Prep warning
Cashew is a tree nut. Introduce it on its own, then keep it in the diet regularly once tolerated, and watch for signs of an allergic reaction.
Choking notes
Nut butter is a choking hazard when it is thick, sticky, or eaten by the spoonful, because it can coat the throat. Always thin it into another food or spread it in a very thin layer. Whole and chopped nuts are kept off the menu until around age 5.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Cashew is a tree nut, one of the common food allergens, so offer it on its own the first few times and watch for a reaction. Use only smooth cashew butter, and always thin it: stir a small spoonful into a puree, oatmeal, or plain yogurt until it is loose and lick-off thin. A thick spoonful or blob on its own can block the airway.
Smooth butter only, thinned into another food. Never whole, chopped, or as a thick spoonful.
9-12 months
Keep offering thinned smooth cashew butter swirled into purees, porridge, or yogurt, and keep the allergen in the diet regularly once it is tolerated. You can also spread a very thin layer on a soft strip of toast. Still no whole or chopped nuts.
Smooth butter only, thinned or spread very thin. Never whole or chopped.
12-18 months
A thin layer of smooth cashew butter on soft toast or stirred into food works well now. Spread it thin rather than leaving a thick scoop, since a sticky glob is still a choking risk. Whole and chopped nuts stay off the menu.
Smooth butter spread thin or mixed in. Never whole or chopped nuts.
2 years and up
Thinned or thinly spread smooth cashew butter stays the safe form through the toddler years. Whole and chopped nuts are still a choking hazard and are usually kept off the menu until around age 5. Spread thin and offer with a drink nearby.
Smooth butter, thinned or spread thin. Whole nuts not until about age 5.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Tree nut is a common allergen. Read Tree nut guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat Cashew butter?
Most babies can try Cashew butter 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 butter and every first food in nappi
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