Expert Reveals Their Insight

With the release of “Molly-Mae: Behind It All” on 17th January, viewers were given an exclusive glimpse into the life of Molly-Mae Hague, 25, one of the UK’s most successful influencers.

The Amazon Prime documentary showcases her journey beyond the headlines; her experiences as a new mother post-breakup and highlights her seismic influence on popular culture – particularly in the realm of fashion and lifestyle.

In the three days following the documentary’s release, Google searches for “can babies have baked beans” have doubled, likely due to a scene in the documentary where Molly-Mae is seen to feed her 23-month old daughter, Bambi, baked beans.

HelloFresh

Food box delivery service HelloFresh offers family-friendly recipe boxes to families up and down the country, and are all about opening up the conversation around getting our little ones into healthy eating habits – including upping their fruit and vegetable intake.

But are baked beans truly suitable for babies? HelloFresh’s Senior Recipe Development Manager, Mimi Morley, explains:

“According to the NHS, from around six months, babies can start eating beans, but there are important considerations for new parents and caregivers to bear in mind. Although baked beans are nutritious and an excellent source of protein, fibre and essential vitamins, many tinned varieties available on supermarket shelves contain high levels of salt and sugar. This is because manufacturers often add these ingredients to enhance flavour and preserve the beans.

“To avoid these hidden additives, I’d always advise preparing baked beans at home yourself, rather than buying pre-processed and tinned. By cooking your own beans from scratch, you’ll know for sure that no salt or sugar has been added, offering a healthier option for your baby. To do this, simply soak dried haricot beans overnight, then simmer them on a medium heat until tender.”

The NHS suggests introducing mashed foods to your baby to help them get used to different textures. When serving baked beans to your baby, try mashing them and monitoring your baby’s reaction. Once they’re used to the new taste and texture, mix with other vegetables to introduce new flavours to their diet.

For more family meal ideas that kids will love, including Caribbean style BBQ beans, head to hellofresh.co.uk.

 

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.