Wellness Foods - June 2008 - (Page 8)

Cover Story controversy recently over whether the resulting products can be labeled organic. Babies, especially those who arrive early, often suffer from digestive system issues – specifically gas – as their gastrointestinal systems develop and acclimate postpartum. Chamomile and fennel have a long tradition of use to calm the digestive system, and some companies are supplying those ingredients as natural extracts for processors interested in incorporating them. while adding healthful components they might otherwise not get.” Happy Baby makes products using ingredients such as protein- and iron-rich red lentils; quinoa (“Also high in iron, and it contributes to a complete protein,” adds Shelke); and herbs and spices such as mint, cinnamon and cardamom. (“Mint, in addition to providing vitamins A and C can help soothe tummies and relieve indigestion,” notes Shelke.) Happy Baby also includes DHA in some of its offerings. Recently, Happy Baby rolled out a line of dry cereals targeting immunity. Vitamin- and mineralfortified, the cereals include probiotics for digestive health. They also are allergen-free, without nuts, soy, dairy, sugar, wheat or eggs. All Happy Baby products are organic, made from non-GMO ingredients grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Plum Organics took the approach of frozenfrom-fresh for its baby foods as well. Plum, too, adds DHA to many of its offerings. Greens, grains, beans and lentils are the backbone of its similar three-stage approach to formulations, with the focus on bright colors, natural flavors and varying textures. Unlike many of the other processors, the company offers some meat and poultry items as well, using only organically raised products. “We believe that, by exposing infants and children to authentic, minimally processed foods, one can positively influence their taste buds and appreciation of healthy foods for life,” writes company founder Gigi Chang. Using the amusing acronym of “M.O.M.,” Maddy’s Organic Meals (www.maddysorganicmeals. com), Chicago, goes for a more targeted range in its three-life-stage approach. Formulating for ages 4 months, 6 months and 8 months, the company also changes textures and flavor complexities accordingly Organic and other attractive descriptors While organic is probably the main way processors are breaking away from the pablum-in-a-jar paradigm, there are a number of other approaches, including gluten-free, fresh, additive-free and other qualifiers. Some also are forsaking the jar. One company, Culver City, Calif.-based Homemade Baby (www.homemadebaby.com), added one particularly unique component to a product line that incorporates most of the trends. The company’s line of organic, gluten-free, fresh, non-GMO, kosher baby foods includes traceability for every single ingredient. The company’s foods are marketed fresh (available in resealable plastic containers in supermarket dairy cases) and cover three spectra of ages, with three different texture designations. The “So Smooth” are single-ingredient items for 6-9-month babies, the “Good Mushy” line are slightly textured, multi-ingredient recipes for 9-12-month-olds and the “Kinda Chunky” have more texture in the multi-ingredient formulations for new toddlers cutting teeth. Not content to make better foods for paying customers, Homemade Baby also employs the increasingly demanded aspect of corporate responsibility by helping to feed the poor. Ten percent of all the food it manufactures goes to charities serving undernourished children, and a percentage of its income supports Feed the Children. Happy Baby Inc. (www.happybabyfood.com), Brooklyn, N.Y., makes its certified organic, frozenfrom-fresh baby foods with ingredients that look more at home on an adult menu. “Research shows babies have much more sophisticated palates than previously understood,” says Kantha Shelke, principle for Corvus Blue, a Chicago-based consulting firm. “Adding interesting flavoring to their food allows them to develop broadened taste preferences, Many powdered baby formulas add iron. Ultra Bright Beginnings adds DHA and ARA (arachidonic acid); plus, it’s organic. Feeding the fetus The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are the major structural fats in the brain, spinal cord and retina. This makes them vital to growing fetuses. Whereas folate, critical to proper development of the spine, is now added to most flour products in the U.S., omega oils have yet to reach the level of inclusion folate enjoys. But a number of products are on the market to address this early intervention for baby’s health. Baltimore, Md.-based Vincent Foods LLC (www.ohmamabar.com) makes its Oh! Mama bars specifically for pregnant and nursing women. Fortified with DHA, they’re a satisfying alternative to regular energy bars. 8 | June 2008 www.wellnessfoodsonline.com Food Processing’s Wellness Foods™ http://www.homemadebaby.com http://www.homemadebaby.com http://www.maddysorganicmeals.com http://www.maddysorganicmeals.com http://www.happybabyfood.com http://www.ohmamabar.com http://www.wellnessfoodsonline.com

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Wellness Foods - June 2008 Feeding Baby B12 Pumps Up Energy Drinks Strong as Iron The Lure of Lignans

Wellness Foods - June 2008

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