Confessions from the Pouch

Baby Food: Fresh versus Shelf-Stable

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Amanda Holliday | 87 Comments

As the owners of a fresh baby food business and a reusable food pouch company, we have the pleasure of meeting with many parents and discussing healthy foods for babies and young children. “How is fresh (or homemade) baby food different than the organic baby food in jars or pouches” is a question we get asked a lot. It’s a good question and we always enjoy the opportunity to discuss the difference. We believe knowledge is a very powerful tool and our goal is to share what we know and then let parents decide what makes the most sense for their family given their individual circumstances and nutritional beliefs.

Before we begin, let us first define “shelf stable”. Shelf stable is a term we use to describe foods that have been prepared or processed in such a way that allows for long-term storage without the need for refrigeration. The processing of pouched or jarred baby food involves the use of extremely high temperatures in an effort to kill bacteria and other harmful pathogens. The food is then sealed to create an oxygen free environment that makes it impossible for bacteria to grow (with the exception of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterial strain with the ability to cultivate without the presence of oxygen). These extreme temperatures are believed to have a negative impact on the concentration of certain heat sensitive vitamins and minerals.

Fresh on the other hand refers to foods that are either uncooked or cooked using conventional methods. Freshly prepared foods, such as baby food, must be stored cold and consumed within a shorter time frame.

When purchasing from local fresh baby food companies or making homemade baby food, you have the ability to take advantage of local produce. Using local ingredients affects the nutritional content of fruits and veggies, which naturally decreases between the time they are harvested and the time they are consumed. Since local produce does not have to be transported as far, it can also be picked closer to peak ripeness when nutrients are most dense. In most cases it is not clear where mass-produced organic baby food companies source their ingredients. We don’t know how long the fruits and vegetables have been stored or how far they have travelled. Many certified organic fruits and vegetables grown outside of the U.S. are actually sprayed with pesticides post-harvest before they enter the United States. However, this does not change their organic certification. Further, foreign countries are still using chemicals that are currently banned in the United States.

Supporting local farmers is better for our environment and local economy. Many local farmers have strong connections to their land and minimize their impact on the environment by using sustainable practices, such as no-till agriculture and composting. Minimal travel distances and packaging for their farm products also contribute to the well being of our environment. Food grown locally, processed locally, and distributed locally generates jobs and subsequently helps stimulate local economies. For these reasons, there are many organizations popping up today to help foster and support local food systems, such as Good Eggs and Slow Money.

In addition to using local ingredients, some fresh baby food businesses use compostable packaging. Their foods as well as homemade baby food can also be packed in a reusable food pouch such as the Little Green Pouch. While store bought disposable pouches may be a convenient choice, the pouches are not recyclable and create a lot of waste. In addition to being an eco-friendly pouch solution, the Little Green Pouch is ideal for on-the-go freshness.

Finally, we can’t ignore the fact that locally made fresh purees and homemade purees contain a wider variety of flavors and textures than shelf stable pouches and jars. Fresh herbs and spices can be used to entice developing palettes and foster more adventurous eaters. It is well known that babies need fat for optimal brain development. Therefore, fats such as butter, olive oil, coconut milk and coconut oil can also be incorporated. Meats providing protein and easily absorbed sources of iron are also great additions as well as the use of fresh vegetable stock and even bone broth instead of water for additional flavor and a nutritional boost.

Based on the information presented, we realize you still need to find a balance that makes sense for you and your family. For some, homemade baby food may not be an option for one reason or another. For others, they may find that their baby only wants to eat out of a pouch. Well, we are happy to tell you that you have options. As mentioned several times, many fresh baby food businesses are popping up all over the country these days. There are even three right here in the Bay Area. And, if you need the convenience of a pouch, we strongly suggest you give the Little Green Pouch a try. This reusable squeeze pouch is perfect for homemade baby food, smoothies or yogurt as well as fresh purees from local baby food companies.

