A study of toddler foods sold in Austin, Texas, found that more than four in five products were ultra-processed, raising concerns about the nutritional quality of foods marketed to very young children. The findings matter because early diets can shape children’s tastes and eating habits, while parents may assume products in toddler-food aisles meet suitable nutritional standards.

Researchers photographed and assessed 2,783 products for children aged six to 36 months across 21 grocery shops, excluding formula, drinks and purées. Eighty-one per cent were classed as ultra-processed, and 49 per cent failed at least one World Health Organization benchmark for sugar, sodium, fat or energy density; ultra-processed products were particularly likely to exceed sugar limits. The preliminary findings were presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s 2026 conference.