Understanding the NOVA Food Classification System
To determine if Once Upon a Farm is ultra processed, one must first understand the NOVA classification system. This system, developed in Brazil, categorizes all foods based on the nature, extent, and purpose of the industrial processes they undergo. It is composed of four distinct groups:
- NOVA Group 1: Unprocessed and minimally processed foods. These are natural foods altered only slightly by processes like cleaning, freezing, or pasteurization to increase shelf-life without adding other substances. Examples include fresh fruits, vegetables, and frozen plain meat.
- NOVA Group 2: Processed culinary ingredients. These are substances like oils, sugar, and salt derived from Group 1 foods and used primarily for cooking. They are not intended for direct consumption.
- NOVA Group 3: Processed foods. This group combines Group 1 and 2 ingredients, creating simple products like canned vegetables in brine or cheeses. Processing is typically for preservation.
- NOVA Group 4: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These are industrial formulations often containing many ingredients, including those not typically found in a home kitchen (e.g., flavor enhancers, emulsifiers, artificial colors). They are designed for convenience, palatability, and long shelf life.
The Role of High-Pressure Processing (HPP)
Once Upon a Farm explicitly states that its products are made with certified organic, non-GMO ingredients, with no added sugars or synthetic preservatives. Instead of traditional heat pasteurization, they utilize High-Pressure Processing (HPP). HPP uses intense cold pressure to kill harmful microorganisms while preserving the nutrients, flavor, and texture of the fresh ingredients.
This is the central point of contention. Some proponents of the strictest interpretation of the NOVA system might classify HPP as a non-traditional industrial process that alters the food beyond minimal processing, pushing it toward the 'ultra-processed' category. However, many nutrition experts and food scientists argue this perspective is overly simplistic. The purpose of HPP is preservation, akin to freezing or pasteurization, but without the negative impact on heat-sensitive nutrients and flavor. Unlike UPFs, no synthetic ingredients or industrial additives are used to achieve this stability.
Analyzing Once Upon a Farm's Ingredients
Unlike classic examples of ultra-processed baby food, such as shelf-stable purées or highly sweetened cereals, Once Upon a Farm's ingredients list is relatively simple. A typical pouch contains organic fruits, vegetables, and sometimes other whole-food ingredients like coconut cream or seeds. Critically, the company's products are perishable and require refrigeration, which directly contrasts with the long shelf-life characteristic of most ultra-processed alternatives. This dependence on refrigeration is a strong indicator that the food has not been subjected to the same aggressive processing techniques designed for shelf stability.
Comparison: Once Upon a Farm vs. Traditional Ultra-Processed Baby Food
| Feature | Once Upon a Farm | Traditional Ultra-Processed Baby Food |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Method | High-Pressure Processing (HPP); cold-pressed | High-heat pasteurization or extensive cooking |
| Key Ingredients | Organic fruits, vegetables, and whole-food ingredients | Processed purees, juices, or powders |
| Additives | No added sugars, preservatives, or synthetic additives | Often includes stabilizers, flavor enhancers, and added sugars |
| Shelf Life | Perishable; must be refrigerated | Shelf-stable for extended periods at room temperature |
| Nutrient Retention | HPP preserves heat-sensitive vitamins and nutrients | High heat can degrade nutrient content |
| NOVA Classification | Debatable; generally considered minimally processed or simply processed based on purpose | Clearly fits into the ultra-processed category |
The Verdict: Minimally Processed with Industrial Technique
Ultimately, whether Once Upon a Farm is 'ultra processed' depends on your interpretation of the NOVA system. If you classify any industrial technique, like HPP, as a form of ultra-processing, then it could be considered so. However, a more functional and nutritionally-focused perspective concludes otherwise. The company uses a modern, industrial technique for the purpose of preservation and food safety, not to create a hyper-palatable, nutrient-poor food product using industrial additives.
Because its products are made from whole, organic ingredients with no synthetic additives and maintain a fresh, perishable nature, Once Upon a Farm aligns far more closely with the ideals of minimally processed food than the definition of ultra-processed food. The use of HPP simply replaces a more damaging preservation method (heat) with a superior one (cold pressure), achieving the goal of safety and longevity without sacrificing nutritional integrity. This is a crucial distinction that most nutritionists and parents will find significant.
Authoritative Link
For further reading on the NOVA classification system and the complex debate around processed foods, explore the detailed paper from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Ultra-processed foods, diet quality and human health
Conclusion
While the term 'ultra-processed' has become a common public health concern, applying it broadly and without nuance can be misleading. Once Upon a Farm's manufacturing process uses HPP, an industrial technique, but its purpose is to maintain freshness and safety without resorting to the synthetic additives and high-heat methods common in true ultra-processed products. With simple, organic ingredients and a perishable nature, Once Upon a Farm products are a healthier alternative and stand in stark contrast to the industrially-formulated, shelf-stable foods that define the ultra-processed category.
