First foods database
🌾 Amaranth for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat amaranth? Yes, from about 6 months. Amaranth is a tiny, naturally gluten-free seed cooked like a grain, with a mild nutty taste and a porridge-like texture, and it provides useful iron and protein.
Good source of: Iron, Protein, Magnesium, Fibre
How to serve amaranth by age
6 to 9 months
Rinse, then simmer 1 part amaranth to 3 parts water for about 20 to 25 minutes until thick and soft. Serve as a smooth porridge mixed with mashed banana, puréed apple or breast milk or formula. For finger food, cool the porridge, mix with mashed banana and bake into soft fingers.
9 to 12 months
Stir cooked amaranth into stews, soups and lentil dishes, or make thick porridge with cinnamon and grated apple. Popped amaranth can be stirred into yoghurt, where it softens.
12 months and up
Use it like quinoa: in salads, veggie burgers, muffins and breakfast bowls. Combine with fruit high in vitamin C, such as berries or orange, to help the body absorb its iron.
Choking safety
Cooked amaranth is soft and low choking risk. It can be sticky, so offer it from a preloaded spoon and keep the texture moist. Dry popped amaranth is fine stirred into wet foods.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Rinse before cooking to remove a slightly bitter coating.
- Naturally gluten-free, but check packs for 'may contain' warnings if your baby needs to avoid gluten.
Easy ideas
- Amaranth porridge with banana and cinnamon
- Amaranth and apple baked fingers
- Amaranth stirred into red lentil stew
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat amaranth?
Can babies eat amaranth? Yes, from about 6 months. Amaranth is a tiny, naturally gluten-free seed cooked like a grain, with a mild nutty taste and a porridge-like texture, and it provides useful iron and protein.
Is amaranth good for babies?
Yes. It offers plant iron, protein, magnesium and fibre, and its soft porridge texture suits new eaters.
Is amaranth gluten-free?
Yes, amaranth is naturally gluten-free, so it can be useful for babies who need to avoid wheat, barley or rye.
Sources
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).