Nestlé India is preparing to launch new variants of its popular Cerelac baby food without refined sugar by November 2024. The move follows criticism about added sugars in their products in South Asia and other regions. The expanded Cerelac range will feature 21 variants, with 14 free of refined sugar, marking a step towards healthier nutrition options for babies in India.
Nestlé India has announced the release of new variants of its popular cereal-based complementary food, Cerelac, without refined sugar. The first batch of these products will hit the shelves by the end of November 2024, aiming to meet growing concerns over sugar content in infant food.
Nestlé India, a subsidiary of Swiss multinational food giant Nestlé, operates extensively in India and across global markets. This move comes after the company faced significant backlash earlier in 2024. Advocacy groups Public Eye, a Swiss agency, and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) alleged that Nestlé used added sugar in baby products sold in countries like India, Africa, and Latin America, while withholding such ingredients in premium markets, including Europe and the UK.
In its quarterly statement for July-September 2024, Nestlé India revealed plans to expand the Cerelac range to 21 variants, with 14 of them containing no refined sugar. “This initiative began three years ago and has now culminated in the introduction of new Cerelac variants without refined sugar,” said Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India.
Out of the 14 sugar-free variants, seven will be launched by the end of November, with the remaining ones scheduled to roll out in subsequent weeks. The company’s new offerings align with its long-term efforts to promote healthier food options. Over the past five years, Nestlé India claims to have reduced added sugars across its product portfolio by 30%.
Nestlé India clarified that the sugar content in its previous Cerelac variants complied with India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) norms. Despite criticism, the company emphasized that added sugar levels remained below permissible limits.
The Cerelac brand holds historical significance in India, with its production beginning on September 15, 1975, at Nestlé’s flagship factory in Moga, Punjab. As the brand celebrates 50 years in the country, Narayanan noted, “Cerelac continues to be a trusted product among Indian consumers, and the launch of these new variants further strengthens our commitment to better nutrition.”
This latest development signals Nestlé India’s effort to restore trust among consumers while aligning with shifting market trends toward reduced sugar consumption and healthier food alternatives.
