Healthy Food Options For Baby – Organic, On The Go Baby Food and Formulas On the Rise

When I had my first child 11 years ago, the baby food market was still largely comprised of those little glass containers that reminded me of my childhood. Pureed bananas, peas, and carrots made up a large portion of my first child’s meals. Now, there is an assortment of healthy food options for baby with a focus on organic meals that are also incredibly convenient. On the go baby food and formulas are on the rise and the market has answered the demand.

Related: Baby Food: Avocado Adventures

According to a survey conducted by Nielsen, birthrates are declining, but the demands for baby food and formula have grown. Sales increased by 7% for baby food and 20% for formula over the 12 months ending December 2014. Perhaps urbanization and moms balancing a family life and returning to the workforce are behind the uptick, but one thing is undeniable, the packaging innovation and demand for organic and healthy baby food are extremely popular worldwide.

The Global Baby Care Report also found several other interesting factors when it came to a consumer’s purchase of baby products…

*Word-of-mouth communications is the most commonly cited source for information about baby food/formula.
*Sixty percent of global diaper value sales come from North America and Europe, but the most rapid growth is happening in developing countries.
*Asia-Pacific leads global respondents who say they purchase baby care products online.
*Skin protection and comfort are the most important diaper purchase considerations among global respondents.

Yes, the market is a very different place now than it was with my first child. In fact, after giving birth to my daughter in 2011, the baby food options were already changing. Organic options were being stocked in the baby food aisle and organic baby food sales hovered in the $350 million range by 2012. The following year, Nielsen reports a 15.7% with another jump of 9.1% in 2014.

Related: Making Your Own Babyfood

Gone are the days of lugging around those heavy and oh-so-breakable glass containers. Options now include organic and unique choices that expose children to an array of delicious and healthy foods during their formative toddler years. It’s no surprise my daughters are slightly more adventurous eaters than my son who had more limitations when it came to the convenience of jars of pureed peas and carrots.

What do you think of the changes in baby food trends? Did you raise a child pre-pouch child? Which do you prefer?