Cocoa / Chocolate

It can be. Many forms of chocolate bars and candies are firm or chewy and sometimes small and round, qualities that increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve chocolate in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. 

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

No. While allergies to cacao itself are uncommon, they are not unheard of.¹ Chocolate products can also contain or be processed with other common food allergens such as cow’s milk, soy, tree nuts, sesame, wheat, and eggs, so be sure to read ingredient lists carefully.^{2 3}

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Depending on the type, chocolate can offer carbohydrates, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It can also be rich in a variety of antioxidants and plant compounds that support heart and digestive health.⁴ Generally, the darker the chocolate, the more nutritional benefits it offers (although the caffeine content will be higher too). 

Have questions about sugar? Check out Sugar in Food for Babies and Toddlers for guidance.

It can. While the occasional small taste of food with chocolate probably won't affect sleep, eating a large volume or regularly eating food with chocolate may provide too much caffeine, which can have an impact on a baby’s sleep. Babies and young children can be more sensitive than adults to some of the temporary but often harmless side effects associated with caffeine, such as reduced appetite, increased energy, and jitteriness.^{5 6 7}That said, small amounts of chocolate in age-appropriate foods are generally fine as part of a varied diet.

Wait to offer chocolate milk as a drink until around the first birthday. As a drink, chocolate cow’s milk (and cow’s milk alternatives) can displace breast milk and formula, which are the main sources of nutrition until baby has the skills to eat a variety of solid food. In addition, chocolate milk tends to be high in sugar, which increases the risk of cavities and decreases a child's motivation to eat other foods at mealtime.^{8 9}

Drinks like atole, champurrado, or drinking chocolate may be part of your family’s cultural tradition, and it’s fine to share small tastes with children after 12 months, on occasion.

While occasional tastes of a food with white or dark chocolate are fine as part of a varied diet, consider waiting until the child is older to regularly share chocolate and chocolate products due to their varying levels of caffeine, particularly in the case of dark chocolate, and because these products can be high in sugar, which can impact dental health over time.^{10 11}

Have questions about sugar? Check out Sugar in Food for Babies and Toddlers for guidance.