(We tried Gerber chicken baby food for a week with a 7-month-old.)
You’ve conquered the single-ingredient fruits and veggies. Now, it’s time for the next frontier: protein. Introducing meats can feel intimidating for parents. Is it too bland? Too weird? Will they even eat it?
Gerber Stage 2 Chicken & Gravy is a classic first-meat puree found in millions of pantries. But how does it actually fare in a real-life high chair scenario? I offered it to my 7-month-old for a week of lunches to bring you this down-to-earth review.
(Disclosure: As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I purchased this product myself to provide a genuine, parent-to-parent review.)
Gerber Chicken & Gravy: The Hands-On (and Taste-Test) Review
After a week of servings, here’s our honest breakdown.
What We Appreciated (The Pros):
- Ultra-Convenient & Consistent: This is the undisputed champion feature. Having a shelf-stable, ready-to-serve protein source is a lifesaver on busy days. The texture is perfectly smooth and uniform every single time, no lumps for a new eater to gag on.
- A Truly Mild First Protein: The flavor is very, very subtle. It’s not “chicken dinner”; it’s a bland, slightly savory puree. This is actually a pro for introduction, as it’s not overwhelming. The gravy adds a touch of moisture and flavor without salt.
- Trusted Nutrition & Safety: The Non-GMO verification, USDA inspection, and “no added salt/artificial flavors/colors” labels provide significant peace of mind. Knowing it’s a good source of protein and zinc in a safe, controlled format is reassuring.
- Great for Mixing: My baby wasn’t a huge fan on its own, but it shined as a mixer. Stirring a spoonful into a sweeter veggie puree (like sweet potato or squash) added nutrition and a more complex flavor he readily accepted.
The Honest Downsides (The Cons & The “Yuck” Factor):
- The “Aroma” (Let’s Be Real): Opening the jar releases a distinct, processed smell that many parents find unappealing. It smells like canned pet food. This is the most common complaint and it’s valid.
- The Visual… is Not Appetizing: Let’s not sugarcoat it, the pale beige-tan puree is not visually appealing. It looks exactly like what it is: a highly processed, homogenized product.
- Texture Can Be Gummy: The consistency is very smooth, but it can have a slightly gummy or pasty mouthfeel, especially if not stirred well. Some babies dislike this texture.
- The “Gravy” is a Marketing Term: Don’t expect a homemade gravy flavor. It’s more of a starchy binder to create a smooth puree.
Who Is Gerber Chicken & Gravy PERFECT For?
✅ The Busy, Practical Parent: For convenience and shelf-stable nutrition, it can’t be beat.
✅ Parents of Cautious New Eaters: Its ultra-mild flavor and guaranteed smooth texture are ideal for first protein exposures.
✅ The “Mixologist” Parent: Using it as a protein booster for other purees is its best use case.
✅ Anyone Needing Backup Food: It’s perfect for the diaper bag, grandma’s house, or as an emergency pantry meal.
Who Might Want to Make Their Own or Try Another Brand?
❌ The Whole-Food Purist: If you prefer your baby’s food to look and smell recognizable, you’ll likely want to make a simple boiled chicken puree at home.
❌ Babies with a More Adventurous Palate: Some babies who are used to flavorful homemade meals might outright reject its blandness.
❌ Parents Highly Sensitive to Smell: If the aroma bothers you, it will make every feeding unpleasant.
The Final Verdict & How to Use It
Gerber Stage 2 Chicken & Gravy is less of a “meal” and more of a reliable nutritional supplement and convenience tool. It serves a specific purpose: providing an easy, safe, and mild source of protein.
Our recommendation? Don’t serve it straight from the jar. Think of it as a “baby food hack.” Mix one jar with:
- A jar of sweet potato
- A jar of peas and carrots
- A bit of breast milk or formula for familiarity
This improves the flavor, nutrition, and acceptability dramatically.
>> Click Here to Check the Price for the Gerber Stage 2 10-Pack on Amazon <<
What was your baby’s first meat? Do you have a great recipe or brand for homemade purees? Share your best tips and experiences in the comments to help other parents navigate this stage!
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