Trying to keep genetically engineered foods (or GMOs) away from your family is a daunting task. Without a national GMO labeling law, it can be difficult and confusing to find out the truth about what’s in your food. This can be especially tough with formula and baby food, with only a limited number of brands that are candid about their ingredient sourcing.
Milk or soy protein is the basis of most infant formulas. The secret ingredients in these products are often genetically engineered soy or milk from cows injected with rbGH. Many brands also use GE-derived corn syrup or corn syrup solids. If you can’t breastfeed, or need to supplement, buy USDA-certified organic infant formulas or formulas certified by the Non-GMO Project.
We’ve rounded up the top organic and non-GMO baby food brands so you can breathe easy and feel good about what you’re feeding your baby!
USDA Certified Organic | Non-GMO Project Verified |
Amara- Dried baby food |
Amara- Dried baby food |
Bio-Kinetics- Baby cereals |
Beech-Nut- Cereals, purees |
Earth’s Best- Cereals, purees |
Earth’s Best- Cereals, purees |
Ella’s Kitchen- Baby cereals, purees, snacks |
Fruigees- Purees |
Fruigees- Purees |
Happy Baby- Purees, yogurts, snacks |
Happy Baby- Purees, yogurts, snacks |
Little Duck Organics- Cereals, snacks |
Healthy Times Baby Food- Cereals, purees, snacks |
NurturMe- Dried cereals, purees, snacks |
Little Duck Organics- Cereals, snacks |
Oh Baby Foods- Purees |
NurturMe- Dried cereals, purees, snacks |
Organic Baby- Purees |
Oh Baby Foods- Purees |
Plum Organics- Cereals, purees, snacks |
Organic Baby- Purees |
Sweetie Pie Organics- Purees, snacks |
Peter Rabbit Organics- Purees |
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Plum Organics- Cereals, purees, snacks |
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Sprout Organic Foods- Cereals, purees |
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Sweetie Pie Organics- Purees, snacks |
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Yummy Spoonfuls- Purees |
If you are committed to avoiding genetically engineered foods and can’t find any of the brands listed above, your best bet is to go organic or look for brands that are verified by the Non-GMO Project to avoid baby foods with GMOs. USDA certified organic foods are not produced using GMOs. The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit that offers North America’s only third-party verification and labeling for non-GMO food.
You can also make your own baby food. Puree fresh fruits and veggies (except non-organic papaya, yellow squash, zucchini, or sweet corn, which may all be genetically engineered) daily for your baby, or try preparing a large batch and freezing it in small jars, bags, ice trays or small containers to thaw and use later. This gives you the ease of portable, serving-sized jars, and lets you know exactly what’s in it because you made it!
Be sure to read our True Food Shopper’s Guide for a complete reference to avoiding GE foods in the supermarket.