Grab and Go

Almost any product that makes life easier for a parent is a no-brainer. It was disposable food pouches at Starbucks and other stores that did the trick for Jordan Takas, above. “Once I had my kid, I realized you can give them these pouches and it’s the most convenient, unbelievable way to feed a child,” says Takas, who lives in Canton with his wife, Alexis, and their 3-year-old daughter Barrett, above.

Convenience, yes, but at what cost? “I was like, ‘Wow, they are so crazy expensive,’” he notes.(The average pouch costs between $1.40 and $2.) This prompted them to try and make a better, more cost-efficient product. “We did some research and kind of designed it for ourselves at first. When people saw it, they were like, ‘Genius!’”

And so EZ Squeezees—a reusable, easy-to-wash pouch that is ideal for parents who make their own baby food or want to fill it with other store-bought products—was born. Currently, you can pick up the pouches at Whole Foods and Wegmans locally, usually next to the baby-food section, although they’re not just for kids.

While Takas has gotten great feedback from moms and dads, other eat-on-the-go types, such as hikers and CrossFitters, love the idea of food from pouches. “We know our most low-hanging fruit is the baby market,” says Takas. “But we also know there are unlimited possibilities for these.”

EZ Recipe: Apple Walnut Purée

Ingredients

• 2 apples, cored and peeled
• 1/4 cup walnuts, shelled and halved
• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

1. Place apples and walnuts in a steamer pot or simply cover with plastic wrap and microwave. 
2. Cook until apples are fork tender; about seven minutes in steamer. 
3. Place apples, walnuts, and cinnamon in a food processor or blender and purée for three minutes or until smooth.