NOKA is a new brand of organic baby food that has been gaining popularity among health-conscious parents. NOKA claims to use only raw, unprocessed ingredients in their purees, with no added sugars or preservatives. But is NOKA really the best option for your little one? Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of NOKA baby food.
The Pros of NOKA
1. Organic ingredients
NOKA only uses certified organic fruits, vegetables, grains and ingredients in their purees. This means the produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). For parents looking to limit their baby’s exposure to these substances, NOKA is an ideal choice.
2. No added sugars or preservatives
True to their all-natural claims, NOKA does not add any sugars, starches, unnecessary thickening agents, preservatives or other additives to their purees. The only ingredients are raw, organic fruits and vegetables cooked down to a smooth texture. Many other commercial baby foods contain added sugars, starches and preservatives that NOKA avoids.
3. Variety of flavors and textures
NOKA offers single-ingredient purees such as apples, pears and carrots as well as combination purees featuring ingredients like kale, chia, avocado and more. This allows parents to easily introduce their little one to a wide range of flavors and textures right from the start. NOKA also offers multi-grain cereals and yogurt options.
4. Resealable pouches
NOKA purees come in convenient 3.5 ounce resealable pouches. The pouches help keep opened food fresh while allowing easy on-the-go feeding. Parents don’t have to worry about transferring to a separate container or finding a spoon. The portioned pouches also help avoid waste.
5. Stage-based options
NOKA caters specifically to each stage of development with their Stage 1 (4+ months), Stage 2 (6+ months) and Stage 3 (8+ months) puree lines. For example, Stage 1 is finely pureed and easy to swallow, while Stage 3 has heartier blends with soft chunks to help baby transition to table foods. This takes the guesswork out of picking developmentally appropriate options.
The Cons of NOKA
While NOKA baby food has some benefits, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider:
1. High price point
At around $1.50-$2.00 per pouch, NOKA is one of the more expensive pre-made baby food options out there. For families on a tighter budget, it may not be realistic to feed NOKA exclusively, especially when babies go through multiple pouches per day. More budget-friendly alternatives exist.
2. Not actually “raw” ingredients
While NOKA touts their use of raw, unprocessed ingredients, the reality is the purees still require high-heat pasteurization to meet FDA food safety requirements. So the purees aren’t truly raw. However, NOKA does use a special high pressure processing method to help retain nutrients.
3. Short shelf life
The lack of preservatives in NOKA purees means they also have a relatively short shelf life of only 60 days. Other baby foods with added preservatives can last 6-12 months unopened. This means more frequent purchases with NOKA when feeding exclusively.
4. Limited availability
Since it’s a smaller brand, NOKA may not be carried in your local grocery store yet. The purees are primarily available online direct through the company’s website, Amazon, or specialty retailers like Whole Foods. Wider availability in stores would improve convenience.
5. Possible nutritional gaps
While fruits and veggies provide key nutrients, some pediatricians caution that solely plant-based purees can lead to gaps in iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. NOKA does not fortify their purees, so parents may need to supplement or rotate with iron-fortified infant cereal.
Nutritional Analysis
To take a closer look at the nutritional merits of NOKA purees, here is a sample nutritional analysis of some of their top-selling Stage 2 (6+ months) items:
| NOKA Puree | Calories | Total Fat | Sodium | Total Carbohydrate | Dietary Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apples & Apricots | 60 | 0g | 5mg | 15g | 2g | 10g | 0g |
| Pears & Kale | 50 | 0g | 35mg | 13g | 2g | 8g | 1g |
| Carrots & Sweet Potato | 60 | 0g | 55mg | 14g | 3g | 7g | 1g |
| Broccoli & Pears | 50 | 0g | 25mg | 12g | 3g | 7g | 1g |
As you can see, NOKA purees are low in fat, sodium and protein compared to calories from carbohydrates. They provide some fiber and have natural sugars only from the fruits and vegetables. Nutritionally speaking, they make healthy first foods but parents will want to balance with proteins.
Ingredients & Manufacturing Process
When it comes to babies, parents want to know that safety comes first. Here is an overview of NOKA’s ingredient sourcing and production process:
Ingredients
– Fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs and spices from certified organic farmers.
– No genetically modified or irradiated ingredients.
– No wheat, eggs, dairy, soy or nut ingredients (NOKA is allergy-friendly).
– No added sugars, salt, starch, preservatives or thickeners.
Manufacturing Process
– Upon harvest, ingredients are cleaned, chopped and cooked.
– The warm, raw ingredients are blended into smooth purees.
– Purees are placed into pouches and go through a high-pressure processing method using water to eliminate any pathogens for safety.
– Pouches are packaged and quickly chilled for freshness.
– Random safety testing and quality checks performed regularly.
– Products are packaged into cases and shipped frozen to retailers.
NOKA’s process uses high pressure processing but does not use the traditional high heat methods that can damage delicate nutrients like Vitamin C. The lack of preservatives means optimal freshness and nutrition if consumed within 60 days.
