First foods database

🥣 Hummus for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies eat hummus? Yes, from about 6 months. Hummus blends chickpeas with tahini, so it gives protein and iron and is also an easy way to introduce sesame, one of the common allergens.

From 6 monthsAllergen: SesameLow choking risk when prepared wellIron rich

Good source of: Protein, Iron, Fibre, Calcium

How to serve hummus by age

6 to 9 months

Spread a thin layer on toast fingers, offer it on a preloaded spoon, or use it as a dip for soft steamed carrot and sweet potato. A small smear is enough for a first sesame taste.

9 to 12 months

Use hummus as a dip for soft vegetables and pitta, or stir into pasta as a quick sauce.

12 months and up

Serve with vegetable sticks, pitta, wraps and falafel. Try different flavours like beetroot or roasted red pepper. Many shop-bought hummuses are quite salty, so homemade is best.

Choking safety

Smooth hummus is low risk. Spread thinly on bread so it does not stick to the roof of the mouth.

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 sesame (tahini): offer a small amount first and watch for any reaction.
Shop-bought hummus often contains salt: make your own or choose lower-salt.

Introducing it as an allergen

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

Easy ideas

Hummus on toast fingers
Hummus with steamed carrot sticks
Hummus stirred into warm pasta

Goes well with

🫓Pitta breadFrom 6 months · Gluten 🥕CarrotFrom 6 months 🥒CucumberFrom 6 months 🫑Red pepperFrom 6 months

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat hummus?

Can babies eat hummus? Yes, from about 6 months. Hummus blends chickpeas with tahini, so it gives protein and iron and is also an easy way to introduce sesame, one of the common allergens.

Is shop-bought hummus okay for babies?

A little is fine occasionally, but it often contains added salt. Homemade with tinned chickpeas, tahini, lemon and olive oil lets you leave the salt out.

Can hummus help introduce sesame?

Yes. The tahini in hummus is ground sesame, so it is a simple way to offer it. Keep offering regularly once introduced.

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).