Early childhood lays the foundation for future health, growth and overall well-being. Supporting the right nutritional start to life is fundamental to who we are and how we operate, and we are committed to providing parents and caregivers with a choice of high-quality products and clear, transparent labelling on pack.
Is it true that your infant cereal products sold in Africa contain high added sugars?
No. Our infant cereal products sold in Africa do not contain high levels of added sugars. Our solutions are specifically adapted to the needs of children, grounded in science, and fortified to combat malnutrition. If we exclude sugars coming from ingredients like milk, cereals and fruit, our Cerelac infant cereals do not contain the levels of added refined sugars mentioned in the report.
When it comes to added sugars in our infant cereals sold everywhere, our levels are well below the ones set by the international body governing the early childhood food standards, the Codex Alimentarius (a Food Standards Commission established by the WHO and FAO), and aligned with local regulations. We have been improving our portfolio for years and offer options of infant cereals with and without added sugars positioned in the same price range.
After accelerating the rollout of no added sugar variants globally, these products are now available in every market where we sell our infant cereals worldwide.
Does Nestlé have double standards when it comes to nutrition in its baby foods in different parts of the world?
No, we do not have double standards. We apply a consistent approach to nutrition for all babies everywhere. We maintain high nutrition standards in every country where we offer early childhood foods. Our nutrition guidelines follow widely accepted scientific and dietary recommendations and are applied globally.
Why do you have different recipes for the same products?
The range of products we offer for infants and young children may vary across different markets. This variation is influenced by factors such as the availability of local ingredients like grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as local food cultures, the competitive landscape, and consumer trends. Regardless of geographical variations in recipes, we never compromise on the nutritional quality and safety of our products. The well-being of babies everywhere is always our top priority.
In Europe, you have infant cereal products that are sugar-free. Why not in Africa?
In Europe, our ‘no added sugars’ products are not labelled or marketed as sugar-free. The claim ‘no added sugars’ is defined by EU law and any naturally occurring sugars from ingredients are clearly indicated on both packaging and our website. Our options of infant cereals with and without added sugars in Africa and similar to those sold in Europe
Why do you have added sugars in your infant cereals?
Most of the sugars in our infant cereal recipes comes from natural ingredients, but the source of these may vary. For example:
- In a complete recipe containing milk, up to 60% of the total sugars may come from lactose which is naturally present in milk.
- Some sugars naturally present in the cereals themselves are released during manufacturing. In certain regulatory environments, these sugars are often considered added sugars.
- Limited sugars may come from added ingredients such as fruit purée, fruit pieces, sucrose or honey used to bring taste and texture. This also helps to ensure acceptance among infants and young children for products that provide important nutrients in their diet (such as iron, zinc, and key vitamins).
Any added sugars are in line with accepted dietary recommendations and regulations and are well below the limits set by the Codex Alimentarius (a Food Standards Commission established by the WHO and FAO), used as a nutritional reference globally.
What are your references for added sugars in infant foods?
Everywhere we operate, our products comply with all applicable local and/or international regulations. Our nutritional criteria are based on the latest scientific guidelines and dietary recommendations. International standards for infant nutrition are set by Codex Alimentarius (a joint program of the WHO and FAO) which countries use as a basis for developing local regulations. For infant cereals specifically, our internal criteria for added sugars are half those set by the Codex Alimentarius.
If you add sugars to a product, is this clear on the label? If not, why not?
Yes. We are transparent about the composition of our products on labels. Depending on the regulations in place, we always declare total and/or added sugars. Our nutrition information includes, for example, details on serving size, calories, macronutrients such as carbohydrates - including total sugars - and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Our products are accompanied by detailed nutritional information and guidance to parents and caregivers on optimum feeding practices and recommended daily intakes in line with local regulations.
Why do your Cerelac infant cereals in Africa have 50% more sugar than those sold in LATAM and Asia?
This statement is not correct. Our high nutrition standards are the same for all babies worldwide. For those cereals containing added sugar, the levels are well below strict international limits (set by Codex Alimentarius) and fully comply with local regulations. Furthermore, we provide options with and without added sugars everywhere our infant cereals are sold, including in Africa.
It seems that Nestlé only acted due to the pressure of NGOs like Public Eye?
This is not correct. Reducing sugars in early childhood foods has been our long-standing priority. We’ve had plans in place for years to accelerate this effort. Creating fortified, easily digestible infant cereals is complex. New recipes must meet regulations, taste expectations, and consumer preferences. Because of this, it can take several years from development to launch.
What do you say to the allegation that you engage in deceptive marketing and blur the lines between marketing and the provision of nutrition advice?
We communicate openly and follow strict ethical marketing standards. We comply with all regulations for promoting infant nutrition products, including cereals. Our influencer guidelines require clear and prominent disclosure of their partnership with Nestlé.
Why isn’t Nestlé tackling obesity on the African continent?
While obesity is rising in Africa, in Africa, undernutrition remains the most urgent health challenge despite rising obesity.
- 5% of children under 5 are facing obesity (second lowest globally).
- Iron-deficiency anemia affects 60% of African children under 5 (vs. 40% globally).
- Stunting is 30.7% in Africa, higher than the global average of 22%.
Iron deficiency can impair development, weaken immunity, and increase mortality risk. Our infant cereals are based on the latest research and clinical studies. Many infants lack adequate nutrition early in life, which impacts short- and long-term health. Nestlé is committed to providing nutrient-rich, age-appropriate products that meet rigorous scientific and quality standards.
Why do you add refined sugars to your infant products in the first place?
Taste and texture are key when introducing solid foods to infants, and sugars can aid acceptance of nutrient-rich options. While scrutiny of added refined sugars is essential, our priority remains delivering good nutrition. Our infant cereals, based on the latest research, provide up to 20 vitamins and minerals - including iron, zinc, and vitamin D - to help close nutrient gaps that can impact health. To maintain acceptance while reducing added sugars, we are taking a gradual approach, investing in education and visibility to help parents adapt to lower-sugar choices.
