First foods database
🟫 Tempeh for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat tempeh? Yes, from about 6 months, once soya has been introduced. Tempeh is fermented whole soya beans pressed into a firm block, with plenty of protein, iron and fibre. Steaming softens it so babies can manage it.
Good source of: Protein, Iron, Calcium, Fibre
How to serve tempeh by age
6 to 9 months
Steam or simmer tempeh for 10 to 15 minutes to soften and mellow the flavour. Crumble into tomato sauce or blend into a purée, or cut thin soft strips for baby to hold.
9 to 12 months
Crumbled tempeh in stir-fries, bolognese-style sauces and rice dishes.
12 months and up
Tempeh cubes or strips in family meals, marinated in garlic, ginger and a little low-salt soy.
Choking safety
Tempeh is firm and can crumble into dry pieces. Steam until soft and serve in a sauce or as thin strips.
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
- Soya is an allergen: introduce on its own.
- Avoid salty ready-marinated tempeh.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains soya, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce soya
Easy ideas
- Crumbled tempeh in tomato pasta sauce
- Tempeh and vegetable stir-fry
- Tempeh strips with peanut sauce
Goes well with
Recipes with tempeh
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat tempeh?
Can babies eat tempeh? Yes, from about 6 months, once soya has been introduced. Tempeh is fermented whole soya beans pressed into a firm block, with plenty of protein, iron and fibre. Steaming softens it so babies can manage it.
Is tempeh safe for babies?
Yes, once soya has been introduced and when cooked until soft.
Is tempeh better than tofu for babies?
Both are good. Tempeh has more fibre and a firmer, nuttier texture; tofu is softer.
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).