First foods database

🌰 Ground almonds for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies eat ground almonds? Yes, from about 6 months. Ground almonds are one of the easiest and safest ways to introduce tree nuts, because the fine powder stirs smoothly into everyday foods with no choking risk.

From 6 monthsAllergen: Tree nutsLow choking risk when prepared well

Good source of: Vitamin E, Protein, Healthy fats, Calcium

How to serve ground almonds by age

6 to 9 months

Start by stirring about a quarter of a teaspoon of ground almonds into porridge, plain yoghurt or fruit purée. If there is no reaction, increase gradually over the next few servings to about a teaspoon. Ground almonds also thicken a runny purée nicely.

9 to 12 months

Keep offering ground almonds a few times a week: in pancakes, muffins without added sugar, or as a coating for soft fish or chicken strips.

12 months and up

Use them in family baking, crumble toppings and curries such as a mild korma. Whole and chopped almonds are still not safe until 5.

Choking safety

Ground almonds are low choking risk. Whole or chopped almonds are not suitable for under-5s, and flaked or slivered almonds are hard and sharp, so stick to ground almonds or smooth almond butter.

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

Almonds are a tree nut, a common allergen. Introduce on their own, a little at first, then keep offering regularly.
If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, speak to your GP before introducing nuts.

Introducing it as an allergen

It contains tree nuts, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce tree nuts

Easy ideas

Ground almond porridge with pear
Banana and almond pancakes
Almond-crumbed baked cod fingers

Goes well with

🥣OatsFrom 6 months · Gluten 🍐PearFrom 6 months 🍌BananaFrom 6 months 🐟CodFrom 6 months · Fish

Recipes with ground almonds

🍛Mild chicken and butternut squash kormaFrom 7 months · Dinner · 40 min 🍐Pear and almond overnight oatsFrom 7 months · Breakfast · 5 min 🟤Squashed date and oat bitesFrom 12 months · Snack · 15 min

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat ground almonds?

How do I introduce ground almonds to my baby?

Mix a small amount into a food your baby already eats, offer it earlier in the day, and watch for any reaction. Then keep it in the diet regularly to help maintain tolerance.

Is ground almond the same as almond flour?

They are very similar. Almond flour is usually made from blanched almonds and is finer, but both are fine for babies.

Can I use almond drink instead of milk?

Almond drink is low in protein and energy, so it is not suitable as a main drink for under-2s. Ground almonds in food are a better way to include almonds.

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).