First foods database

🧈 Tofu for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies eat tofu? Yes, from about 6 months. Tofu is made from soya, a common allergen, and it is a soft, mild protein that soaks up other flavours. Tofu set with calcium sulphate is a good source of calcium, and it also brings iron and protein.

From 6 monthsAllergen: SoyaLow choking risk when prepared wellIron rich

Good source of: Protein, Calcium, Iron

How to serve tofu by age

6 to 9 months

Mash soft or silken tofu into purées, or blend it into smooth sauces. For finger food, cut firm tofu into strips about the size of an adult finger, then steam, bake or pan fry lightly so it holds together but stays soft. Rolling strips in ground seeds or oats helps grip.

9 to 12 months

Offer small cubes of cooked firm tofu, crumble it into scrambles with vegetables, or add it to stir fries with soft noodles. It works well with broccoli and spinach.

12 months and up

Serve tofu in curries, noodle dishes and wraps. Toddlers often enjoy crispy baked tofu pieces with a mild dipping sauce.

Choking safety

Tofu is soft and low risk. Firm tofu cubes should squash easily between your fingers. Avoid very crispy, hard fried pieces for young babies.

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 a common allergen; offer a small amount first.
Check labels for calcium-set tofu, and avoid marinated or smoked tofu, which can be salty.

Introducing it as an allergen

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

Easy ideas

Tofu scramble with spinach and tomato
Baked tofu strips rolled in ground sesame
Tofu and broccoli with soft rice noodles

Goes well with

🥬SpinachFrom 6 months 🥦BroccoliFrom 6 months 🍜Rice noodlesFrom 6 months 🌾Sesame seedsFrom 6 months · Sesame

Recipes with tofu

🥢Baked sesame tofu fingersFrom 6 months · Lunch · 35 min 🥞Cabbage and tofu okonomiyaki pancakesFrom 9 months · Lunch · 35 min 🥜Peanut noodles with tofu and broccoliFrom 9 months · Dinner · 25 min 🍛Toddler tofu katsu curryFrom 12 months · Dinner · 55 min 🟡Turmeric tofu scrambleFrom 7 months · Breakfast · 13 min

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat tofu?

Which tofu is best for babies?

Firm tofu is easiest for finger foods, and silken tofu blends well into purées and sauces. Plain, unflavoured tofu is best.

Is tofu a good source of calcium?

Tofu set with calcium sulphate (shown on the label as E516) is a good source of calcium. Other types contain less.

Do I need to cook tofu for a baby?

Tofu is safe straight from the pack, but warming or baking it makes it easier to handle and helps it hold together.

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).