Prep warning
Cashew is a tree nut, one of the major food allergens. Introduce it on its own, in a small amount, and wait a few days before trying another new allergen, watching for rash, hives, swelling, vomiting, or any trouble breathing. Never offer whole or chopped cashews before about age 5.
Choking notes
Whole and chopped nuts are a leading choking hazard for young children and should not be offered until about age 5. Even nut butter is risky in a thick spoonful or mound, since it can stick in the airway, so always thin it to a sauce-like consistency or use finely ground cashew.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Offer cashew as a smooth cashew butter thinned with breast milk, formula, water, or a fruit or vegetable purée until it is the consistency of a thin sauce, or stir finely ground cashew flour into oatmeal or yogurt. A thick spoonful of nut butter on its own can block the airway, so always thin it down. Introduce it as a single new food on its own day, early in the day, and watch for any reaction.
No pieces at all: only smooth thinned cashew butter or finely ground cashew. Never offer whole or chopped cashews, and never a thick glob of cashew butter.
9-12 months
Keep offering smooth cashew butter, thinned slightly less so it is still spreadable but never thick, mixed into purées, yogurt, or oatmeal, or finely ground cashew baked into soft foods. Keep allergen exposures regular once cashew has been tolerated.
Still no pieces: smooth thinned cashew butter or finely ground cashew only. Whole and chopped cashews stay off the menu.
12-18 months
Spread a thin layer of smooth cashew butter on a soft strip of toast or a soft fruit, stir it into porridge or yogurt, or bake finely ground cashew into muffins and soft baked goods. Keep the butter spread thin rather than left in a mound.
Still no whole or chopped cashews. Use smooth thinned butter or finely ground cashew; if you want a little texture, crush or flake it very fine.
2 years and up
Cashew butter and finely ground cashew stay the safe forms through the preschool years. Spread thin butter on soft foods, stir it into dishes, or bake ground cashew into soft items. The one change ahead is around age 5, when whole and chopped nuts can be offered as chewing matures.
Whole and chopped cashews remain a choking hazard until about age 5. Until then, smooth thinned butter, finely ground, or finely crushed cashew only.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Tree nut is a common allergen. Read Tree nut guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat Cashew?
Most babies can try Cashew from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
Track Cashew and every first food in nappi
Log solids, watch for reactions, and get reminders to reintroduce new foods. Free to try.