First foods database
🟥 Sumac for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies have sumac? Yes, from about 6 months. Ground sumac is a deep red, tangy spice used across the Middle East and Mediterranean, and its lemony sourness is a lovely way to add brightness to baby's food without any salt.
Good source of: Antioxidants, Vitamin C
How to serve sumac by age
6 to 9 months
Sprinkle a small pinch of plain ground sumac over hummus, natural yoghurt, mashed avocado or roasted vegetable fingers. It can also be stirred into lentils or bean mash. Start with a little, as the sour taste may surprise baby at first; a funny face is normal and not a sign they dislike it.
9 to 12 months
Use sumac on roasted chicken thighs, baked fish, soft roasted aubergine or in a yoghurt dip for toast fingers. It pairs nicely with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
12 months and up
Enjoy it in family dishes such as fattoush-style salads (with soft pieces), kebabs and grain bowls, or as part of homemade za'atar.
Choking safety
Ground sumac is a fine powder and is low choking risk. Avoid offering whole dried sumac berries, which are hard.
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
- Some sumac blends contain salt; choose plain ground sumac.
Easy ideas
- Hummus with a dusting of sumac
- Sumac roasted chicken thighs
- Natural yoghurt dip with sumac and olive oil
Goes well with
Recipes with sumac
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat sumac?
Can babies have sumac? Yes, from about 6 months. Ground sumac is a deep red, tangy spice used across the Middle East and Mediterranean, and its lemony sourness is a lovely way to add brightness to baby's food without any salt.
Is sumac safe for babies?
Yes. Culinary sumac is a different plant from the poison sumac found in North America, and it is safe in small amounts from about 6 months.
What does sumac taste like?
Tangy and lemony, a little like a dry squeeze of lemon. It brightens food without salt.
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).