In the Philippines, the growing demand for convenience is reshaping parenting habits, with many working mothers turning to commercially available baby foods, such as Nestlé's Cerelac, to save time. Jennylyn M Barrios, a busy makeup artist in Manila, feeds her 10-month-old son Uno Cerelac three times a day. For her, it’s an accessible, affordable option that fits her schedule. But behind the convenience, health experts are raising red flags over the added sugars in baby foods, including some Cerelac variants.

Nestle reports that Cerelac’s popularity lies in its affordability, accessibility, and nutrient fortification, offering essential micronutrients to combat widespread deficiencies like iron deficiency anemia, which affects 40% of Filipino children under five. However, Cerelac’s added sugars—meant to mask the metallic taste of iron and other nutrients—have prompted health professionals to question its impact on young taste preferences and long-term health.

Health experts, like Dr. Mianne Silvestre, express alarm over children being exposed to high levels of sugar early on. Some Cerelac flavors in the Philippines contain up to 17.5g of sugar per serving, which nutritionists argue could contribute to both malnutrition and a rising trend in childhood obesity in the region.

Adding to the debate, a recent UNICEF report found that nearly half of baby foods tested in Southeast Asia included added sugars or sweeteners, reinforcing concerns that such products can skew children’s taste preferences toward sweet flavors from an early age. Dr. Alice Nkoroi, UNICEF’s nutrition officer for the Philippines, highlights the need for better labeling and marketing regulation, pointing to European countries that mandate clearer disclosures for consumers.

The lack of clear, local regulations in the Philippines is creating challenges for parents, says Dr. Nkoroi, as they face a barrage of marketing on social media. Influencers like Chiara Maganalles, known as Mommy Diaries PH, have millions of followers, promoting Cerelac as an everyday meal solution. Though Nestle advises using Cerelac only as a “complementary” food, many influencers suggest multiple daily servings, further adding to confusion among parents.

Responding to these concerns, Senator Imee Marcos has proposed a bill that would prohibit added sugar in baby foods. If enacted, manufacturers could face fines and jail terms for non-compliance. Meanwhile, Nestle announced plans to phase out added sugar in its baby foods within the next few years, introducing a sugar-free Cerelac variant.

The urgency for change is underscored by recent research from the University of Southern California, which shows that limiting sugar intake in a child’s first 1,000 days can significantly reduce risks of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure later in life.

As the Philippines grapples with balancing convenience, affordability, and health, the debate over added sugars in baby foods spotlights the challenges of rapid urbanization and the evolving role of food regulation in safeguarding future generations.