My Honest Thoughts on Sady Pridonnya's Carrot and Apple Puree for My Little One

I started introducing solid foods to my baby at 6 months, as recommended by the World Health Organization, with non-allergenic and easily digestible products. First, I introduced my baby to zucchini, then to broccoli and cauliflower. I held off on introducing bright vegetables and fruits until later, as they can be potential allergens. So, despite the recommended age on the box of 'Sady Pridonnya' baby puree being 5+ months, we tried carrots around 7+ months. Given that this was during the spring, when our stored carrots were running low and the ones that were left were turning bitter, likely due to the presence of microorganisms, and we couldn't freeze fresh carrots due to our old refrigerator, introducing carrots through baby food was the safest option.

Net weight: 125g

Price: 12.80 RUB

Place of purchase: 'Detsky Mir'

Manufacturer: OAO 'Sady Pridonnya', Russia

Shelf life: 1 year from production date and not more than 1 day after opening at a temperature between 2°C to 6°C.

When I became a mom, I found myself suddenly immersed in an unfamiliar world of childcare. As I had limited experience with young children, everything was new to me. The first baby purees I bought in the store were in glass jars, single-component, and I was aware of other packaging options, but I didn't realize the variety available. While browsing the shelves with baby food, I initially overlooked the small boxes, thinking they were juice boxes, which were still too early for my babies. I was surprised to discover that Russian manufacturers started producing baby food in economical tetra-pak packaging.

Since then, I've had a choice. While tetra-pak packaging couldn't replace glass jars for me, I can highlight the benefits of carton packaging:

One thing I noticed about the Tetra Pak is that it's way lighter, making it easier to take on the go. If you need to bring a lot of baby food, the weight difference is a big deal.Another thing that impressed me is the packaging itself - it's a non-breakable box without any perforations for opening or clamps, making it pretty durable. The risk of crushing it in your bag is minimal.Now, let's talk about the price. It's a big difference, and the Tetra Pak is definitely the most budget-friendly option.The puree is stored in a package that's protected from sunlight, which is a big plus. With glass packaging, you can never be sure how it was stored.However, there are some downsides to the Tetra Pak:

These boxes are super hard to open without scissors or a knife. If you don't have either, feeding your kid becomes a real challenge.The only thing on the box is a barcode. That's it. No perforations, no holes, just a closed foil. You need scissors, and even then, I often manage to squeeze out some puree and get myself, the box, and the scissors all messy.

You can't heat the Tetra Pak in the microwave because there's foil between the cardboard layers.

Tetra Pak's aseptic packaging is a six-layer material, consisting of about 75% cardboard, 20% polyethylene, and 5% aluminum foil. Each layer has its own function, and together they create a long-lasting and safe storage solution that creates an effective barrier against bacteria and external negative effects.

I had trouble heating it in a water bath because the box is too long and thin. It would be way more convenient if it were a bit more square.Luckily, a spoon fits inside, but feeding your kid with it isn't very convenient.My solution to these issues is simple: I just transfer the puree to a clean glass jar, which I have plenty of at home. I heat it up in the jar if needed, feed my kid from it, and then store it in the fridge with the leftovers, sealed with a lid. I wouldn't store it in an open Tetra Pak, who knows what bacteria might be lurking in the fridge.

When it comes to choosing between store-bought baby food and veggies from my garden, I'll always choose the latter. I'm a lazy mom, but I enjoy cooking for my little one. However, even with my enthusiasm, I wouldn't be able to provide a diverse diet solely with my homegrown veggies - the supplies are limited and finite. As time passes, I'm faced with the choice between buying fresh produce and baby food. And, to be honest, my excitement about cooking disappears when I'm not sure about the quality of the veggies, especially root veggies, which can absorb pesticides used by farmers. As the saying goes, every veggie has its 'hot spots' where pesticide levels are highest. In carrots, it's the core and tips. I could take the risk of cleaning each veggie... but is it worth it? According to Dr. Komarovsky, cases of food poisoning from baby food are extremely rare. Yet, I've seen kids hospitalized due to veggie-related illnesses. I haven't fact-checked, but I trust the experts, and for me, baby food is not just a convenient option but also a concern for my child's health.

Color is typical for carrot puree, not too vibrant, and I think the apples added a hint of lightness to it.

Texture isn't too runny, like some squash purees. You can scoop it with a spoon without it dripping. In fact, it's thick enough that you can hold a spoonful and it won't spill when tilted. This puree is definitely not something you'd want to drink, even if you tried. By the way, for adults who enjoy indulging in baby food (and don't mind the taste of carrots), the texture might be perfect... to be savored with a cookie

Taste... If you're old enough to remember juices in three-liter bottles, this is it - the taste of carrot juice from my childhood. For those who aren't as old, let's just say it tastes like boiled carrots: not sweet, not bitter, not too earthy... just ordinary, middle-of-the-road carrots. There's a hint of sweetness, and a slightly bitter aftertaste. I enjoyed it. As for the natural taste, I'm no expert, but I think the apples blend in nicely. I don't focus on the apple flavor since I don't taste it.

Consistency is smooth throughout, without any lumps or off-color bits.

