Nut

Hazelnut

Hazelnuts are a nutrient-dense food that can be a great addition to your baby's diet. They have a rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture when blended, which many babies enjoy. They're packed with healthy fats that support brain development¹ and provide essential vitamins and minerals for growth.

PPippin Feeding TeamReviewed by feeding specialists · Updated July 2026

First age6m+

CategoryNut

Common allergenYes

Choking riskHigh

When can babies eat Hazelnut?

You can introduce hazelnuts around 6 months, but because they're a common allergen, it's best to start with a small amount and watch for any reactions. Many pediatricians recommend introducing common allergens early to help reduce allergy risk².

Storage tip

Store raw hazelnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months, or in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Once prepared as butter or puree, store in the refrigerator and use within 2 weeks.

How to serve Hazelnut by age

12 to 24 months

For babies 12 months and up, serve hazelnuts only as a smooth, thin hazelnut butter mixed into other foods like oatmeal, yogurt, or purees. Avoid chunks or whole nuts. You can also use finely ground hazelnut meal sprinkled lightly on soft fruits or cereals.

Mix a small amount of hazelnut butter into mashed avocado or banana for a creamy texture.
Stir ground hazelnut meal into baby cereal or pancake batter for added nutrition.
Always supervise your baby during meals and ensure they are sitting upright.
Start with a pea-sized amount to check for allergies before increasing.
Choose unsweetened, unsalted hazelnut butter to avoid added sugars and sodium.

24 months +

For toddlers 2 years and older, you can offer hazelnuts in slightly more textured forms, such as finely chopped or as part of baked goods like muffins or energy balls. Continue to avoid whole nuts until age 4 or older, and always ensure pieces are small and soft to reduce choking risk.

Incorporate chopped hazelnuts into homemade granola bars or oatmeal cookies.
Use hazelnut flour in baking for a nutty flavor and extra protein.
Teach your child to chew thoroughly and eat slowly when nuts are included.
Pair hazelnuts with soft foods like applesauce to ease chewing.
Monitor for any signs of choking and keep meals calm and focused.

Safety & allergens

Choking risk: High

Whole hazelnuts and large pieces are a serious choking hazard for babies and toddlers. Always serve hazelnuts in safe forms: as a thin butter spread on soft foods, finely ground and mixed into other foods, or as a smooth puree. Never give whole nuts to children under 4 years old.

Common allergen

Tree nut allergies affect about 1-2% of children, with hazelnut being one of the more common tree nut allergies².

Watch for symptoms:

Hives
Swelling of lips, face, or tongue
Digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
Difficulty breathing
Anaphylaxis (rare but serious)

Start with a tiny amount (about ¼ teaspoon of hazelnut butter mixed into a familiar food like oatmeal or banana). Wait 3-5 days before introducing other new foods to monitor for reactions. If there's a family history of nut allergies, consult your pediatrician first³.

Vitamins & minerals

Hazelnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats that support your baby's brain development¹. They're rich in vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant to protect cells⁴, and provide manganese for bone development⁵ and copper for immune function⁶. The iron content helps prevent anemia when paired with vitamin C-rich foods⁷.

Vitamins

Vitamin EVitamin B1Vitamin B6Vitamin B9

Minerals

ManganeseCopperMagnesiumPhosphorusIron

Nutritional synergy

Pair hazelnuts with vitamin C-rich foods like strawberries or oranges to enhance iron absorption⁷. The healthy fats in hazelnuts also help your baby absorb fat-soluble vitamins from other foods.

Common questions

What's the best way to introduce hazelnuts to my baby?

Start with a small amount of smooth hazelnut butter (without added sugar or salt) mixed into a food your baby already tolerates well, like oatmeal, yogurt, or banana. Begin with just ¼ teaspoon and gradually increase if there's no reaction over several days.

Can I give my baby whole hazelnuts?

No, whole hazelnuts are a serious choking hazard for babies and toddlers. Always serve hazelnuts in safe forms: as a smooth butter, finely ground and mixed into other foods, or as part of a puree. Wait until at least age 4 before offering whole nuts.

What if my baby has eczema or other food allergies?

Babies with eczema or other food allergies have a higher risk of developing nut allergies. Consult your pediatrician before introducing hazelnuts. They may recommend allergy testing or supervised introduction in a medical setting³.