container, whereas certain options have to be reheated. It’s important to look at the preparation instructions before buying.
✔️ Third party testing: “Look for the Clean Label Project mark,” Middleberg advises. “They test for over 400 contaminants in a variety of categories, including baby food.” She adds that these brands are also going to most likely do some extra work in that they are more selective in where they are sourcing their produce from and will likely be keeping tabs on their suppliers/farmers.
How do I know that my child is ready for baby food?
Middleberg says that the main signs to look for are your child being able to sit up without support, showing interest in food (grabs at your food, stares longingly at your food, leans in for your food) and exhibiting diminished tongue thrust reflex (this enables a baby to actually swallow food rather than push it out with their tongue).
Before starting with solids though, it is important to take into consideration the baby’s signs of readiness and the recommendation of the baby’s pediatrician, Trumbower says. “It’s always best to speak to your pediatrician before beginning solids. The general guideline from the AAP is to begin solids at 6 months old. If your family has a history of allergies, your pediatrician may recommend a different timeline.”
Should you keep breastfeeding or formula feeding when a baby is eating solid food?
Definitely, says Trumbower. “The AAP recommends that the majority of nutrition comes from breastmilk or formula for the first year. The solid food baby eats in the first year is not intended to replace a feeding but to add more nutrients and fun as your baby explores new tastes and textures.” Prioritize breastmilk or formula, and have fun exploring new baby foods as a compliment to their usual nourishment.
How should I introduce my child to baby food?
Those first few bites can be intimidating for both baby and parent. Trumbower offers the following tips for starting with baby food and making the transition an enjoyable one for all.
- Be sure baby is comfortable: They should be sitting up at 90 degrees in a high chair that allows their knees to be bent and feet supported. Foot support may be difficult depending on the baby’s size but you don’t want the baby leaning back or forward. Bring your baby’s high chair to the table so you can all eat together and the baby can watch as you’re eating.
- Prepare for the mess: Parents might struggle with the mess that comes along with feeding, but sensory development is a big piece of a baby’s introduction to solids. Allowing your baby to touch and “play” with the food can be hard to watch but it’s great for sensory development.
- Take a CPR class: Watching a baby eat is not for the faint of heart. There will be several times you’ll leap in worry, sure that your baby is choking only to see them come out smiling. Feeling equipped to navigate a worst-case scenario allows parents to relax and the baby will feel that energy.
- Try and try again: It’s important that the baby has several opportunities to try new foods. Multiple exposures to a food gives your baby the opportunity to understand if it’s something they like eating.
What kind of food should I give my baby first?
There is no perfect answer, but Middleberg advises starting with a single food item. She notes some of her favorite first food ideas below:
- Avocado: Great texture, fun color, milky flavor and filled with healthy fats and vitamins and minerals. You can puree it as is or add in breast milk or formula.
- Pear: Delicious both roasted and steamed and a great source of fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. It’s sweet but doesn’t have an overwhelming flavor.
- Sweet potato: Great color, texture and flavor! Filled with beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), vitamin C, fiber and potassium.
Middleberg adds that once you start with these, then you can move onto other foods and add in spices and herbs like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. “It’s also important to include the top allergens by 6 months. The science is very strong in that early and consistent introduction of solids can help to prevent food allergies or at least minimize them. These include egg, dairy, soy, fish, shellfish, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts and even sesame.”
How do baby food stages work?
Our nutrition experts point out that baby food stages aren’t standardized but there are general guidelines that many brands utilize. Keep in mind that every baby develops differently, and some babies are ready for stage 2 before they are 7 months old, while others may not be ready until they are closer to 10 months old. Talk to your pediatrician to help guide you throughout the process, and remember that it’s important for babies to advance through the stages on their own timeline.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
Laura Iu, R.D., is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified intuitive eating counselor, yoga guide, and owner of Laura Iu Nutrition, a private practice in New York City. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University and completed her internship in dietetics at Weill Cornell & Columbia Medical Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She went on to work in New York City’s top hospitals, including Mount Sinai Hospital and NYU Langone Health. She believes that true health is all encompassing — physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing — not an external measure via shape or size.
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