First foods database
🫘 Black-eyed peas for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat black-eyed peas? Yes, from about 6 months. These creamy beans soften quickly and have a mild, slightly earthy flavour, making them a friendly first bean. They are a good source of folate and plant iron.
Good source of: Iron, Folate, Protein, Fibre
How to serve black-eyed peas by age
6 to 9 months
Cook dried black-eyed peas until very soft, or rinse tinned ones with no added salt. Mash with vegetables or blend into a smooth stew. For finger food, shape mashed peas into soft fritters.
9 to 12 months
Flatten each bean before serving, or stir into rice, stews and soups with soft greens.
12 months and up
Serve in stews, rice and peas or bean salads, still squashing beans for young toddlers.
Choking safety
Whole beans are round and can be a choking risk. Squash them flat for babies and toddlers and make sure they are cooked until completely soft. Always stay with your baby while they eat, and offer food with them sitting upright.
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
- Pair with vitamin C foods such as tomato or pepper for better iron absorption.
- Choose no-added-salt tins.
Easy ideas
- Black-eyed pea and spinach stew
- Black-eyed pea fritters with yoghurt dip
- Rice and black-eyed peas with mild spices
Goes well with
Recipes with black-eyed peas
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat black-eyed peas?
Can babies eat black-eyed peas? Yes, from about 6 months. These creamy beans soften quickly and have a mild, slightly earthy flavour, making them a friendly first bean. They are a good source of folate and plant iron.
Do I need to soak black-eyed peas?
They cook faster than most beans and do not strictly need soaking, but soaking can shorten cooking time.
Are black-eyed peas good for babies?
Yes. They offer plant iron, protein, folate and fibre.
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).