Is Organic Baby Food Better?

At Mamamade, we work closely with the farms in our supply chain to ensure the ingredients in our baby food is certified as organic. This ensures that your little ones get only the very best quality fruit and veg in their meals from us.

Our baby and toddler meals are all 100% organic, but what does this actually mean, and is organic food better for babies?

What does 'organic' actually mean?

 

Organic fruits and vegetables are grown with minimal use of fertilisers and pesticides, contain no GM ingredients and are processed with fewer additives and preservatives than non-organic foods. For fruits and vegetables to be classed as organic, they need to have been grown via organic farming methods.

The sustainable agricultural methods which organic farmers use are aimed at benefiting the whole food system, and organic farmers must adhere to a strict set of standard to be certified organic.

All organic food is certified by the Soil Association, who regularly inspect organic farmers to ensure their produce meets their standards for organic classification.

 

Why organic baby food is better

 

It's healthier for your baby

The healthier soil conditions means there are higher levels of vitamins and minerals in organic baby food, making it better better for your baby's health. In a study posted by the British Journal of Nutrition in 2014, it was found that organically produced crops contained up to 68% more antioxidants than non-organic. 

The same study also found that organic fruit and veg contained lower concentrations of pesticides and the toxic heavy metal cadmium.

Read our blog What Parents Need To Know About Toxic Heavy Metals In Baby Food.

All artificial colours and flavours are also banned in foods labelled as organic, so you can have peace of mind there are no nasties lurking in your baby's food!

It's better for the environment

Organic farming is a method which is specifically designed to promote sustainability and to protect the environment, offering benefits to carbon emissions and local ecosystems.

Organic farming helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by limiting the use of fertilisers and pesticides, which are produced by burning fossil fuels. It's been estimated that if all farmland in Europe followed organic practices, agricultural CO2 emissions would drop by 40-50% by 2050.

When chemicals such as pesticides are used in farming, these can drain into the waterways which can cause harm to local wildlife and biodiversity. By choosing organic produce, you are helping to protect the ecosystems around farming areas.

It tastes better!

Many chefs and experts agree that the higher antioxidant levels in organic produce (due to fewer pesticides being used an during farming) enhances the flavour of the produce.

During weaning, your baby will be exposed to a whole new world of flavour. By offering organic fruits and vegetables, these flavours will be more exciting to your little one!

Should I only give my baby organic food?

 

Choosing to switch to organic baby food is a choice for every parent to make, and there's no right or wrong decision. Non-organic baby food and groceries are still strictly regulated in the UK and are safe for both babies and adults to eat, and you won't be harming your baby if you choose to feed them non-organic produce.

It can be hard (and sometimes more expensive!) to go completely organic, but there are numerous health and environmental benefits for choosing organic produce. If you're thinking about making a nod towards organic produce without going all the way, consider Pesticide Action Network UK's list of fruits and vegetables that are more likely to contain higher levels of pesticides. These are:

• Grapefruit
• Clementines, mandarins and satsumas
• Strawberries
• Pre-packed salad
• Grapes
• Lemons
• Peaches and nectarines
• Pears
• Spinach
• Chilli peppers
• Apples
• Blackberries and blueberries

They also include the fruit and veg with the lowest levels of pesticide residue, which are:

• Beetroot
• Mushrooms
• Corn on the cob
• Figs
• Rhubarb
• Swede
• Turnip
• Onions
• Avocado
• Cauliflower
• Radish
• Sweet potatoes
• Broad beans
• Leeks
• Pumpkins and squash

This should help you decide which fruits and veg to prioritise when buying organic organic. Even making a few small changes to your usual shop will have a positive impact and is a step towards sustainable living.

Browse our range of organic baby meals and start your weaning journey today.