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When it comes to feeding our kids, there are a lot of choices to make. One thing we don’t do in our household, though, is use those fruit and veggie squeeze pouches.
You know the ones I’m talking about. They’re convenient, easy to grab, and marketed as a healthy snack. But after some careful thought before we even had kids, I decided we wouldn’t be a “pouch house.”
In this post, I’ll dive into why we made that decision—and whether or not skipping the pouches might be the right choice for you too!
1. They’re Expensive
One of the main reasons we decided to skip the pouches is the cost. When you compare the price of pouches to buying in bulk, they are way more expensive.
Let’s break it down:
Wal-Mart Great Value Brand Unsweetened Applesauce
- Bulk Jar Applesauce (46 oz): $3.12 ($0.068/oz)
- 6 cups of applesauce (4 oz each): $2.24 ($0.093/oz)
- 24 pouches (3.2 oz each): $9.98 ($0.13/oz)
As you can see, the cost per ounce for the pouches is double what we would pay for a jar or a larger container of applesauce. Over time, those costs really add up!
If you are interested in saving money and making your own baby food check out this article!
How to Save Money by Making Your Own Baby Food
2. They’re Unnecessary
At the end of the day, pouches are a luxury item. Food should be eaten in its most natural form, and while pureeing fruit into a bowl or making smoothies every so often is okay, the idea of using pouches as a daily snack just didn’t sit right with us.
One of the main reasons I didn’t want to use pouches is that they don’t help kids learn to experience and enjoy food in its natural form. Eating whole fruits and veggies—where they can feel textures, taste different flavors, and chew—is a huge part of developing healthy eating habits. Pouches can limit that experience.
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3. They Can Cause Harm
Another factor in our decision to avoid toddler food pouches is the potential harm they can cause, especially when it comes to snacking habits.
Constant snacking on pouches can lead to kids not developing the habit of sitting down to enjoy a proper meal at the table. It can also create a “snacking lifestyle” that isn’t ideal for long-term eating habits.
Additionally, the sugar in many of these pouches sits on kids’ teeth, contributing to dental health issues like cavities. As we all know, dental health is so important—especially with toddlers who are still learning to care for their teeth. The more sugar they have sitting on their teeth throughout the day, the more likely they are to develop cavities.
Cavities are both costly and painful!
4. Good Intentions, But…
I get it—pouches are convenient. When you’re on the go, they can be a lifesaver. And yes, they do offer a way to get fruits and veggies into your little ones, which is a good thing, of course!
But it can quickly become a habit—one that you might not even realize is forming. Before you know it, you might find yourself reaching for a pouch every time your child says they’re hungry, even at home. While the intent is good (getting your kids to eat fruits and veggies), overdoing it can lead to some unintended consequences.
5. Setting Boundaries with Pouches
If you do choose to use pouches for your kids, it’s important to set some boundaries around them.
- Focus on using pouches for vegetables rather than fruits. Kids are usually much more willing to eat fruit, so veggies can be a great use for pouches.
- Limit the use to one pouch per day, and only when you’re out and about. Don’t make pouches a regular at-home snack.
- Pouches should be reserved for “on-the-go” moments, not something your kids rely on as a regular snack at home.
By setting these rules, you can still enjoy the convenience of pouches while keeping a balanced approach to feeding your kids.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Are toddler food pouches worth it? For us, they’re not. But every family is different, and I totally understand that some people find them helpful, especially for busy days or while traveling.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to what works best for you and your kids. If you decide to use them, setting some boundaries around how often and when you use them can help make sure they don’t become a crutch.
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