Hey, I'm a mom who doesn't sweat the small stuff. I've never done the starch test on store-bought purees until I started writing reviews. But, I guess I've always been a bit of a 'relaxed' mom, even when it comes to introducing solid foods...

Yeah, I'd heard that starch is bad news, but I didn't really get what the fuss was about - after all, I'd been drinking grandma's raspberry pomegranate porridge since I was a kid and never had any issues:

Starch is divided into two groups: natural and refined (modified). Natural starch is found in veggies, fruits, grains, legumes, and nuts. Manufacturers modify starch for use in the food industry by cooking it for several hours with a weak sulfuric acid solution.

Regularly consuming refined starch can lead to some nasty side effects. It raises insulin levels during digestion, which in turn causes a multitude of problems - from hormonal imbalances to eye issues and atherosclerosis.

It's worth noting that refined starch has nothing to do with genetically modified products. Genetically modified starch would be the one obtained from genetically modified crops like corn, rice, or potatoes.

Natural starch, on the other hand, can't harm a kid and actually helps and protects them. The glucose released from starch helps the gut absorb fructose from fruits and produces a binding effect. Moreover, starch protects the stomach by forming a film that shields it from the aggressive organic acids often found in sour fruits.

What's more, starch added to kids' fruit and veggie purees gives them a uniform texture. These purees look appealing and don't run off the spoon, making mealtime a lot easier.

The starch content in kids' food (usually rice starch, which has no taste or smell) is minimal, ranging from 3 to 10%. A kid's body can handle this amount of substance with the help of its own enzymes found in the gut and saliva.

Anyway, starch is a natural product we consume regularly without even realizing it from veggies and fruits. Consuming it can be beneficial:

Rich source of energy. Thanks to this substance, porridges, potatoes, bread, and baked goods give you a feeling of fullness for a long time.

Masses the gut, forming a clump that stimulates and improves digestion.

Protects the digestive tract from organic acids found in fruit purees for kids. The binding properties of oatmeal and porridges are well-known.

Creates favorable conditions for the development of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine.

Regulates bowel movements. The polysaccharide can absorb excess water in the gut.

Rich in phosphorus, calcium, and potassium.

However, everything in moderation, as starch also has its downsides:

Causes constipation when consumed excessively.

May trigger an allergy.

Increases the caloric content of the main product and contributes to weight gain.

Bogus source of carbs, lacking vitamins.

And then, out of the blue, starch hit me in the face in kids' food. What to do? Do some tests. Remembering my high school chemistry course, I added a bit of iodine to the apple-carrot puree and, for comparison, to the dissolved starch:

One thing that stood out to me when I made this apple-carrot puree was that the iodine color remained, a nice brown color that hadn't turned gray.

I have to say, young and not-so-young chemistry enthusiasts, I'd recommend joining the ranks of mom-skeptics and stop criticizing manufacturers who 'poison' your precious little ones. You might be shocked, but when I did a similar test on a store-bought and homemade broccoli puree, it was my homemade broccoli that turned gray, not the store-bought one. The answer lies on the surface, in the starch that's present in many veggies, fruits, and grains, not just in potatoes and corn, which are the primary sources of starch.

So, if you're feeling hormonal and paranoid, go ahead and stock up on your freezers, grow your own organic and healthy produce (which I did too), and remember that preparing for a baby is not just about folic acid supplements during pregnancy planning. And as for suspicious baby food, introduce it to your little one when their digestive system is strong enough to handle it, not while you're still breastfeeding and making every meal with love.

I know, I know, carrots aren't apples, and kids might not develop a taste for this puree like they would for something sweeter like pears. But, as kids explore the world, they're introduced to new flavors, and a spoonful of apple-carrot puree can be a new discovery. For my little one, it was a nice change of pace, and while it wasn't their favorite, it's definitely a hit. In fact, it's a close second to apples, both as a puree and as a whole fruit. Carrots, on the other hand, are a sweet and welcome addition to our menu, and I know my little one will never turn them down, even on their worst days.

One thing that really matters is the texture – it's incredibly smooth, which is not insignificant, especially when you know that even small lumps can be a turn-off. I've made my own purees before, and even with the best intentions, they just didn't cut it. This apple-carrot puree, however, was a hit, and my little one enjoyed it without hesitation.

I've been using this apple-melon puree for my kid for 10 months now, and they can devour a whole 125g box in one go. Sometimes, if it's served with another dish, I'll portion it out and store it in a glass container from their baby food with a lid in the fridge. The leftovers usually get eaten within the next meal or during the day, so I always manage to use it within a day of opening. To be honest, leftovers are few and far between 😊. A shame, really, because I quite like the taste. It's not better than the plum puree, but it's still a nice flavor that reminds me of the thick juices they used to sell in glass bottles back in the day.

Allergies weren't a problem (although we've had issues before, but that's a whole different story): no rashes, no big bumps, no skin discoloration. No impact on bowel movements either – we use cucumber puree for that purpose – our savior.

I wish I'd known about these tetra-pack containers sooner! Now, these purees are permanent residents on our kitchen counter and in my kid's menu. And if you're wondering how much we love them, I don't even need to say it – just take a look:

Something like that 😊.

So, I highly recommend these purees for both little and big carrot fans.

And I hope to see you in my other reviews.

Versus always. Inc 😉