On the shelves of our supermarkets, colorful packaging and reassuring mascots abound. However, there is distrust. After analyzing 43 everyday foods intended for children, the consumer magazine 60 Millions de consommateurs issues a warning. Its survey shows that 81% of these products are ultra-processed foods. And this, even though they present themselves as adapted to the growth of the youngest.
These products already represent 46% of the calories ingested by children, compared to 36% among adults. “Featuring reassuring visuals, many of these products give the illusion of being healthy. This is far from the case“, summarizes the consumer defense organization.
Why ultra-processed foods threaten the health of young people
In its survey, the magazine classified each reference according to the presence of ultra-processing markers, such as additives or artificial flavors. Of the 43 products studied, approximately 35 fall into this category. Seeing these recipes occupy such a place in children’s menus worries experts. They fear a depletion of essential nutrients.
Repeated consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers or mental disorders.
In children, the main risk remains overweight and early obesity. A journal publication Cell Metabolism also points to a drop in hormones and the number of motile sperm linked to the endocrine disruptors present in these products.
Marketing and shelf pitfalls: highly processed everyday products
Smiling fruits and “balanced” mentions help reassure parents in a hurry. However, this marketing masks distorted recipes.
Vegetable steaks, industrial compotes, snack biscuits, nuggets, flavored yogurts or baby cereals turn out to be full of emulsifiers, thickeners, artificial flavors, glucose syrups or modified starches.
Within the same radius, the differences are large. Some yogurts or cheeses for children have several markers when equivalents do not.
The survey shows, for example, that a Blédidej cereal “from 6 months” from the Blédina brand can accumulate up to seven ultra-processing markers. While Danonino dairy desserts or certain Yoplait Paw Patrol yogurts also contain several.
Parents: what reflexes to adopt on a daily basis?
Faced with this observation, it is appropriate to apply a precautionary principle when shopping:
- Favor raw foods: opt for unprocessed foods, natural yogurts to flavor yourself and fresh fruit;
- Focus on simple snacks: bread with a tile of chocolate or a handful of dried fruits are a good substitute for industrial cakes;
- Decipher the labels: systematically read the list of ingredients and avoid products that accumulate chemical names, glucose syrups and additives;
- Limit the frequency: preserve the health of your children by reserving ultra-processed products for extra occasions or occasional repairs.
By changing these small daily habits, you preserve your child’s health while educating their palate to real tastes.