Core Ingredients in Little Bellies Snacks
Little Bellies uses natural, organic, and simple ingredients. The brand avoids added sugar, salt, and artificial colors or flavors. Corn is the main ingredient for many of their puffed or stick-shaped snacks, and wholegrain flours are used in baked goods.
Puffs and Sticks
Little Bellies puffs and 'Pick-Me' sticks are often corn-based. Key ingredients include:
- Organic Corn Flour or Degerminated Yellow Corn Meal: This forms the base of the snack.
- Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil or Canola Oil: Used for baking, these oils contribute to texture and are a healthier fat source.
- Organic Fruit and Vegetable Powders: Fruit powders like banana or blueberry are used for taste. Vegetable powders, like carrot, are used for savory options.
- Mineral (Iron) and Vitamin (B1): Some products are fortified with iron and vitamin B1.
- Organic Rosemary Extract: Added as a natural antioxidant.
Crackers and Biscuits
Little Bellies offers crackers and biscuits for toddlers. These incorporate different types of flours and sweeteners:
- Organic Whole Wheat Flour: Provides wholegrain content.
- Organic Grape Juice Concentrate: Used to provide a subtle, natural sweetness.
- Leavening Agents: Ingredients like sodium bicarbonate help the crackers achieve their crispy consistency.
Fruit Bars
Their fruit bars provide a chewier texture for toddlers. Ingredients are typically simple:
- Organic Dried Apricot or Date: These fruits offer natural sweetness and fiber.
- Organic Wholegrain Oat Flour: Binds the bar together.
- Organic Sunflower Oil: Helps achieve the desired consistency.
Comparison of Snack Ingredients
Here is a comparison table of ingredients for three different Little Bellies products:
| Feature | Organic Banana Pick-Me Sticks | Organic Veggie Tubes (Sweetcorn & Carrot) | Organic Animal Crackers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Organic Degerminated Yellow Corn Meal, Organic Banana Powder | Organic Yellow Corn Flour, Organic Tapioca Flour, Organic Carrot Powder, Organic Sweetcorn Powder | Organic Whole Wheat Flour, Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Grape Juice Concentrate |
| Fats/Oils | Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil or Canola Oil | Organic Sunflower Oil or Rapeseed Oil | Organic Palm Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil |
| Sweeteners | Organic Banana Powder | None added, flavored with vegetable powders | Organic Grape Juice Concentrate |
| Fortification | Iron (Ferric Pyrophosphate) | No fortification listed | No fortification listed |
| Age Appropriateness | From 7+ months | From 12+ months | From 12+ months |
| Flavoring | Organic Banana Powder, Organic Rosemary Extract | Organic Vegetable Powders, Organic Rosemary Extract | Organic Grape Juice Concentrate, Organic Rosemary Extract |
Natural Ingredients and Organic Certification
The company's commitment to natural and organic ingredients is a key brand differentiator. The ingredients are sourced from suppliers that practice organic farming, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The use of organic fruit and vegetable powders, rather than refined sugars and artificial additives, ensures the final product is wholesome. A natural process is also used to extend shelf life. This provides reassurance about the quality and safety of the food. The company also maintains a clear allergen policy, listing potential cross-contamination on their packaging. You can read more about their ingredient principles on the official Little Bellies website.
Conclusion
Little Bellies snacks use organic, natural ingredients and are chosen with a focus on nutrition for babies and toddlers. The ingredients vary depending on the product, from corn-based puffs with fruit powders to wholegrain crackers with grape juice concentrate. By using simple ingredients and avoiding unnecessary additives, Little Bellies provides a range of snacks that parents can feel good about giving to their children.
