Free international shipping on orders above $100
ABOUT US
Feeding Culture, One Bite at a Time
BARI was founded by two sisters who grew up in an Asian household where food was more than just a nourishment; each meal was a reminder of Korean culture, an act of love, and care passed down across generations.
When Subin, BARI’s CEO and co-founder, was raising her first born in Austin, Texas, she was told by a pediatrician that rice is unsafe due to heavy metal concerns. This was shocking to hear. Rice is the foundation of nearly every meal in Asian cultures, consumed by more than half of the world every day.
As we looked closer at the U.S. baby food aisle, the problem with food safety and quality nutrition became clearer. Independent testing in 2021 revealed that nearly 95% of baby food products tested contained heavy metals above FDA guidelines. Ingredient-wise, shelves were dominated by repetitive formulations built around one or two base ingredients, often paired with high sugar content from fruits to extend shelf life rather than support infant development. Parents were left choosing between convenience and nutritional balance, with few truly safe, nutritionally balanced, or culturally inclusive options.
BARI was created to change that.
We returned to South Korea, where agricultural practices and food safety systems are among the most tightly regulated in the world. BARI uses freshly milled, certified organic Korean rice and applies rigorous third-party testing to every production batch. Our products include rice porridge, sugar-free and caffeine-free baby teas, and Asian-inspired ready-to-eat meal pouches, developed using infant-grade safety standards.
BARI is built on research showing that the first 24 months shape lifelong health. We introduce diverse ingredients, flavors, and textures inspired by Asian cuisines. All formulations are overseen by Professor Ji-Hyun Yoon (Ph.D., R.D.) of Seoul National University.
BARI is a family-led collaboration between sisters and nutrition experts. We empower parents to pass down culture with confidence in safety and quality.
what does "bari" mean?
bari / 바리
1. 바리바리 ("bari bari") is a Korean expression to describe packing up a lot of things. At BARI, we pack in as much nutritious goodness as possible into each of our product. As mothers, we only want the best for our children.
2. Bari refers to a type of traditional rice bowls made out of bronze, dating back all the way to 8th century Korea.
3. You heard it from us: BAby RIce!
our values
We’re not here to follow trends.
We’re here to change the standard for what babies eat—and how we think about their first foods. At BARI, everything we do is rooted in intention, integrity, and identity.
Love, Packed Generously
Inspired by the Korean word “바리바리,” we believe care isn’t about doing the bare minimum—it’s about going above and beyond. That’s why every pouch, every scoop, and every ingredient to raise the bar for safety and nutrition.
Culture is Nutrition
Food shapes memory. We’re proud to include flavors like roasted barley, pear & balloon flower, or Korean rice not just because they’re healthy—but because they tell a story. One that starts at home and stretches across borders.
Trust Through Transparency
We don’t expect trust—we earn it.
That’s why we work with certified farms, test every batch for heavy metals, and share openly on our website. Parents deserve a peace of mind, and babies deserve real, good food.
OUR ADVISORY BOARD
Trusted experts across early childhood nutrition, food systems and regulations, and medicine guide BARI's mission from ingredient safety to long-term health implications.
Professor of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University
Jihyun Yoon, Ph.D.
Medical Doctor, General Surgery,
Director, AB Plastic Surgery
Heeji Shin, M.D.
_JPG.jpg)
At BARI, we believe that access to clean, nourishing food should not depend on circumstance, especially during early childhood.
That‘s why, in less than a year since BARI started, we partnered with Save the Children Korea to donate 1,500 meals to children in foster care and protection facilities, reaching those with limited access to safe, quality nutrition.
As BARI grows, we look to continue to expand our efforts to support children in need of consistent, high-quality nutrition. Our goal is simple: to ensure that more children, regardless of background, can begin life with a safe and nourishing start.
