In many countries commercial infant cereals (CICs) are one of the first foods introduced at the beginning of the complementary feeding period. However, characteristics of CICs are culturally dependent. The objective of this study was to analyze and identify the characteristics of CICs worldwide.
In this cross-sectional study, 435 CICs targeted at infants under 2 years from main infant food brands marketed in 8 countries (Czech Republic, Egypt, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, UK and US) were analyzed. CICs data were obtained through the manufacturers’ websites and collected from March 2017 to September 2018. 
CICs were characterized depending on farming quality (organic or conventional), type of cereals, type of processing (1. hydrolysed or non-hydrolysed; 2. whole grain or refined flour) and presence or absence of milk in the formulation. 
Wheat and rice cereals were most frequently used in Spain, the US, Turkey, Egypt and Czech Republic, whereas oat and rice cereals were most frequently used in the UK, Sweden and Germany. In the UK, Sweden and Germany the CICs were often whole grain non-hydrolysed cereals. In the UK and Germany CICs were often organic. However, in the US, Spain, Turkey, Egypt and Czech Republic CICs were predominantly refined hydrolysed cereals and conventional. The CICs that include milk were more common in Sweden, Czech Republic, Turkey and Egypt.
Overall, this study highlights the different types of infant cereals commercialized in different countries. Our findings provide valuable insights to infant food manufactures for the development of healthier and less processed infant cereals.

MAPPING OUT COMMERCIAL INFANT CEREALS: AN OVERVIEW FROM 8 COUNTRIES