Rachel V Thomas

Health and Me

‘Natural, Multigrain, Immune-Boosting’: Are Packaged Foods Really Healthy For Kids? | Children's Day 2026

With public health experts raising concerns about ultra-processed foods (UPFs), food brands are increasingly using health-focused claims such as ‘natural’, ‘multigrain’ and ‘immune-boosting’ to appeal to health-conscious consumers. But do these labels actually mean the products are healthy, particularly for children?

Research has linked diets high in <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/children-who-eat-more-ultra-processed-foods-may-have-stronger-brain-responses-that-increase-cravings-article-156410783" data-type="tilCustomLink">ultra-processed foods</a>, processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages to several health concerns. This is particularly concerning amid rising <span>childhood obesity</span>, which can increase the risk of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Children's food choices and eating habits can also influence their health later in life.

So, how can parents distinguish genuine nutritional value from clever <span>food marketing</span>? To understand how we may be mistaking food marketing for healthy eating, HealthandMe spoke to experts.

<h2>Are ‘Natural’ And ‘Multigrain’ Packaged Foods Really Healthy?</h2>

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/high-sugar-salt-or-fat-india-may-mandate-red-hexagon-labels-on-food-packs-article-156139358" data-type="tilCustomLink">High Sugar, Salt Or Fat? India May Mandate Red Hexagon Labels On Food Packs</a>

Food marketing requires critical evaluation before a product is considered genuinely healthy, experts said. Terms such as ‘natural’, ‘superfood’, ‘immune-boosting’ and ‘low-fat’ are often marketing claims and do not necessarily reflect a product's overall nutritional value.

Beyond individual food products, experts emphasise the importance of overall dietary patterns in determining long-term health. From a cancer perspective, large cohort studies and the World Cancer Research Fund have linked diets high in processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of cancer. Diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes and fibre, on the other hand, are associated with a lower risk.

No single food prevents cancer; the overall dietary pattern matters.

"The main myth about packaged foods is that generic terms like 'organic', 'natural' and 'multigrain' automatically label the product as healthy. These look at the surface and tell us nothing of the overall food picture," Dr Narendra BS, Lead Consultant, Endocrinology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>.

He explained that parents should look beyond these claims and examine what has been added to a product and whether it is replacing healthier foods in a child's diet. For example, replacing a whole fruit with a packaged fruit drink can decrease fibre intake and increase free sugars.

<h2>How Can Ultra-Processed Foods Affect Children's Health?</h2>

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/every-extra-100g-ultra-processed-food-linked-to-14-higher-heart-risk-11-higher-bp-risk-article-156217210" data-type="tilCustomLink">Every Extra 100g Ultra-Processed Food Linked To 14% Higher Heart Risk, 11% Higher BP Risk</a>

Consuming large quantities of sugar-laden drinks and energy-dense foods can increase calorie intake and contribute to weight gain. In children, this can also increase the risk of <span>insulin resistance</span> and other metabolic abnormalities from an early age, Dr Narendra said.

Dr Smitha Saldanha, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, KR Unit, Bangalore, said excess body fat is a risk factor for cancer. Sugar-sweetened beverages and other foods associated with weight gain can contribute to this risk over a person's lifetime.

"We know that excess body fat is a risk factor for cancer, and sugar-sweetened beverages and other foods tied to weight gain are one of them in terms of lifetime risk. That is, most people who eat a bad diet at the beginning of their life with high amounts of ultra-processed foods and refined carbs tend to do the same later in life," she told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>.

<strong>READ: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/exclusive-from-ipl-to-olympics-how-sport-became-a-marketing-tool-for-junk-food-and-sugary-drinks-article-156141268" data-type="tilCustomLink">Exclusive: From IPL To Olympics — How Sport Became A Marketing Tool For Junk Food And Sugary Drinks</a>

She added that the focus should be on maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods and refined carbohydrates.

"Sugar in and of itself, any ultra-processed food, for that matter, should not be the focus of cancer. It's about eating in a balanced manner, balanced portions, and avoiding excess consumption of ultra-processed, refined carbohydrate-heavy foods every day or multiple times a week."

<h2>How Can Parents Identify Healthier Packaged Foods?</h2>

Sports Stars, Junk Food & Sugary Drinks: How Marketing Impacts Health

Rather than relying on claims printed on the front of a package, parents should examine the nutrition information and ingredients, the experts advised.

Dr Narendra urged parents to compare <span>nutrition labels</span>, particularly serving sizes, and prioritise whole or minimally processed foods.

