Açaí

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

Açaí berries grow on palm trees that originated in the Amazon region of South America. The name açaí has roots in the Tupi–Guarani language spoken by Indigenous peoples of the region, whose ancestors learned centuries ago to process and preserve the fruit into powder to use as medicine and enrich porridge and other foods with nutrients.

Yes. Açaí is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds including anthocyanins which help to support digestive function and promote a flourishing gut microbiome. Açaí also offers some calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B6, which together support baby’s bone, blood, immune, and metabolic health.  

Fresh açaí berries are not widely available outside of the regions where the plant grows, so it may be easier to find açaí powder or frozen packets of deseeded açaí purée where you live. Avoid offering supplemental forms of açaí to babies, which may contain unsafe ingredients, such as high doses of caffeine.

No, açaí is not a common allergen. However, in theory, an individual can be allergic to any food. Since açaí is from the palm family, individuals with allergies or sensitivities to other palm fruits and products, such as dates and heart of palm, may have an increased risk of sensitivity to açaí.

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

Yes. The round shape, small size, and seed in the middle of fresh açaí berries makes it a choking hazard for babies. To minimize the risk, serve mashed, de-seeded açaí or store-bought pulp or powder. 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 sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

Yes, açaí bowls may be shared with baby as long as the dish is made with baby-friendly ingredients. For example, many açaí bowls and purées contain honey, which should be avoided for infants under 12 months of age, as it is associated with a risk of infant botulism. While other açaí bowls may contain added sugars, it’s fine to share some with baby so that they can participate in the meal. In addition, açaí bowls may contain choking hazards like granola or whole tree nuts, which should be removed or finely ground before sharing with babies. Açaí bowls made with baby-friendly ingredients like avocado, banana, and coconut flakes can be a great way for baby to practice self-feeding with a preloaded spoon and gain exposure to the bold flavor of açaí.

Small amounts of pasteurized acaí juice may be shared as a drink after 12 months of age. That said, it can be beneficial to wait until after a child’s 2nd birthday to regularly share juice and other sugary drinks. Research suggests that regular intake of juice and other sweet drinks tends to increase the risk of dental cavities and take up space in the belly, which may decrease a child’s motivation to eat other foods at mealtime and may negatively affect the child’s growth. However, occasional servings of juice after one year of age generally isn’t a cause for concern. If offering açai juice to a toddler, make sure that it is pasteurized, as raw açaí juice carries an increased risk of foodborne illness. Learn more about serving juice to babies and toddlers.