Posted in Go Green, Kids, Little Green Pouch, Must Haves, Pureed Contents, Shout Out

A New Accessory to Make Pouch Feeding Even Easier

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Amanda Holliday | 1 Comment

Did you think feeding from Little Green Pouch couldn't get any easier? So did we until we met the folks at PouchPop. We are so excited to team up with PouchPop to bring you yet another way to enjoy your Little Green Pouch and make the transition from bottle to self-feeding easy and intuitive for your little ones. Our kids LOVE using PouchPop and other parents are singing the PouchPops's praises on Amazon, too.

"Love this product! My daughter was having trouble eating the pouch foods because she couldn't figure out what to do with it and would squeeze the food out and make a mess. When I put the PouchPop on she immediately knew to suck the food out as if it were a bottle. Now she is a pro and with the help of PouchPop she can enjoy the pouched foods. Great product!" - Kasia

"I have not seen any other product for pouches to be more advanced and helpful in the journey to help your little one become an independent eater. I have given these PouchPop toppers to parents and parents-to-be which is the highest recommendation I could ever give." - Trent W.

"Great idea, easy to use and dishwasher safe. I like the PouchPop so much that I am giving these as baby shower gifts to all my pregnant friends!"

http://www.littlegreenpouch.com/collections/shop-online/products/pouchpop-4-pack-silicone-spout-extenders

So, what is PouchPop? PouchPop was meticulously designed by a father of 3, to be a hospital-grade silicone barrier between the hard plastic pouch spout and your baby's (possibly teething!) mouth and gums. The silicone PouchPop extends the length of the spout by more than 1", acting almost like a mini straw that babies love to chew and suck from. Engineered with the highest quality materials and input from from pediatricians, this little product is a lot smarter than it looks! Get yours here.

Available in an assorted color 4-pk
Pediatrician Recommended & CPSC compliant
Naturally BPA and Phthalate Free
Dishwasher-Safe
100% Made in USA
Premium and soothing Hospital-Grade Silicone
Promotes infant self-feeding and natural transition from bottle-feeding

Posted in Accessories, Little Green Pouch, Must Haves, Products, Retail, Shout Out, Success Stories

Did You Know? Other Uses for Little Green Pouch

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Amanda Holliday | 3 Comments

We know you are well aware of the power of pouches for feeding independent little ones while on the go. But did you know all the other uses for Little Green Pouch? We've got some ideas!

Fitness

Are you a runner, cyclist or triathlete? Little Green Pouch is the perfect mid-workout fuel carrier. If processed energy bars and gels upset your stomach, bring your own with you. Or fill your Little Green Pouch with water or sports drink instead of carrying a large water bottle with you.

Lisa from San Jose takes her pouch on her long bike rides:

"Thank you Little Green Pouch for the much needed treat mid-ride. Typically on a long ride (30+ miles) I eat Gu's (energy gels) and energy bars. There comes a point in the ride that I literally can't stomach these processed products anymore. Being able to bring along a homemade sweet potato, chia seed and apple sauce mixture was such a nice treat at mile 20. It gave me the energy to make it home. I can't wait to experiment with some new combinations. Thank you for creating such a wonderful product!"

Travel

Traveling with or without the kids can be a challenge. Especially if you are trying to eat healthy. Pack your Little Green Pouch with a smoothie, applesauce or other goodies to enjoy at the airport or on a long road trip. Never worry about searching for something healthy at the airport again!

Hiking and Camping

Forget trail mix and hotdogs cooked on a stick. On your next hike or camping trip, fill Little Green Pouch with smoothies, soups and other snacks. Little Green Pouch is freezer-safe, so you can freeze meals ahead of time and let them defrost naturally, or heat contents like soup in a bowl of boiling water. Or freeze water in your Little Green Pouches to act as ice packs. Once they thaw, you've got a 6 oz. water bottle ready to go!

For recipe ideas, visit our recipe page.

Posted in Little Green Pouch, Must Haves, Pouches Out and About

Our Favorite Things - A Holiday Gift Guide

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Maggie Crawford | 0 Comments

With the holidays fast-approaching, we know firsthand how hard it can be to choose the right gift for your little ones. We each put together a list of our tried and true favorite things for this Holiday Gift Guide. Below you will find links to all the products we are loving right now! We hope you get some great ideas for new products and gifts to try this holiday season.

Do you have any favorite gifts to share? We'd love to hear!

Happy Hollidays!

Love,

Maggie & Melissa