What Does “Clean Label” Actually Mean?
Before assessing Once Upon a Farm, it's essential to understand the modern definition of a "clean label." While not a government-regulated term, the movement generally refers to foods that contain simple, natural, and familiar ingredients, free from artificial additives, preservatives, or complex chemical names. Beyond just the ingredient list, organizations like the Clean Label Project have pushed the standard further by testing for substances that may not appear on labels, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and plasticizers. This holistic approach to purity, combined with a commitment to transparency, is what many consumers now expect from a truly "clean" brand.
The once Upon a Farm Commitment to Purity
Once Upon a Farm explicitly markets its commitment to clean and transparent practices. The company's standards go beyond simple ingredient declarations to include robust third-party testing and certifications. They detail their sourcing of over 115 organic ingredients, emphasizing quality control and a farm-to-fridge philosophy. Their transparency and processing methods are key to their clean label claim, providing reassurance to parents who are increasingly concerned about what is in their children's food.
Third-Party Validation: The Clean Label Project
Perhaps the strongest evidence for Once Upon a Farm's clean label status comes from its relationship with the Clean Label Project (CLP). The CLP is an independent non-profit that tests consumer products for over 400 environmental and industrial toxins. Once Upon a Farm has been recognized with several key certifications from this organization:
- Clean Label Project Purity Award: This award is given to products with lower levels of contaminants, including heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
- Clean Label Project Pesticide-Free Certification: This verifies that products are free from harmful pesticide residues.
- 1,000 Day Promise Certification: Once Upon a Farm was the first brand to receive this, certifying the safety of their products during the critical early development years.
A Comparison of Processing Methods
Once Upon a Farm's use of High-Pressure Processing (HPP) is a crucial distinction that supports its clean label position. HPP uses intense cold water pressure to kill harmful bacteria without the need for heat, which can degrade nutrients, taste, and color. This differs significantly from traditional shelf-stable baby foods. The following table compares these two processing methods:
| Feature | Once Upon a Farm (HPP) | Conventional Shelf-Stable |
|---|---|---|
| Preservation Method | High-Pressure Processing (HPP) using cold water pressure. | High-heat pasteurization. |
| Nutrient Retention | Maximizes retention of nutrients, taste, and texture. | Heat can diminish nutrient content, flavor, and color. |
| Preservatives | No artificial preservatives needed due to HPP and refrigeration. | Often contains added citric acid or other preservatives for long-term shelf life. |
| Ingredients | Whole, organic fruits and vegetables. | May use concentrates, purees, or added water. |
| Storage | Perishable; must be refrigerated. | Shelf-stable; can be stored at room temperature. |
| Shelf Life | Shorter shelf life, typically several months. | Extended shelf life, sometimes up to two years. |
| Taste Profile | Closer to fresh, homemade food. | Altered taste due to heat processing. |
The Freshness Advantage
By leveraging HPP, Once Upon a Farm delivers a product that is not only free from harmful contaminants but also superior in its organoleptic qualities. This method is what allows their products to be refrigerated, rather than sitting on a shelf for years, which ensures a fresher taste and better nutritional profile. The emphasis on whole ingredients, along with the absence of added sugars, reinforces their commitment to providing honest, real food.
Ethical and Sustainable Practices
Beyond just the product itself, Once Upon a Farm's clean label principles extend to their broader business practices. They are a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) and focus on sustainable and ethical sourcing. Their partnerships with organizations like the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) ensure transparency in their food chain and promote healthier workplaces for farmworkers. This commitment to a cleaner planet and fairer practices resonates with the values of the modern clean label consumer.
Conclusion: A Verified Clean Label
In conclusion, Once Upon a Farm is not only a clean label brand but a leader in the space, particularly for fresh, refrigerated baby food. Their status is backed by multiple independent third-party certifications from the Clean Label Project, verifying low levels of contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides. The use of High-Pressure Processing (HPP) and their commitment to organic, whole-ingredient recipes sets them apart from conventional, shelf-stable competitors. For parents seeking transparency, safety, and a fresher alternative for their children, Once Upon a Farm provides a product that is genuinely and verifiably clean.
Center for Science in the Public Interest: The Dirty Secret of “Clean Labels”
Once Upon a Farm: A Fresh Approach to Baby Food
Once Upon a Farm’s business model centers on creating fresh, wholesome, and nutrient-rich products for babies and children by avoiding heat processing and artificial ingredients. Their high standards and transparent practices have garnered trust and recognition, setting a new benchmark for baby food safety and quality. The company’s commitment to organic ingredients and rigorous testing protocols further solidifies its reputation as a pioneer in the clean food movement.
