Sugar in Baby Foods: What Public Eye’s Investigation Reveals About Cerelac Products Sold Across Africa

bernard boateng
Nov 22, 2025
3 min read

New evidence is sparking conversations across the continent about the quality of baby foods sold in African markets. A major investigation by the international watchdog Public Eye has revealed high levels of added sugar in Nestlé’s Cerelac infant cereals sold across 20 African countries raising health concerns for millions of parents.

In this article, we break down what the findings mean, the countries most affected, why the debate matters, and what global health experts recommend for infant nutrition.

What the Investigation Found: Over 90% of Cerelac Products Contain Added Sugar

According to laboratory tests commissioned by Public Eye, more than 90% of Cerelac infant cereals sold in African markets contain added sugar. On average, a typical serving contains around 6 grams of added sugar, with some products testing even higher.

This is in sharp contrast to Europe, where many Cerelac variants contain no added sugar highlighting concerns about a double standard in baby food quality.

Sugar levels in Cerelac baby food products in Africa

Key Finding: A Single Serving Contains More Sugar Than Recommended

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that children under three should not consume foods with added sugars. Yet the majority of Cerelac variants sold across Africa exceed this guideline.

Country-by-Country Breakdown: How Much Sugar Is in Cerelac?

Public Eye’s analysis highlights significant differences across African markets. These are the highest values recorded in selected countries:

Kenya: Up to 7.5g per serving

Kenya recorded the highest sugar content of all tested products:

7.5 grams per serving: the equivalent of nearly two teaspoons of sugar.

Nigeria: Up to 6.8g per serving

Cerelac sold in Nigeria recorded sugar levels of up to 6.8 grams, one of the highest among West African markets.

Senegal: Up to 5.9g per serving

Products tested in Senegal reached 5.9 grams of added sugar per serving.

South Africa: Most products ≥4g per serving

Though some newer versions are sugar-free, the majority of Cerelac products sold in South Africa still contain 4 grams or more of added sugar.

Civil Society Response: 20 African Organisations Call for Change

The findings have triggered action. Twenty civil-society organisations from 13 African countries have signed an open letter urging:

Transparent labeling
Harmonised product formulations across regions
Removal of added sugar in food designed for infants

Their demand is clear: African babies deserve the same standard of nutrition offered in Europe.

Why Added Sugar in Infant Cereals Is a Public Health Concern.

1. Early Sugar Exposure Shapes Lifelong Eating Habits

Feeding babies sugary cereals can influence their taste development, increasing their preference for sweet foods later in life.

2. Increased Risk of Childhood Obesity and Tooth Decay

High sugar intake in early childhood is linked to:

Faster weight gain
Tooth decay
Increased risk of non-communicable diseases later in life

3. Violates WHO Dietary Guidelines

WHO clearly advises no added sugars for children under three due to their developing metabolic systems.

A Double Standard? Different Products for Different Markets

A critical issue raised by Public Eye is that many Cerelac products sold in Europe contain no added sugar, yet African markets receive formulations with significantly higher sugar content.

This disparity raises an ethical question:

Should African parents be sold lower-quality baby foods when healthier alternatives exist elsewhere?

Nestlé’s Response

Nestlé acknowledges the differences between markets but argues that:

Formulations comply with local regulations
Sugar levels reflect regional taste preferences
Natural sugars from milk and grains are often included in measured totals

However, Public Eye’s independent laboratory tests specifically highlight added sugar, not only natural sugars.

What Parents Can Do: Practical Tips

While policymakers continue the debate, parents can take steps to protect their children’s nutrition:

Read product labels carefully. Look for terms like sucrose, maltodextrin, fructose, and added sugar.
Choose baby cereals labeled “no added sugar” when available.
Consider natural alternatives such as mashed fruits, oats, and whole-grain porridges.
Advocate for better standards by supporting consumer rights groups.

Conclusion: African Babies Deserve Better

The evidence is clear: Across Africa, most Cerelac infant cereals contain added sugar levels far above what global health experts consider safe for babies.

The growing movement led by African civil-society groups signals a shift toward greater accountability and equity in global food standards.

As discussions continue, one thing remains undeniable: