Baby Food: Fresh versus Shelf-Stable

During the course of business, we have the pleasure of meeting with many parents and discussing healthy foods for babies and young children. “How is your food different than the organic baby food in jars or pouches” is a question we get asked at least once at every event or farmers’ market we attend. It’s a good question and we always enjoy the opportunity to discuss the difference. We believe knowledge is a very powerful tool and our goal is to share what we know and then let parents decide what makes the most sense for their family given their individual circumstances and nutritional beliefs.

Before we begin, let us first define “shelf stable”. Shelf stable is a term we use to describe foods that have been prepared or processed in such a way that allows for long-term storage without the need for refrigeration. The processing of pouched or jarred baby food involves the use of extremely high temperatures in an effort to kill bacteria and other harmful pathogens. The food is then sealed to create an oxygen free environment that makes it impossible for bacteria to grow (with the exception of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterial strain with the ability to cultivate in the absence of oxygen). These extreme temperatures are believed to have a negative impact on the concentration of certain heat sensitive vitamins and minerals.

Fresh on the other hand refers to foods that are either uncooked or cooked using conventional methods. Freshly prepared foods, such as our baby purees, must be stored cold and consumed within a shorter time frame. 

Since our food is manufactured locally in small batches, we have the ability to take advantage of the local produce and meats available to us right here in the Bay Area. Using local ingredients affects the nutritional content of fruits and veggies, which naturally decreases between the time they are harvested and the time they are consumed. Since local produce does not have to be transported as far, it can also be picked closer to peak ripeness when nutrients are most dense. In most cases it is not clear where mass-produced organic baby foods source their ingredients. We don’t know how long the fruits and vegetables have been stored or how far they have travelled. Many certified organic fruits and vegetables grown outside of the U.S. are actually sprayed with pesticides post-harvest before they enter the United States. However, this does not change their organic certification. Further, foreign countries are still using chemicals that are currently banned in the United States.

Supporting local farmers is better for our environment and local economy. Many local farmers have strong connections to their land and minimize their impact on the environment by using sustainable practices, such as no-till agriculture and composting. Minimal travel distances and packaging for their farm products also contribute to the well being of our environment. Food grown locally, processed locally, and distributed locally generates jobs and subsequently helps stimulate local economies. For these reasons, there are many organizations popping up today to help foster and support local food systems, such as Good Eggs and Slow Money.

In addition to using local ingredients, we also help to protect the environment by using 100% compostable packaging. While store bought pouches are convenient, they are not recyclable and create a lot of waste.

Finally, we can’t ignore the fact that our fresh purees contain a wider variety of flavors and textures than shelf stable pouches and jars. Our menu changes weekly and we use seasonal produce. We also use fresh herbs and spices to entice developing palettes and foster more adventurous eaters. It is well known that babies need fat for optimal brain development, which is why we incorporate fats such as butter, olive oil, coconut milk and coconut oil. We also use meats to provide protein and easily absorbed sources of iron. Fresh vegetable stock and sometimes even bone broth is used instead of water in our savory blends for additional flavor and a nutritional boost. And, if you’re making your own fresh baby food, you have the ability to add all of these nutrient rich ingredients as well.