We’ve had a stash of those pre-packaged baby foods in our pantry for way longer than we’ve actually had a baby. We started using baby food years ago, when we realized it was the perfect source for post-workout and on-the-go carbs. Now that we actually have a baby (and we’re just now starting him on real food), we’ve been thinking about how to feed him the same foods we eat while we’re on the go. We could continue using those pre-packaged baby foods, but we try to be environmentally-friendly, and all that plastic in landfills wasn’t sitting well with us. Reusable glass jars are an option, but they’re heavy, and could potentially break knocking around in a diaper bag. Ziploc bags are way too flimsy, and who wants to take chances with a purse full of sweet potato and beets?

Then, a magical package appeared on our doorstep, straight from heaven. (Okay, actually, it was from Baltimore.) Jordan and Alexis Takas, two real-life parents and entrepreneurs, were thoughtful enough to send us a sample of their reusable, refillable, freezer and dishwasher-safe baby food packages.* We were thrilled with the timing! We were relieved to have an easy solution we could feel good about! And we were all, “Hey, why didn’t we think of that?”

Meet EZ Squeezees.

*People send us samples all the time, unsolicited. We only write about things we truly love, and use ourselves. We have zero financial affiliation with EZ Squeezees. Their product is simply, truly awesome.

Fill, Zip, and Go

EZ Squeezees were created after Jordan and Alexis found themselves either compromising on nutrition or paying an exorbitant amount for the convenience of pre-packaged baby foods.
 
They wanted a way to feed their daughter healthy, nutritious purees made from affordable foods, without the negative impact to the environment and their budget.
 


Each pouches holds 6.5 ounces, and fills easily with no mess, thanks to the large gusset that allows the pouch to expand and sit flat on a counter or table. The material is BPA and phthalate-free, and the resealable zipper is the strongest the industry has to offer—Jordan says they’ve yet to experience a leak. The wide mouth at the top of the pack makes it easy for your baby or toddler to get to the good stuff inside. And the best part? When you’re done, you simply rinse, dry, and reuse.

 Good For the Planet (and Your Wallet)

Jordan and Alexis quickly noticed how their routine purchase of pre-packaged baby food pouches were impacting their food budget. Jordan notes, “These companies take the same applesauce they sell us in a 64 ounce jar for 8-cents an ounce and mark it up to five times the price, just because it was in an easy to use pouch. After some quick math at the grocery store, we realized that we would slash the cost of those prefilled pouches by simply substituting larger sized packaged products.”

The cost comparison is astounding—you’ll save more than $2.00 an ounce making your own food and using refillable 6.5 ounce EZ Squeezees, compared to the leading brand of smaller pre-made pouches! (And since you’re already eating Good Food, it’s no trouble to make a little extra of whatever you’re having for your kiddo.)

In addition, just one EZ Squeezee 3-pack saves more than 90 of those pre-packaged pouches from ending up in a landfill. Plus, they are legitimately a snap to clean, refill, and reuse. You can run them through the dishwasher on the top shelf, but we noticed how easy it was just to rinse out the package and let them air-dry on the counter—the non-stick inner layer ensures that any leftover food will simply rinse out through the spout.

Recipe Inspiration

We were so excited to test out EZ Squeezees for ourselves that we created three Squeezee recipes of our own! Check them out here, and then head on over to the EZ Squeezee recipe site for more than 25 Whole30® and Paleo-friendly creations perfect for your baby or toddler.

EZ Recipe: Broccoli and Apple Squeezee

Ingredients:

• 1 cup broccoli florets and peeled stems
• 1 large apple, cored and sliced 

Directions:

• Put broccoli and apple slices in a single pot.
• Cover the ingredients in water. Season with a little salt and pepper.
• Boil ingredients for about 30 minutes, until the broccoli and apple are fork tender.
• Drain the ingredients and save the water from the boil.
• Add broccoli and apple to your blender or food processor and puree. Season with salt and pepper. 

*Use the remaining liquid from cooking to thin the mixture. Consistency should be smooth enough to pour or spoon into your EZ Squeezees pouch.

EZ Recipe: Egg Yolk and Avocado Squeezee

Ingredients:

• 1-2 eggs
• ½ avocado, peeled and sliced
• Breast milk, coconut milk, or water 

Directions:

• Put your eggs in a pan and cover with cold water.
• Bring the water to a boil and boil for 1 minute.
• Remove the pan from the heat and set aside, covered, for 10 minutes.
• Remove the eggs and submerge in ice water for 5 minutes.
• Peel while still warm, and discard the white.
• Add the egg yolk and avocado to your blender or food processor and puree.

Add milk or water to thin the mixture. Consistency should be smooth enough to pour or spoon into your EZ Squeezees pouch.

EZ Recipe: Sweet Potato and Banana Squeezee

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 large banana
• Breast milk, coconut milk, or water
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

• Put sweet potato in a pot.
• Cover the ingredients in water. Season with a little salt and pepper.
• Boil sweet potato for about 30 minutes, until it is fork tender, then drain.
• Add sweet potato and banana to your blender or food processor and puree. Season with cinnamon, if desired.

Add milk or water to thin the mixture. Consistency should be smooth enough to pour or spoon into your EZ Squeezees pouch. 

A Special Squeezee Discount

As a special bonus for Whole9 readers, EZ Squeezees is offering a 25% discount on all orders over $15 during the month of September.

Visit http://ezsqueezees.com and use the code “whole9” when you order a starter pack or 9-pack of either large or small cap packages.

Do you have a favorite baby food recipe, or a tip for making your own baby food? Share it in comments, and happy (easy) squeezing!