Taste Tests
Of course with baby food, taste and texture matter just as much as nutrition and safety. Here’s what parents and food critics are saying about the taste of NOKA purees:
General Impressions
– “Bright, fresh flavors come through – you can tell these are made from whole foods.”
– “Soft, smooth, and almost velvety textures without being overly thin or watery.”
– “Intense, vibrant colors from natural fruit and vegetable purees.”
Favorite Flavors
In reviews, these NOKA purees got high marks for both flavor and nutritional value:
– Pear Zucchini Mint
– Apple Sweet Potato Cinnamon
– Mango Banana Avocado
– Peach Raspberry Oatmeal
– Broccoli Apple Pea
Room for Improvement
Some NOKA purees underwhelmed in flavor tests, with reviewers calling them:
– Bland
– Watery or runny
– Metallic tasting
– Odd flavor combinations
Flavors most often noted as needing improvement:
– Carrot Beet Turmeric
– Kale Spinach Parsley
– Pumpkin Flax Amaranth
Of course taste preferences will vary by individual. But in general, fruit-based blends rate higher than some of the more adventurous veggie mixtures.
How NOKA Compares to Other Brands
NOKA is part of a larger trend toward fresh, organic whole food-based baby and toddler foods. How does it stack up against some of the top brands?
| Brand | Price Range | Ingredients | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOKA | $1.50-$2 per pouch | Organic fruits & veggies | Bold flavors, high pressure processing, allergy-friendly |
| Plum Organics | $1.50-$2 per pouch | Organic fruits & veggies | Variety of ingredient blends, reusable food wrap pouches |
| Happy Baby | $1.30-$1.60 per pouch | Organic fruits & veggies | Stage-based meals, fruit & veggie whole grain blends |
| Beech-Nut | $0.70-$1.30 per pouch | Real food, not from concentrate | Classics at lower price point, long shelf life of 12 months |
| Gerber | $0.50-$1.20 per pouch | Fruits & veggies | Most affordable, widest product range, veggies with grain mixes |
While NOKA is on the pricier side, it shares an emphasis on fresh, inventive ingredient combinations with others like Plum Organics and Happy Baby. For budget buyers, Beech-Nut and Gerber offer more affordable conventional purees.
Parents’ Opinions on NOKA
Here’s what real parents who have tried NOKA have to say:
Positive Experiences
– “My kids loved the unique flavor combos like strawberry rosemary and blueberry dragonfruit!”
– “I felt good giving my baby something organic with no scary additives or processing.”
– “The pouches are super convenient for travel and on-the-go.”
– “My toddler is a picky eater but will almost always finish these purées.”
Negative Experiences
– “It’s too expensive for us to do exclusively long-term.”
– “Some flavors were definitely more appealing than others.”
– “I was disappointed the pouches leaked sometimes.”
– “Wish it was sold in more regular grocery stores near me.”
Tips for Using NOKA
– Mix with infant cereal or formula to increase calories and nutrition
– Freeze individual pouches for up to 3 months for freshness
– Wash and reuse empty pouches for smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt and more
– Spoon a little into plates vs. letting kids suck directly from the pouch
– Pair with homemade purees to stretch your dollar
Safety & Certifications
When it comes to your baby, safety is priority number one. Here’s how NOKA stacks up:
Organic Certification
All NOKA fruits, vegetables and grains are certified organic. This means:
– No persistent pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or GMOs
– Third-party certification process for compliance
– Can carry USDA Organic seal
Food Safety Protocols
NOKA follows strict standards including:
– HACCP processing principles for hazard prevention
– High pressure processing to protect nutrients and kill pathogens
– FDA audits of production facility
– Rigorous product testing standards
Allergen-Friendly Facility
NOKA products are free of:
– Wheat
– Peanuts
– Tree nuts
– Eggs
– Cow’s milk dairy
– Soy
– Fish
– Shellfish
They are produced in a dedicated allergy-friendly facility.
Non-BPA Packaging
NOKA pouches are BPA-free, using food-grade materials that don’t risk chemical leaching.
Third Party Testing
Each batch is:
– Lab tested for pathogenic bacteria like salmonella, listeria and E. Coli
– Required to pass purity standards
– Audited for accurate labeling
This ensures no batches with contamination issues reach retailers or consumers.
Conclusion
So is NOKA the right choice for your little one? Here’s a quick summary:
Pros
– Organic, non-GMO ingredients
– No added sugars or preservatives
– Creative flavor combinations babies love
– Convenient pouches for on-the-go
– Allergy-friendly facility
Cons
– On the pricier side
– Not as readily available in stores
– Shorter shelf life once opened
– Possible nutritional gaps
While not the most affordable option, NOKA offers nutrition-focused, unique flavor combinations you can feel good about. For health-conscious parents looking for organic, preservative-free convenience, NOKA hits a sweet spot. Be sure to round out with proteins and supplements as needed.
Try NOKA’s variety for yourself and see which flavors your little one loves best! Just keep an eye on possible mess from pouches and use supplements to fill any nutritional gaps.
