First foods database
🫐 Blackcurrants for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat blackcurrants? Yes, from about 6 months. Blackcurrants are one of the richest fruit sources of vitamin C, and their sharp flavour is lovely cooked into purées with sweeter fruit. They make a vibrant, tangy purée with no added sugar.
Good source of: Vitamin C, Fibre, Antioxidants
How to serve blackcurrants by age
6 to 9 months
Cook blackcurrants down with apple or pear, then sieve or blend into a smooth purée to stir into yoghurt or porridge. Cook for around 10 minutes until the berries burst and soften.
9 to 12 months
Serve stewed blackcurrants or squashed fresh berries mixed into yoghurt. Raw berries should be squashed flat. Swirl a spoonful of purée through porridge for colour.
12 months and up
Offer squashed or halved blackcurrants, or cooked berries in crumbles. Blackcurrant cordials and squashes are high in sugar and best avoided.
Choking safety
Small round berries can be inhaled. Squash or cook them for babies and young toddlers.
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
- Very tart: no need to add sugar, mix with sweeter fruit instead.
- Avoid blackcurrant squash and cordial.
Easy ideas
- Blackcurrant and apple purée
- Blackcurrants swirled into yoghurt
- Blackcurrant porridge
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat blackcurrants?
Can babies eat blackcurrants? Yes, from about 6 months. Blackcurrants are one of the richest fruit sources of vitamin C, and their sharp flavour is lovely cooked into purées with sweeter fruit. They make a vibrant, tangy purée with no added sugar.
Can babies have blackcurrant squash?
No, it is high in sugar. Water and milk are the best drinks. Offer water or milk as the main drinks.
Are frozen blackcurrants okay?
Yes, they are great cooked into purées. Cook from frozen in a small pan with a splash of water.
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).