"I would challenge all parents to start comparing the nutrition label, in particular the serving sizes, and never underestimate the power of whole or minimally processed foods. Not to scare them against all packaged foods, but to make sure that convenience doesn't overtake nutrition."

Dr Smitha also advised consumers to turn the package over and check its nutritional information.

"Flip it over, read the label, scan for sodium and added sugars, and ask: is this label talking about the product or just marketing it? And you be the judge: is this really a healthy choice?"

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With public health experts raising concerns about ultra-processed foods (UPFs), food brands are increasingly using health-focused claims such as ‘natural’, ‘multigrain’ and ‘immune-boosting’ to appeal to health-conscious consumers. But do these labels actually mean the products are healthy, particularly for children?Research has linked diets high in ultra-processed foods, processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages to several health concerns. This is particularly concerning amid rising childhood obesity, which can increase the risk of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Children's food choices and eating habits can also influence their health later in life.So, how can parents distinguish genuine nutritional value from clever food marketing? To understand how we may be mistaking food marketing for healthy eating, HealthandMe spoke to experts.Are ‘Natural’ And ‘Multigrain’ Packaged Foods Really Healthy?Also read: High Sugar, Salt Or Fat? India May Mandate Red Hexagon Labels On Food PacksFood marketing requires critical evaluation before a product is considered genuinely healthy, experts said. Terms such as ‘natural’, ‘superfood’, ‘immune-boosting’ and ‘low-fat’ are often marketing claims and do not necessarily reflect a product's overall nutritional value.Beyond individual food products, experts emphasise the importance of overall dietary patterns in determining long-term health. From a cancer perspective, large cohort studies and the World Cancer Research Fund have linked diets high in processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of cancer. Diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes and fibre, on the other hand, are associated with a lower risk.No single food prevents cancer; the overall dietary pattern matters."The main myth about packaged foods is that generic terms like 'organic', 'natural' and 'multigrain' automatically label the product as healthy. These look at the surface and tell us nothing of the overall food picture," Dr Narendra BS, Lead Consultant, Endocrinology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, told HealthandMe.He explained that parents should look beyond these claims and examine what has been added to a product and whether it is replacing healthier foods in a child's diet. For example, replacing a whole fruit with a packaged fruit drink can decrease fibre intake and increase free sugars.How Can Ultra-Processed Foods Affect Children's Health?Read More: Every Extra 100g Ultra-Processed Food Linked To 14% Higher Heart Risk, 11% Higher BP RiskConsuming large quantities of sugar-laden drinks and energy-dense foods can increase calorie intake and contribute to weight gain. In children, this can also increase the risk of insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities from an early age, Dr Narendra said.Dr Smitha Saldanha, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, KR Unit, Bangalore, said excess body fat is a risk factor for cancer. Sugar-sweetened beverages and other foods associated with weight gain can contribute to this risk over a person's lifetime."We know that excess body fat is a risk factor for cancer, and sugar-sweetened beverages and other foods tied to weight gain are one of them in terms of lifetime risk. That is, most people who eat a bad diet at the beginning of their life with high amounts of ultra-processed foods and refined carbs tend to do the same later in life," she told HealthandMe.READ: Exclusive: From IPL To Olympics — How Sport Became A Marketing Tool For Junk Food And Sugary DrinksShe added that the focus should be on maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods and refined carbohydrates."Sugar in and of itself, any ultra-processed food, for that matter, should not be the focus of cancer. It's about eating in a balanced manner, balanced portions, and avoiding excess consumption of ultra-processed, refined carbohydrate-heavy foods every day or multiple times a week."How Can Parents Identify Healthier Packaged Foods?      Rather than relying on claims printed on the front of a package, parents should examine the nutrition information and ingredients, the experts advised.Dr Narendra urged parents to compare nutrition labels, particularly serving sizes, and prioritise whole or minimally processed foods."I would challenge all parents to start comparing the nutrition label, in particular the serving sizes, and never underestimate the power of whole or minimally processed foods. Not to scare them against all packaged foods, but to make sure that convenience doesn't overtake nutrition."Dr Smitha also advised consumers to turn the package over and check its nutritional information."Flip it over, read the label, scan for sodium and added sugars, and ask: is this label talking about the product or just marketing it? And you be the judge: is this really a healthy choice?"

‘natural, multigrain, immune-boosting’: are packaged foods really healthy for kids? | children's day 2026

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‘Natural, Multigrain, Immune-Boosting’: Are Packaged Foods Really Healthy For Kids? | Children's Day 2026

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Effect of Diabetes on Different Organs: Why the Damage Is Not the Same Everywhere