3 Clean Kid-Friendly Brands to Build Healthy Eating Habits
The following article was written by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek RD, LD. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider before incorporating new foods into their diet.
In Heinen’s Club Fx, we often speak to adults seeking guidance on healthier nutrition and lifestyle habits, but what about their children, or the children of those they love? We develop many of our habits as children after all, and nutrition is no different.
Like a blank canvas awaiting an artist’s creative touch, small children have palates that are pure and eager for good nutrition. While making baby food from scratch is ideal, it’s not always possible, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. Thanks to incredible advancements in baby and toddler food over the past few years, you can rest in knowing there are brands who share in Heinen’s values of transparency and ethically sourced quality ingredients.
To satisfy the nutrition needs of our tiniest customers, the baby food aisle at your local Heinen’s is stocked with superior brands of Fx™-approved infant and toddler foods. This post focuses on three brands with the following standards in common:
- No added sugar, salt, preservatives, additives, or food coloring
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Clean Label Project Purity Award: A certification awarded by a third-party nonprofit that tests for contaminants including heavy metals, chemicals, plastics, pesticides, and more.
Once Upon a Farm
Once Upon a Farm’s organic pantry snacks, located in the baby food aisle of the Grocery Department, are made with high-quality, wholesome ingredients conveniently packaged for on-the-go. All of their products are cold pressure protected to lock in valuable nutrients.
Their dairy-free, probiotic-rich coconut melts fit perfectly in a toddler’s tiny hands and are a great way for them to explore new textures and tastes (ages 12+ months).
Tractor wheels are Once Upon a Farm’s version of a healthy oatmeal cookie. A soft-baked bar that easily dissolves when chewed, each variety sneaks in real fruits and veggies, plus a nutrient-rich greens powder blend of wheatgrass, kale, chlorella and moringa (ages 12+ months).
You can also find Once Upon a Farm products in Heinen’s Dairy Department. While they’re created with kids in mind, we wouldn’t blame adults for enjoying them too. They’re that tasty!
Cerebelly
Founded by a neurosurgeon and mom, Cerebelly foods provide 16 key brain-supporting nutrients needed for early development, including omega-3 DHA, lutein, choline, selenium, and vitamins A, D and E.
Toddlers, older children (and even adults!) can enjoy Cerebelly’s smart bars and pureed fruit, veggie, and protein pouches. I’ve personally been known to snack on Cerebelly’s strawberry beet smart bars to tide me over until dinner. They are the perfect size for those times when you just need something small and satisfying.
Serenity Kids
Serenity Kids features nutrient-dense meat-based purees from ethically sourced animals raised humanely on small American family farms. To balance each meal, they also offer an array of savory USDA organic veggie pouches blended with olive oil for a unique nutritional edge.
Looking to level up your family’s breakfast? Squeeze a pouch of Serenity Kids organic roots (a blend of carrots, sweet potatoes and beets) into your favorite smoothie recipe and blend!
Key Takeaway
Infancy and toddlerhood are such impressionable and exciting times because as a caregiver, you get to play a very important role in how these little ones begin their food journey. Remember, every child is unique, so it’s always best to consult with your child’s pediatrician for guidance on the appropriate time to introduce different foods based on their personal development.
