In a previous entry, I wrote about my choice to change to BPA – free bottles. Now, I am feeding my 7 month-old organic baby food to try to keep as many artificial ingredients out of her food as possible. It seems to me that you can’t go wrong with organic foods; they are pesticide free and are typically grown in a fashion that is better for our environment. The main trade off is the cost of going organic.
The main two brands out there are Gerber Organics and Earth’s Best. Both have a full line of baby food that is certified organic and made without pesticides or hormones. Earth’s Best has a couple additional benefits which include:
– Made from only whole grains, which play a role in the prevention of heart disease and high blood pressure.
– Fiber rich which prevents constipation.
– Helps to control blood sugar levels which may reduce the risk of type II diabetes.
– No added salt, modified starches or refined sugars.
– No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
I did some Smarty research to see who offers organic baby food at the best price:
Harris Teeter
Earth’s Best
4 oz. (6 month and up) – 5/$5.00 or $1.00 each
6 oz. (9 months and up) – $1.19
Gerber Organics (on average is about $.30 more than regular)
4 oz. (2nd Foods) – $.89
6 oz. (3rd Foods) – $1.19
2.5 (2 – pack plastic)- $1.49
Food Lion
Earth’s Best
4 oz. (6 month and up) – $.79
6 oz. (9 months and up) – $.99
Gerber Organics
4 oz. (2nd Foods) – $.77
6 oz. (3rd Foods) – $.99
2.5 (2 – pack plastic) 2 for $3.00 or $1.50 each pack
Earth Fare (Does not carry Gerber Organics)
Earth’s Best
4 oz. (6 month and up) – $.79 to $.99
6 oz. (9 months and up) – $1.29
Target
Earth’s Best
2.5 oz. (4 month and up) – $.44
4 oz. (6 months and up) – $.64
Gerber Organics
4 oz. (2nd Foods) – $.84
2.5 (2 – pack plastic)- $1.19
3.5 (2 -pack plastic)- $1.44
Please note that these prices were based on the size of the product, but I do think that different ingredients (such as meats and vegetables versus just vegetables can cost more for the same size). All retailers had different flavors at the time that I did my review. Overall, I found that Harris Teeter was by far the most expensive for Earth’s Best and Target was the cheapest, but you can go to Earthsbest.com and get coupons to help offset the cost.
13 comments
I saw some organic baby foods in the frozen section at Earth Fare the other day and they looked tempting.
Can you do an entry about BPA-free Pacifiers?
I always enjoy to read what you write because Isabella is almost the same age as your baby. I like to give Bella organic baby food as well. Your tips are always welcome!:)Marie Bunich
I too am doing as much organic food as possible but I have noticed on the back of the jars of Earth’s Best organic foods that have chicken or turkey in them that they list the meat as “mechanically separated” which is a little scary to me. I have avoided those products and made my own instead which isn’t as hard and is a bit more cost effective as well.
It is much easier and cheaper to buy organic food for adults and mush it or steam it and stick it in your processor. There is no reason to buy baby food when you can easily make your own and then you know exactly what your child is consuming. One can start with some of the simple foods, such as steamed finger foods: lima beans, peas, carrots, cubed sweet potatoes, etc..
When Jack still ate baby food, I was able to buy organic at the main grocery stores but also found it at Target and my local Babies R US. Now that he’s 2 1/2 we still maintain organic as much as possible. We’ve always done organic milk and I do as much organic food as possible. I find it very important.
I did all organic baby food for my guys when they were little and found that Home Economist had the best prices. They have a brand called Organic Baby that was typically 59 cents (for the small size) and you could get a case discount as well.
The most cost effective way to feed healthy food is to make it yourself. It really isn’t that difficult…wash, boil, smash, freeze. I have found it to be way cheaper and doesn’t take as much time as you’d think.
I like Earth’s best better than Gerber, b/c not all of Gerber’s plastics are BPH free (and they use #7 plastic), and Earth’s Best containers are made of glass. Of course making your own food is best, but sometimes grab and go is a must in a busy household.
We did all organic baby food and still do. I love the variety at Babies R Us. They have organic snacks for toddlers that don’t have added sugar. I love the peanut butter and jelly bars since they aren’t as messy and are the right toddler size.
I use Earth’s Best too, because it is in the jars. I only buy the veggies though. The meat, even though organic, still kind of freaks me out and the fruits are just too easy to make in my magic bullet blender. My 9 month old son’s favorite is plain yogurt that I mix with banana and frozen organic berries that I buy at Trader Joe’s. Yummy and cheap. Also, WAY less sugar than organic Yo Baby.
Buying organic can be very affordable if you shop around. I've found BabiesRUs to have the best sales if you're a member. I've bought Earth's Best 4oz jars for 50 cents each during special sales (less than some regular baby food prices so why wouldn't you buy?). Another option is drugstore.com. They sometimes have sales and if you go through the discover card website (people with discover credit cards probably know this) you get an additional 5% cash back reward. I've bought Plum Organics pouches for less than a dollar each on sale. Another okay option is ecomom.com but only when they're having a sale and/or you use a first time 15% discount code (SB004964). I buy the plum organic training meals there. Hope this helps :o>
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