In recent years, there’s been an explosion of new organic baby food brands that are veggie-forward and focused on real food ingredients instead of highly-processed foods and those with a ton of sugar. We’re also seeing a lot of really interesting flavor combinations that you’re more likely to see on restaurant menus but can go a long way in raising healthy, adventurous little eaters.

In this episode, I sat down with Shibani Baluja, a mom of 2 and founder & CEO of lil’gourmets, a company that offers fresh, organic, veggie-first meals with no added sugars.

Shibani shares the amazing, deeply personal, story of how lil’ gourmets came to be, why “flavor training” is so important, and how to foster a love of global flavors and curiosity in our babies.

She also talks about what she’s most proud of since launching the company, the challenges she has faced along the way, and what’s next for lil’gourmets.

Welcome

2:29 Let’s talk about your story!

5:45 Why is starting solids such an important time for babies?

8:10 Why is it important to foster curiosity in babies through food?

10:00 What are some myths about baby food?

14:25 What do you think are the most common challenges today for parents when they start solids?

16:19 Pouches are convenient but what are some of the drawbacks?

21:08 What is unique about your lil’ gourmets?

22:32 What are the challenges that you have faced in growing the business?

24:40 What is one accomplishment since launching the company you’re most proud of?

27:23 What is next for lil’gourmets?

Shibani mentions the Partnership for a Healthier America.

Learn more about lil’ gourmets on their website.

Follow lil’ gourmets on Instagram.

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