First foods database
🍫 Cocoa powder for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies have cocoa powder? It is best to wait until about 12 months. After that, a little unsweetened cocoa powder in porridge or baking is fine. Cocoa contains theobromine, a mild stimulant similar to caffeine, so keep amounts small.
Good source of: Iron, Magnesium
How to serve cocoa powder by age
6 to 9 months
Not yet. Babies under 12 months do not need cocoa or chocolate. Focus on fruit, vegetables and grains, and let baby explore those flavours first.
9 to 12 months
Still best to wait until around their first birthday. If you bake for the family, set baby's portion aside before adding cocoa.
12 months and up
Stir half a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder into porridge, yoghurt or a banana smoothie, or use it in homemade muffins sweetened with banana or dates. Avoid hot chocolate mixes and drinking chocolate, which are mostly sugar, and keep cocoa away from bedtime as it can be a little stimulating.
Choking safety
Cocoa powder is not a choking risk when mixed into food, but dry powder can make little ones cough if inhaled, so always mix it in well. Chocolate chips and chunks of chocolate can be hard and are best avoided for 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
- Contains theobromine; small amounts only.
- Use unsweetened cocoa, not hot chocolate mix.
Goes well with
Recipes with cocoa powder
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat cocoa powder?
Can babies have cocoa powder? It is best to wait until about 12 months. After that, a little unsweetened cocoa powder in porridge or baking is fine. Cocoa contains theobromine, a mild stimulant similar to caffeine, so keep amounts small.
Does cocoa powder contain caffeine?
It contains a small amount of caffeine and more theobromine, which is a mild stimulant. A little in food is fine for toddlers, but avoid large amounts and late in the day.
Is cocoa powder a good source of iron?
Unsweetened cocoa does contain some iron and magnesium, but toddlers eat only small amounts, so it is not a main source. Meat, beans, lentils and fortified cereals do that job better.
Sources
- NHS Start for Life: Weaning
- NHS: Foods to avoid giving babies and young children
- NHS: What to feed young children
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).