The 2024 Nestlé sugar controversy concerns added sugars reported in sampled Cerelac infant cereals and Nido toddler milk powders sold in markets across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Public Eye and IBFAN’s investigation, as reported by The BMJ, examined 115 products; it does not establish that every product in those regions—or every product bought by Black and Brown families—has the same formulation. Nestlé disputes the double-standard accusation and says its recipes and product options vary by market. The equity concern is about what unequal access to formulations and information could mean for families, not a finding that the sample measured every family’s experience.
What did the 2024 investigation report?
Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) tested Nestlé infant-food products in several markets. The BMJ reported that the investigation examined 115 products sold in Nestlé’s main markets in Africa, Asia and Latin America and conducted laboratory tests for added sugar. Its findings included products in the Cerelac infant-cereal range and Nido toddler milk powder, with reported differences from products available in European markets.
Those findings apply to the sampled products and formulations. They are not a census of every product sold in each country, a measurement of what every family buys, or proof that all products in one region contain added sugar. A comparison also depends on the precise country variant, product, age targeting and package information. The number of products tested should not be read as the number of countries or as a representative estimate of all products on sale.
Why does the controversy raise an equity concern?
The title’s reference to Black and Brown parents is an editorial framing of a public-health and fairness concern: families in different markets may encounter different versions of products marketed for young children, and may not have the same formulation or labeling information. The investigation’s sampled-product results can prompt questions about that disparity, but they do not establish a company’s intent or show that all Black and Brown families receive one kind of product while other families receive another.
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- Suitable as a complimentary food for infants from 8 months
Infant-feeding marketing is a broader issue, separate from the cereal sugar tests. A 2022 WHO and UNICEF report drew on the experiences of more than 8,500 women and over 300 health professionals across eight countries to examine how formula-milk marketing influences feeding decisions and practices. That work provides context about marketing and infant feeding; it is not evidence about Nestlé’s cereal formulations or the 2024 laboratory results.
What does Nestlé say in response?
Nestlé rejects the characterization that it applies a double standard. It says it uses a consistent approach, that recipes may differ because of local ingredients, food culture, consumer preferences, competition and trends, and that it complies with applicable regulations. Those are the company’s explanations and claims, not independent findings about each local product or market.
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- Item Package Length: 12.7cm
- Item Package Width: 12.954cm
- Item Package Height: 17.018cm
- Item Package Weight: 1.157kg
What Nestlé said about its rollout
In a response dated October 24, 2025, Nestlé said no-added-sugar variants were already on shelves in 94% of its markets and described plans to expand availability, including examples in South Africa, Djibouti and Egypt. That percentage is Nestlé’s dated company figure, not an independently verified stock check. Nestlé’s FAQ now says no-added-sugar infant cereals are available in every market where it sells infant cereals. That, too, is the company’s account; it does not confirm that a particular variant is currently in stock at a specific shop.
Nestlé has also challenged reported sugar measurements and says regulatory definitions can treat sugars released from grains during processing differently. Its explanation highlights why a product’s total sugar figure, the ingredients and the applicable labeling rules should be considered together.
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- Goodness of cereals with no added sugars
- Infant cereal is the ideal foundation to a varied and balanced diet.
- Just add Water
- Our recipe is suitable for vegetarians
- CERELAC 5 Cereals with Milk is a wheat-based infant cereal with milk powder, oats, barley, corn, and rice
Added sugars, total sugars and “no added sugars” are different
Total sugars and added sugars are not interchangeable. A product’s total can include sugars naturally present in ingredients, such as lactose in milk, as well as sugars from added ingredients. Nestlé also identifies sugars released from cereals during processing as a possible source of disagreement about how sugars are classified. Whether and how those sugars count on a label can depend on the product and local regulatory definitions.
“No added sugars” does not mean “sugar-free.” It describes a claim about added sugars under the relevant labeling rules; naturally occurring sugars may still be present. Likewise, seeing a total-sugars value alone does not show how much, if any, came from added ingredients. Ingredient lists and the exact label matter.
Rank #4
- CERELAC CEREALS - made from wholesome natural grains with vitamins and minerals to help meet your toddler's nutritional needs
- HEALTHY GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT - Cerelac has vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth and development
- 2 SERVINGS A DAY provides 60% daily value iron to help support normal cognitive development
- BIFIDOBACTERIUM LACTIS CULTURES are a probiotic that helps maintain digestive health when eaten regularly
- The health and safety of your little one has been and will always be Nestle’s highest priority. We're a leader in infant nutrition, not just because we grow food that will feed your little one, but also because we know what nourishment your little one needs
How to compare packages in your market
When comparing a product with a report, another country’s listing or a package you already have, check the whole product identity rather than relying on the brand name alone:
- Market and date: Note the country and when the package or listing was current; formulations and availability can change.
- Exact product and variant: Distinguish Cerelac from Nido and compare the specific flavor or formulation, not just the brand.
- Age targeting and serving size: Check the stated age range and serving basis before comparing nutrition figures.
- Ingredients and sugars: Look for ingredients such as sucrose or honey, read any separate added-sugars disclosure, and distinguish it from total sugars.
- Local label rules: Interpret claims and sugar categories under the rules that apply in that country; labels may not be directly comparable across markets.
A no-added-sugar infant cereal may be a relevant category to look for, but availability and labeling are country-specific. The investigation and company statements do not establish that one product is universally best or medically suitable for every child.
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- Suitable as a complimentary food for infants from 8 months
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