What children eat during their first years of life plays a significant role in shaping their eating habits later in life.
That is why it is important for their food to have good nutritional quality.
Researchers from the University of Texas examined nearly 2,800 food products for children aged six to 36 months sold in 21 supermarkets across Texas.
According to the American Society for Nutrition, as cited by ScienceDaily, the findings are preliminary because the study has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Focus on labeling
The study comes as U.S. authorities review regulations on nutrition labeling and the marketing of food products for children.
The products were evaluated using the World Health Organization's nutritional standards and the NOVA classification system, which is used to assess the level of food processing.
Findings raise concerns
The study found that 81 percent of the products were ultra-processed.
At the same time, 49 percent failed to meet at least one of the WHO's nutritional standards. This was due to excessive levels of sugar, salt, fat, or calories.
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The researchers also found that ultra-processed products were more likely to contain high levels of sugar than less processed alternatives.
They therefore believe that clearer labeling could make it easier for parents to choose healthier products while also encouraging manufacturers to improve the nutritional content of their products.
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