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? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Shibani mentions the Partnership for a Healthier America. Learn more about lil’ gourmets on their website. Follow lil’ gourmets on Instagram. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift.