Baby Food Manufacturers Key Terms

Stay informed on baby food manufacturing terminology

Baby food manufacturing is a very complex business that is constantly changing. The recommendations for babies' nutrition are always evolving, keeping the baby food manufacturers constantly in flux. It is important to always know the newest trends like prebiotics as well as to keep up with the most popular products containing hydrolyzed proteins or ARA. Along with the changes remain the constant, most common baby food manufacturing elements such as the use of emulsifiers and the spray drying process. No matter what, it is essential to be informed of all of the baby food manufacturing jargon in order to stay competitive.

 

Hydrolyzed protein formula

Hydrolyzed protein formula is given to children that have a hard time digesting typical formula. In a hydrolyzed formula the protein has been broken down much further then in other formulas creating an easier to digest formula.
Try: Child Birth Solutions discusses how to choose the proper formula.

Arachidonic acid, ARA

Arachidonic acid, ARA, is an essential fatty acid that is added to many baby formulas. ARA is said to have health benefits for infants such as aiding in brain and eye development.
Try: Keep Kids Healthy outlines the benefits of arachidonic acid.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are live cultures that add "healthy bacteria" to baby cereal, yogurt, and jarred baby food. The idea is that the bacteria would promote healthy digestion and a happier baby.
Try: The Parenting Group discusses the benefits of prebiotic baby food.

Dirty dozen

The dirty dozen refers to a group of fruits and vegetables that are more likely to hold pesticides and other harmful chemicals then others. Some consumers are wary of this group of produce.
Try: Happy Baby Food explains the dirty dozen and acceptable baby food alternatives.

Spray drying

Spray drying is the process of making baby formula where a liquid is dried into a powder. The process does not compromise the integrity of the raw ingredients and accounts for the fragility of some of the ingredients.
Try: GEA Process Engineering explains the whole process of producing powdered baby formula.

Emulsifiers/stabilizers

Emulsifiers, also referred to as stabilizers, are molecules that ensure that the oil and water within baby formula does not separate. The molecule consists of one water-adaptable end and one oil-adaptable end. Together, the molecule holds the different parts of the liquid together to make a homogeneous product.
Try: How Products Are Made describes how emulsifiers fit into the production of baby food.

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