Prep warning
Freekeh is wheat, a common allergen: offer it on its own first and watch for a reaction. Cook until fully soft and serve without added salt.
Choking notes
Freekeh is a whole grain and firm or undercooked kernels can be hard for a baby to chew. Use cracked freekeh, cook it until fully soft, and check there are no firm kernels left.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Freekeh is young green wheat that has been roasted, so it is a wheat food and one of the common allergens. Use cracked freekeh and cook it in plenty of water until very soft, then mash or purée it smooth, on its own or stirred into a vegetable purée. Offer it on its own first and watch for any reaction. Serve warm, without added salt.
Smooth mash or purée, or very soft cracked grains. No firm whole kernels.
9-12 months
As the baby handles more texture, serve well-cooked cracked freekeh a little lumpier, or fold it into mashed vegetables, lentils or yogurt. Make sure the grains are tender all the way through, with no firm or chewy kernels.
Soft cooked grains, lumpier mash, or mixed into a dish. Check no kernel stays firm.
12-18 months
Well-cooked freekeh works as a family side, in grain bowls or stirred into soups, served soft in small amounts. The whole-grain texture is heartier than couscous, so keep it well-cooked and tender and keep salt low.
Small soft servings as a side or in a dish. Keep grains tender.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Wheat is a common allergen. Read Wheat guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat Freekeh?
Most babies can try Freekeh 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.
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