Chapulines (Saltamontes)
Insecto
Sugerencia de edades
6 meses
Alto contenido de hierro
Sí
Alérgeno común
No
When can babies have grasshoppers?
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Grasshoppers may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Grasshoppers are an ancient family of insects that thrive in diverse climates worldwide. Many countries have their own local species and preferred ways of cooking the insect: in Mexico, edible grasshoppers are called chapulines and often flavored with salt or tajín, while in Uganda, the local edible species is known as nsenene and typically fried with onions and spices.
How do you serve grasshoppers to babies?
Cada bebé se desarrolla a su propio ritmo, y las sugerencias que ofrecemos sobre cómo cortar o preparar determinados alimentos son generalizaciones para una amplia audiencia.
6 months old +:
Blend chapulines, nsenene (legs, wings, and tail removed), or other styles of cooked grasshoppers into sauces, soups, and stews for baby to scoop. Alternatively, crush them into powder to sprinkle on finger food like mango pit or cooked vegetable spears. You can also use the powder in pancakes, patties, or meatballs.
9 months old +:
When you see signs of the developing pincer grasp (where the tips of the thumb and pointer finger meet), try serving chopped or whole chapulines or other styles of cooked smaller grasshoppers for baby to practice picking up. The drying and cooking process makes them light and flaky, which reduces the choking risk. Further reduce the risk by only serving one or two grasshoppers at a time. This way, baby cannot shovel too many in the mouth at once. Also make sure they are not stale, as stale chapulines can be more difficult to chew and swallow.
Hold off on serving whole large grasshoppers such as nsenene at this age, as they can be firm and pose a high choking risk. Larger grasshoppers should be cooked and chopped or crushed to minimize the risk, with legs, tail, and wings removed as desired. The bite-sized pieces can be served on their own for baby to practice picking up with their developing pincer grasp or mixed into shared dishes.
24 months old +:
Serve chopped or whole chapulines as desired. If the child has their molars and has developed mature eating skills (takes small bites with their teeth, moves food to the side of the mouth when chewing, chews thoroughly before swallowing, and spits out food when it is not well chewed), you can try serving whole nsenene or other large grasshoppers that have been fried or roasted, with legs, wings, and tail removed if you like. To minimize the risk, serve whole large grasshoppers in a safe eating environment and model how it’s done. Start with one grasshopper at a time. Demonstrate placing the food on your own molars and chew in a very exaggerated fashion. Explain to the child how much noise your teeth make breaking down the food. Coach the child to do the same. You can count out loud how many crunches the child can make, ensuring thorough mastication.
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Are grasshoppers a choking hazard for babies?
Yes. Whole cooked grasshoppers are firm, cylindrical in shape, and typically quite dry from the roasting process, which are qualities that can increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve grasshoppers in an age-appropriate way. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.
Are grasshoppers a common allergen?
No, grasshoppers are not a common allergen. However, some studies have shown that individuals who are allergic to shellfish or dust mites may also be allergic to certain insects, including grasshoppers.
As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity on its own for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.
Are grasshoppers healthy for babies?
Yes. Grasshoppers are packed with key nutrients like bioavailable proteins, essential fatty acids, minerals like iron and zinc, B vitamins, and many other vital micronutrients. Together, these nutrients support growth and cognitive development, help prevent iron-deficiency anemia, fuel immune function, and support taste perception. Insects are also one of the very few animal-based sources of fiber, which is important for supporting baby's digestive system.
★ Tip: Buy grasshoppers or products made from grasshoppers from reputable sources. Like all foods, grasshoppers can pick up environmental contaminants. For example, edible insects cooked in pottery coated with lead paint may contain traces of lead.
¿Cuáles son las señales de que mi bebé está listo/a para comenzar sólidos?
Las señales incluyen poder sentarse con mínimo apoyo, mantener la cabeza erguida y poder alcanzar y agarrar un objeto y llevárselo a la boca con éxito mientras está sentado/a. El/la bebé también debe mostrar interés en comer y en observar comer a sus cuidadores. Para ejemplos visuales de bebés que están listos y que no, visita nuestro artículo sobre señales de preparación.
¿Qué utensilios necesito para empezar?
¡Ninguno! Sirve los alimentos sólidos directamente en la bandeja, plato o tazón del/a bebé y luego deja que el/la bebé explore con las manos. Si lo deseas, tenga una cuchara o un tenedor disponibles para ayudarlo/a a familiarizarse con los utensilios, pero no se espera que adquiera las habilidades para usarlos hasta que sea un poco mayor.
Nuestro equipo
Escrito por
Dr. Rachel Ruiz
Pediatra general y gastroenteróloga pediátrica
Dr. Sakina Bajowala
Pediatra general y alergóloga/inmunóloga
Kim Grenawitzke
Terapeuta ocupacional pediátrica(o), especialista en alimentación y deglución, y consultora de lactancia certificada por la junta internacional
Venus Kalami
Nutricionista y dietista pediátrico(a) registrada
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