Anise (Aniseed)

Anise may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. 

Anise is a flowering plant native to the lands around the Mediterranean Sea and Southwest Asia, prized for its small seeds with a sweet, licorice-like flavor. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and appears in cuisines around the globe. Anise is commonly used in spice blends, baked goods, liqueurs, and savory dishes, and in many cultures it is valued both for its culinary and traditional medicinal uses.

• Combine with complementary spices like cinnamon or cardamom for rich flavor.

• Store anise seeds in an airtight container away from light and heat to extend their shelf life.

No. Anise presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve anise in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals. 

Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

No. Allergies to anise are rare, but have been reported.^{[1] [2] [3]} Note that certain spice blends that feature anise may contain common food allergens, so make sure to read labels thoroughly if your child has food allergies. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy syndrome), particularly those who are allergic to birch or mugwort pollen and/or sensitive to foods within the Apiaceae family (such as carrot, celery, coriander, cumin, dill, and fennel), may also be sensitive to anise.^[4][5] Cooking anise can help minimize the reaction.^[6][7]

That said, spices can also cause reactions similar to allergic symptoms. For example, inhaling a puff of ground anise can irritate the nasal passageways and trigger sneezing and coughing, but may not be triggered by an allergic reaction.^[8] Spicy foods may also cause a harmless rash around the mouth while baby eats or may cause or worsen diaper rash. Try applying a thin layer of barrier cream or ointment—such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax balm—to baby’s face and bottom before the meal to help prevent contact rashes.

Yes. Anise offers small amounts of a variety of vitamins, minerals like iron and calcium, and fiber. It also contains a number of plant compounds like eugenol, anethole, and more, which may offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.^[4]

It’s fine to use anise oils or extracts in typical culinary amounts as part of a meal or baked good, but avoid offering as a supplement, as the safety of these products has not been sufficiently studied in children.^[4]

No. Anise and star anise are different plants, though they both have a licorice-like flavor due to a shared compound (anethole). They are not interchangeable in recipes.