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Little Spoon vs. Grocery Store Baby Food: Which One Truly Wins for Our Kids?

KH
ByKendall HenwoodSep 29, 2025In Partnership With Little Spoon

Like most parents, I’ve spent a lot of time in the baby food aisle, scanning the same jars and pouches that have probably been sitting there for months. They’re convenient, sure, but I always had a nagging feeling that I could be giving my little ones something fresher and more thoughtfully made.

That’s why discovering Little Spoon’s Babyblends felt like such a game changer for me. The difference between the two isn’t just about convenience, it comes down to ingredients, variety, and how each one fits into our lives as busy parents. After trying both, here’s my honest comparison of Little Spoon versus grocery store baby food.

If you want the best ingredients… Little Spoon

As parents, we’re constantly thinking about what actually goes into our little ones’ meals. Grocery store baby food tends to use the same handful of flavors over and over, think peas, carrots, apples, usually in shelf-stable packaging that can sit for months (or years). While convenient, I never loved the idea of feeding my baby something that was made who-knows-how-long ago.

Little Spoon’s Babyblends, on the other hand, are USDA organic and Clean Label Project Certified, which means they’re tested for 500+ contaminants and heavy metals. They’re crafted with the help of pediatricians and nutritionists, so I know the blends are not only safe but thoughtfully made. The peace of mind I get from that? Priceless.

Winner: Little Spoon

If you’re looking for variety… Little Spoon

When I shopped grocery store shelves, my choices felt… limited. Once my baby had tried the five or six flavors available, it was hard to keep things interesting. My older child got bored quickly, and I didn’t feel like they were being exposed to a wide range of foods.

Little Spoon’s Babyblends come in over 40 flavors and textures across five stages. They’re designed to grow with your baby, from smooth purees to chunkier blends, so the progression into solids feels natural and intuitive. 

I love knowing I can start my baby on single-ingredient blends and then move into more adventurous combos like strawberry basil or pumpkin pear cinnamon. It feels like I’m giving them the building blocks for a healthy relationship with food from the start.

Winner: Little Spoon

If you’re looking for convenience… Tie

There’s no denying the grab-and-go factor of the grocery store—you can toss a pouch or jar into your cart while you’re already shopping for groceries, and it’s ready to use immediately. On road trips or last-minute outings, having one stashed in the diaper bag can be a lifesaver.

That said,Little Spoon brings its own version of convenience by shipping directly to your door on a flexible schedule. It saves me from lugging bulky boxes home or running into an out-of-stock situation midweek. 

And as of recently, you can now find Little Spoon at Target (giving it a grab-and-go factor of its own)! You can purchase Target-only exclusives, like family-size frozen and multipacks of Yogos + Smoothies. You’ll also find Puffs, Snacks, Baby Cereal and more! Their full menu will always be available at littlespoon.com.

Winner: Tie

If you’re looking for freshness… Little Spoon

One of the biggest differences I noticed between the two is taste and texture. Grocery store jars are shelf-stable for a reason: they’re made to last a long time, which doesn’t always equal the freshest flavors. When I opened a jar for my older child, I remember thinking it didn’t look or smell like the food I cooked at home.

Little Spoon’s Babyblends are freshly made and cold-pressed to lock in nutrients without the need for long-term preservatives. The colors are vibrant, the flavors are bright, and honestly, they look like something I could have made in my own kitchen—if I had the time.

Winner: Little Spoon

If you want something to grow with your child… Little Spoon

This is where Little Spoon really stands apart. With grocery store baby food, once your baby ages out of purees, you’re basically on your own. I found myself scrambling to figure out toddler meals and snacks that were both nutritious and something my picky eater would accept.

Little Spoon offers more than just Babyblends. As your child grows, you can transition to their Biteables (soft, finger-friendly meals) and Plates (balanced toddler and kid meals). It’s a brand that grows with your family, which saves me from constantly starting the search all over again.

Winner: Little Spoon

Final Verdict

Looking back, I wish I had Little Spoon from the start with my first. Grocery store baby food is easy in the moment, but it doesn’t check all the boxes when it comes to nutrition, freshness, or long-term convenience. Little Spoon makes me feel confident that I’m giving my kids food that’s safe, thoughtfully prepared, and actually enjoyable for them.

For me, the winner in every category is clear: Little Spoon.

As a mom, there’s nothing better than finding a brand that not only makes life easier but also makes me feel good about what I’m feeding my babies. Little Spoon is that brand, and I don’t see myself going back.