Baby Food: Fresh versus Shelf-Stable
As the owners of a fresh baby food business and a reusable food pouch company, we have the pleasure of meeting with many parents and discussing healthy foods for babies and young children. “How is fresh (or homemade) baby food different than the organic baby food in jars or pouches” is a question we get asked a lot. 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 without the presence 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 baby food, must be stored cold and consumed within a shorter time frame.
When purchasing from local fresh baby food companies or making homemade baby food, you have the ability to take advantage of local produce. 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 food companies 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, some fresh baby food businesses use compostable packaging. Their foods as well as homemade baby food can also be packed in a reusable food pouch such as the Little Green Pouch. While store bought disposable pouches may be a convenient choice, the pouches are not recyclable and create a lot of waste. In addition to being an eco-friendly pouch solution, the Little Green Pouch is ideal for on-the-go freshness.
Finally, we can’t ignore the fact that locally made fresh purees and homemade purees contain a wider variety of flavors and textures than shelf stable pouches and jars. Fresh herbs and spices can be used to entice developing palettes and foster more adventurous eaters. It is well known that babies need fat for optimal brain development. Therefore, fats such as butter, olive oil, coconut milk and coconut oil can also be incorporated. Meats providing protein and easily absorbed sources of iron are also great additions as well as the use of fresh vegetable stock and even bone broth instead of water for additional flavor and a nutritional boost.
Based on the information presented, we realize you still need to find a balance that makes sense for you and your family. For some, homemade baby food may not be an option for one reason or another. For others, they may find that their baby only wants to eat out of a pouch. Well, we are happy to tell you that you have options. As mentioned several times, many fresh baby food businesses are popping up all over the country these days. There are even three right here in the Bay Area. And, if you need the convenience of a pouch, we strongly suggest you give the Little Green Pouch a try. This reusable squeeze pouch is perfect for homemade baby food, smoothies or yogurt as well as fresh purees from local baby food companies.
Starter Kits and Accessory Sets Now Available
STARTER KITS AND ACCESSORY SETS—THE PERFECT GIFT
We are so excited to now offer two Little Green Pouch Starter Kits and an Accessory Kit. Looking for the perfect gift for a new mom or the Little Green Pouch fanatic? Pick up a kit with everything you need. Plus, when you bundle, you save 15% off everything in the kit. We have two different size starter kits and an accessory kit to make choosing your pouches and accessories easier than ever.
Small Starter Pack1 4-pack of Little Green Pouches
1 Mini Collapsable Funnel
1 Bottle Brush
Roll of 60 Dissolvable Content & Date Labels
Large Starter Pack
1 4-pack of Little Green Pouches
1 4-pack of PouchPops
1 Mini Collapsable Funnel
1 Bottle Brush
1 4-pack of Extra Caps
Roll of 60 Dissolvable Content & Date Labels
1 Mini Collapsable Funnel
4-pack of Extra Caps
1 Bottle Brush
1 4-pack of PouchPops
Roll of 60 Dissolvable Content & Date Labels
SUMMER SAVINGS
Stock up on pouches, or try something new with our Summer Sale. Enjoy 10% off your entire order through Friday, June 14th. Enter SUMMER10 at checkout.
A New Accessory to Make Pouch Feeding Even Easier
Did you think feeding from Little Green Pouch couldn't get any easier? So did we until we met the folks at PouchPop. We are so excited to team up with PouchPop to bring you yet another way to enjoy your Little Green Pouch and make the transition from bottle to self-feeding easy and intuitive for your little ones. Our kids LOVE using PouchPop and other parents are singing the PouchPops's praises on Amazon, too.
"Love this product! My daughter was having trouble eating the pouch foods because she couldn't figure out what to do with it and would squeeze the food out and make a mess. When I put the PouchPop on she immediately knew to suck the food out as if it were a bottle. Now she is a pro and with the help of PouchPop she can enjoy the pouched foods. Great product!" - Kasia
"I have not seen any other product for pouches to be more advanced and helpful in the journey to help your little one become an independent eater. I have given these PouchPop toppers to parents and parents-to-be which is the highest recommendation I could ever give." - Trent W.
