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Nearly 60% of baby foods in U.S. grocery stores don’t meet nutrition standards, study finds
Baby foods, from snack pouches to jarred purees found in grocery stores across the United States, may be less healthy than you think, according to new research.
In the study, published in the journal Nutrients Wednesday, researchers at The George Institute for Global Health analyzed 651 commercially produced infant and toddler foods across 10 different grocery chains in the U.S. They found nearly 60% of the foods failed to meet nutritional standards set by the World Health Organization.
Among all products, 70% failed to meet protein requirements and 44% exceeded total sugar recommendations. In addition, 1 in 4 products didn’t meet calorie requirements and 1 in 5 exceeded recommended sodium limits.
“In this study, what they seem to be showing is that most of the processed baby foods that are sold in grocery stores contain very processed ingredients, high levels of salt, sugar and fat,” Dr. Ellie Erickson, a pediatrician at Duke University, told “CBS Mornings.”
The most concerning products were those aimed at convenience, including snack foods and pouches.
“Snack and finger foods, such as fruit bars, cereal bars, and puffed snacks, made up nearly 20% of products available for purchase in 2023 yet had some of the lowest compliance rates across the WHO’s nutrition and promotional criteria,” the authors wrote in the study. “These foods contained low levels of protein and high levels of energy, sodium, and sugar and frequently contained added free sugars and sweeteners.”
The rising popularity of processed convenience foods for young children is concerning, Elizabeth Dunford, research fellow at The George Institute and adjunct assistant professor at the University of North Carolina, said in a news release.
“Early childhood is a crucial period of rapid growth and when taste preferences and dietary habits form, potentially paving the way for the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and some cancers later in life,” she said. “Time-poor parents are increasingly choosing convenience foods, unaware that many of these products lack key nutrients needed for their child’s development and tricked into believing they are healthier than they really are.”
The study did not share any specific brands, but Erickson says parents can go back to baby food basics if they want to avoid some of these products.
“There is convenience there, especially for things being shelf stable, but it doesn’t have to be rocket science to make food for your baby. Simple, whole foods are going to be fine,” she said.
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How to watch the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions game today: Livestream options, more
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It will be the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Detroit Lions in a game today. The game will be played at Ford Field in Detroit. The Jaguars will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak, coming into the game with a record of just 2-8. The Lions, meanwhile, have just lost once so far this season for an overall resume of 8-1. Their single loss this season was to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in September.
Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions game today, even if you don’t have cable.
CBS, Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are all subsidiaries of Paramount Global.
How and when to watch the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions game today
The Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions game will be played on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The NFL football game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions game without cable
While CBS is available with many basic cable packages, you don’t need to worry if you don’t have access. Whether you have cable or have completely cut the cord, the game will be available with a variety of other options. Just note that the below streaming options will require the use of an internet provider:
Paramount+: Watch CBS-aired NFL games without cable
With Paramount+ you’ll have multiple viewing options to choose from. You can catch NFL games on the Paramount+ Essential tier for just $7.99 each month or you can watch college football with a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription for $12.99 monthly. In addition to live streams of NFL games airing on CBS, you’ll get to watch additional live sporting events including NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, soccer and more.
Get started with Paramount+ here today.
Amazon Prime Video: Add Paramount+ to your existing subscription
Already have an Amazon Prime Video account? Simply add Paramount+ to your current subscription to watch all the CBS-aired NFL games in addition to Paramount+ originals. The same prices from above apply, depending on which tier you choose. Not sure which is best for you? Don’t worry. Both options come with a free seven-day trial that can help you decide.
Watch the Jaguars-Lions game on Amazon Prime Video.
Fubo: Watch the Jaguars-Lions game for free
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to watch a variety of football games, Fubo could be the best way to do so. The live TV streamer is currently offering a seven-day free trial and $30 off of your first month’s subscription. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to all of their live sporting events immediately. And there will be a lot to choose from. Not only does Fubo come with access to NFL games airing on your local CBS channel, it also includes Fox Sunday NFC games, “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN and all of the games that air on the NFL Network. So don’t wait.
Get started with Fubo online now.
As the football season ramps up you may want to stock up on the latest NFL gear and merchandise. Fanatics is a great way to do so. With the latest player t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies and more, there’s plenty of stuff in stock to keep you covered this season. But don’t wait much longer. As each week in the season passes by competition for this limited merchandise will increase. Don’t wait for it to sell out.
Head over to Fanatics now to check out the latest NFL fan gear drop.