Last Updated:February 15, 2026, 18:14 IST

A new study in the US found that 71% of baby food sold in their grocery stores is ultra-processed foods or UPF.

Making your baby’s food at home, on your own, can be a major money saving hack

All mums know that the day their babies begin to eat solid food is a major milestone in both of their lives. And for many young parents, they like to make their own food at home instead of giving their child food from a can or pre-packaged from the supermarket. This is an empowering feeling, as you can control every ingredient, ensuring pure, fresh fruits, veggies, and grains without added sugars, salts, or preservatives lurking in jars. You can also customise textures from silky purees to chunky mashes, matching your baby’s cues and nutritional needs by swapping ingredients and textures.

Another reason is that this is a major cost-saving move for most parents. A batch of steamed carrots or blended apples costs pennies versus store-bought packs. It’s fresher too, along with vibrant flavours and peak nutrients.

Recently, a new study in the US found that 71% of baby food sold in their grocery stores is ultra-processed foods or UPF. This was a peer-reviewed study, and its results were published in the journal Nutrients.

UPF are typically made in industrial settings and contain one or more artificial colours or flavours, non-sugar sweeteners, or additives like emulsifiers and thickeners. Food companies use these ingredients, often in combination with large amounts of fat, sugar or salt, to create UPF.

According to results from this study, nearly three-quarters of all baby food products contained additives and it formed the most common ingredient category in the product. According to a report by EWG, a growing body of scientific evidence links certain food additives to potential health concerns, including negative effects on gut function and behavioural difficulties in sensitive children.

So if you want to make your own baby food at home, easily and at a fraction of the cost, here are 2 recipes from content creator Bethany Holborn (@mealtimewithmummy) that she shared on Instagram.

Sweet Potato, Carrot & Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 a sweet potato
• 1 carrot
• 3-4 broccoli florets

Method:

• Peel and chop the sweet potato and carrot.
• Add the vegetables to the steam basket and steam for 12 minutes until soft.
• Add the veggies to the blending jug along with the vegetable stock collected in the reservoir below the steam basket.
• Blend until smooth or your desired consistency.

Blueberry Brekkie Recipe 

Ingredients:

• 1 large (or two small) pears
• 2 tbsp yoghurt
• 1 tbsp rolled oats
• 1/4 lemon juice
• 150g blueberries

Method:

• Peel and slice the pears and discard of the centre.
• Steam the pears for 12 minutes and add them to the blender with the rest of the ingredients.
• Blend until smooth or your desired consistency.