"Great idea, easy to use and dishwasher safe. I like the PouchPop so much that I am giving these as baby shower gifts to all my pregnant friends!"
So, what is PouchPop? PouchPop was meticulously designed by a father of 3, to be a hospital-grade silicone barrier between the hard plastic pouch spout and your baby's (possibly teething!) mouth and gums. The silicone PouchPop extends the length of the spout by more than 1", acting almost like a mini straw that babies love to chew and suck from. Engineered with the highest quality materials and input from from pediatricians, this little product is a lot smarter than it looks! Get yours here.
- Available in an assorted color 4-pk
- Pediatrician Recommended & CPSC compliant
- Naturally BPA and Phthalate Free
- Dishwasher-Safe
- 100% Made in USA
- Premium and soothing Hospital-Grade Silicone
- Promotes infant self-feeding and natural transition from bottle-feeding
Little Green Pouch's Mom of the Year Contest
As you may have guessed, Mother's Day is one of our favorite holidays. We want to take this Mother's Day to honor all the wonderful mothers in our lives. If you know someone who is always taking care of everyone else and deserves a special treat, nominate her in our first annual Mother of the Year Contest. Whether it is a coworker, friend, aunt, mom, sister, grandmother or anyone else, nominate her on Facebook. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! Head over to Facebook and enter today! Two moms will win an LGP starter kit and a Massage Envy gift card!
Easy Ways to Go Green, Plus an Earth Day Giveaway
Earth Day is coming up on Monday, April 22nd and we wanted to share some tips on easy things you can do to make your everyday life a little greener. We are committed to doing our part to protect our environment for future generations, and every little bit helps. This Earth Day make the choice to add one or two new green acts to your daily routine.
AROUND THE HOUSE
See The Light
Installing a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) is the quickest and easiest way to save energy. CFLs convert most of the energy they use into light rather than heat, making them more energy efficient. Bonus: They consume about 75 percent less electricity and last up to 10 times longer, saving you money!
Unplug
Any electronics with LED (light emitting diode) that glows even after you turn it off continues to draw power (that you pay for). Unplug your TV, cell phone charger, and printer from wall sockets and plug them into power strips instead. When you leave a room, flip the strip switch to cut the flow of electricity.
Recycle Your E-Waste
IN THE KITCHEN
Shop Local
Did you know that typical grocery store produce travels nearly 1,500 miles before it ends up on your plate? That means added pollution, not to mention food that isn't very fresh. Shop at your local farmers market, join a CSA, and request that your local grocery store carries more local foods. Remember, vote with your fork! Buying from local farmers means you're not only getting the freshest food possible, you're saving energy.
Make Convenience Food Eco-Friendly
As parents, we appreciate convenience, and the market for convenience food aimed at parents of little ones is vast. We've all seen the aisles full of disposable food pouches. Before we created Little Green Pouch, those pouches were often the only thing that got Maggie through a trip to the grocery store with her two boys. But the waste is just mind-boggling.
This Earth Day we challenge you to make the switch to creating your own convenience food. With a little planning and prep, you can have healthy on-the-go snacks at your finger tips without the waste of other store-bought snack. Bonus: you will also know exactly what you are feeding your little ones. Buy fruit, veggies, grains, yogurt and other favorite foods in bulk. Check out our recipes for some of our favorites. Fill your Little Green Pouch with the cooked and pureed yumminess of your choice, label and pop in the freezer. When you need a convenient snack, throw a pouch in your bag and you are ready to go!
~ GO GREEN GIVEAWAY ~
To make going green in the kitchen even easier, we are giving away a Little Green Pouch Starter Kit! Enter below by 11:59 p.m. PST Monday April 22nd for a chance to win:
4-Pack of Little Green Pouch
Dispensing Funnel
Bottle Brush
Dissolvable Content & Dat Labels
Extra Caps
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