Baby food purees feature DHA

Nov. 26, 2008

Gerber Products Co., Florham Park, N.J, now part of the Nestle Infant Nutrition portfolio, expands its line of premium baby foods with the introduction of three new dinner purees with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and one new organic dinner puree. Gerber also is relaunching its Organic Cereal varieties, providing parents even more organic options for their babies.

DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that helps support brain and eye development in infants, is found naturally in breast milk and many infant formulas, and some experts say that DHA consumption should increase as babies grow. Free of artificial flavors, varieties of Dinner Purees with DHA include: Garden Vegetables with Whole Wheat Pasta; Vegetable Risotto with Cheese; and Macaroni and Cheese with Vegetables. All provide 18mg of DHA, a full serving of vegetables and 2-3g of protein per serving.

The Organic Dinner Puree addition — Chicken with Country Vegetables and Rice — is made with whole grain and provides 2g of protein and half a serving of vegetables per serving. It contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Gerber is offering parents the opportunity to have their babies eat organic foods from the very beginning with the relaunch of its Organic Cereals made from whole grains. Whole Grain Oatmeal and Whole Grain Brown Rice are made from organic whole grain and contain Vitablocks Essential Nutrient Blend for cereals, providing an excellent source of iron and zinc for infants. They are certified organic by Oregon Tilth and can help babies learn to enjoy the flavors of a healthy diet.

“It is important to introduce babies to the healthy tastes of fruits, vegetables and whole grains,” says Jillian Rado, regulatory specialist for Nestle Infant Nutrition. “Gerber’s new varieties, including purees with DHA and organic foods for babies, provide healthy and flavorful options for parents who are concerned about providing their infants with the best nutrition.”

Suggested retail price for Dinner Purees $2.89 for an eight-ounce box of cereal.