Nut

Cashews

Cashews are a creamy, slightly sweet nut that can be a nutritious addition to your baby's diet. They're packed with healthy fats that support brain development¹ and contain important vitamins and minerals. Their smooth texture when blended makes them easy to incorporate into various baby foods.

PPippin Feeding TeamReviewed by feeding specialists · Updated July 2026

First age6m+

CategoryNut

Common allergenYes

Choking riskHigh

When can babies eat Cashews?

Cashews can be introduced around 6 months when starting solids, but always serve them in safe forms to prevent choking and monitor for allergic reactions.

Storage tip

Store raw cashews in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months, or refrigerate for up to a year. Cashew butter should be refrigerated after opening and used within 3 months.

How to serve Cashews by age

12 to 24 months

For babies 12-24 months, serve cashews only as a fine powder or smooth, thin cashew butter. Mix a small amount of cashew powder into cereals, purees, or yogurt, or spread a thin layer of cashew butter on soft toast strips or banana slices. Ensure no lumps or chunks are present.

Grind raw cashews into a fine powder using a food processor or blender.
Thin cashew butter with breast milk, formula, or water to a spreadable consistency.
Avoid adding salt, sugar, or honey to cashew preparations.
Start with a pea-sized amount to test for allergies.
Always supervise your baby during meals.

24 months +

For toddlers 24 months and up, you can offer finely chopped cashews or cashew pieces as they develop better chewing skills, but still avoid whole nuts. Continue using cashew butter or powder in recipes, and ensure pieces are no larger than a pea to reduce choking risk.

Chop cashews into tiny, pea-sized pieces for added texture.
Mix chopped cashews into oatmeal, pancakes, or muffins for variety.
Teach your child to chew thoroughly before swallowing.
Keep portions small to prevent overconsumption.
Store prepared cashew foods in the refrigerator if not eaten immediately.

Safety & allergens

Choking risk: High

Whole cashews and large pieces are a choking hazard for babies and toddlers. Always serve cashews ground into a fine powder or smooth butter until at least age 4. Even for older toddlers, supervise closely and serve small, soft pieces.

Common allergen

Tree nut allergies affect about 0.5-1% of children, with cashews being one of the more common tree nut allergens.²

Watch for symptoms:

Hives
Swelling of lips/face
Vomiting
Difficulty breathing
Wheezing

Introduce a tiny amount of cashew butter mixed with other foods and watch for reactions for 2-3 days. If there's no reaction, gradually increase the amount. Consult your pediatrician before introducing if there's a family history of nut allergies.³

Vitamins & minerals

Cashews provide healthy monounsaturated fats that support brain development in infants.¹ They're also a good source of iron, which is crucial for preventing anemia and supporting growth⁴, and magnesium, which helps with bone development and muscle function.⁵ The vitamin E in cashews acts as an antioxidant to protect cells.⁶

Vitamins

Vitamin EVitamin KVitamin B1Vitamin B6

Minerals

IronMagnesiumPhosphorusZincCopperManganese

Nutritional synergy

Pair cashews with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges or strawberries to enhance iron absorption from the cashews.⁷

Common questions

Can I give my baby whole cashews?

No, whole cashews are a choking hazard for babies and toddlers. Always serve cashews ground into a fine powder or smooth butter until at least age 4. Even then, supervise closely and serve small, soft pieces.

What's the best way to introduce cashews to check for allergies?

Mix a tiny amount of smooth cashew butter (about ¼ teaspoon) into a food your baby already tolerates, like oatmeal or yogurt. Watch for any reactions over the next 2-3 days. If there's no reaction, you can gradually increase the amount.

My baby doesn't like the texture of cashew butter. What can I do?

Try mixing cashew butter into familiar foods like banana puree, applesauce, or yogurt to mask the texture. You can also blend cashews into smoothies or use cashew flour in baked goods like muffins or pancakes.