Nestlé’s Double Standard in Baby Foods Across the Globe

Image Credit: Public Eye

Nestlé has been adding sugar to its baby products in developing countries while selling sugar-free versions of the same food in Europe. This surprising fact about the world’s largest food company raises issues about corporate responsibility, public health, and fairness in nutrition. Introducing sugar early in life can affect children’s long-term eating habits, which may impact their health later, so this issue needs to be addressed to parents and health professionals alike.

Baby foods are meant to be safe and nutritionally balanced during early stages of development. However, a report from Public Eye, a Swiss investigative organisation, found that many Nestlé Cerelac baby cereals sold in India, Ethiopia, and Thailand contain added sugar or honey, up to 6 grams per serving in some cases, while the same Cerelac products sold in the UK, Germany, and Switzerland contain no added sugar at all. Considering that the WHO and other organisations recommend no added sugar for infants and toddlers under two years old, as it can lead to early sugar dependence and increase the risk of obesity and diabetes later in life, this is a significant concern.

If you look at this paper published recently in 2025, it examines baby foods from Nestlé’s African markets. They found 114 products, with 93% (106) containing added sugar, and in the follow-up formulas, 72% contained added sugar. So, I think it is important for countries to have guidelines for commercial baby foods and drinks to improve labelling and marketing and to protect children. One example is that the UK has started to publish voluntary industry guidelines, which corporations would need to follow in order to get their products on the shelf.

Nestle recognises the issue and is attempting reformulation, but the rollout is gradual and not yet universal, which means the "double Standard" concern remains relevant.