Almond

Almonds, if they are finely ground or offered in the form of a smooth, thinned out nut butter, may be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Almonds are a common allergen, so take care when introducing them and check out our age-appropriate preparation suggestions.

The almond may be one of the world’s most popular nuts, but botanically speaking, it is a seed. Like the pits of cherries, peaches, and plums, almonds are found at the center of a fruit that grows on a tree native to the southwest Asia. The young fruits are known as green almonds, with soft edible flesh—just like its stone fruit cousins—that is celebrated as a seasonal treat in some cultures.

Yes. Almonds are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and heart-healthy fats. They also offer plenty of vitamins and minerals to help baby thrive, including calcium for strong bones, zinc for healthy growth, vitamin E for antioxidant support, and iron to help move oxygen through the body, as well as fiber to support baby’s digestion. Plus, almond skins are full of antioxidants to support the body’s resilience. Purchase skin-on almonds, almond butter, and almond meal for an added boost of nutrition in baby’s meal—and choose varieties that are unsweetened and unsalted when you can.

★Tip: Store almonds in a cool, dark place, like your pantry or fridge for optimal freshness and quality. If you live in a warm, humid environment, it’s especially ideal to keep almonds in the fridge to avoid spoiling.

Yes, almonds are classified as a Global Priority Allergen by the World Health Organization. Almonds are considered tree nuts (although they are technically seeds). While only 0.5% to 1.2% of the population is allergic to tree nuts, tree nut allergy is usually life-long: only 9% of children with tree nut allergy will outgrow it on their own. Although most reactions to almond are relatively mild, severe reactions have been reported.

Individuals with allergy to birch tree pollen may experience Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen-food allergy syndrome) after ingestion of almond, especially almond skin. Oral Allergy Syndrome results in localized symptoms of itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth after ingestion, but is unlikely to result in a severe reaction.

Although an allergy to one tree nut increases risk of allergy to another (individuals with almond allergy are more likely to be allergic to hazelnut, for example), keep in mind that being allergic to one nut does not necessarily mean that all nuts need to be removed from the diet. Having as diverse of a diet as possible, even within the confines of food allergies, is important for a child’s nutrition and quality of life. If your child has an almond allergy, work with an allergist to determine if other tree nuts can be safely incorporated into the diet.

For most babies, there is no need to pursue allergy testing before introducing tree nuts into the diet, even if there is a family history of food allergy. However, if baby has severe eczema or has already experienced an allergic reaction, or you suspect your baby may be allergic to nuts, make an appointment with your primary care clinician or a pediatric allergist before introducing almond at home. Your doctor can help you determine if almonds can be safely introduced in the home setting, or if supervised introduction in the clinic would be preferable. Interestingly, even in the context of positive allergy skin test or blood test, most individuals without a clear history of almond reaction will pass an almond challenge. Therefore, don't hesitate to pursue supervised almond introduction if it is recommended for your child. Keep in mind that a growing body of evidence supports the preventive benefits of early food allergen introduction (especially for babies with eczema), so it’s important not to delay introduction any longer than necessary.

When it’s time to introduce the nut at home, offer a small quantity (such as a pinch of finely ground nut of 1/8 teaspoon of smooth almond butter thinned with water, breast milk, or formula) at first. If there is no adverse reaction, you can increase the quantity over future meals. It is okay if your baby does not consume each serving entirely. Rather than filling the belly with the nut, it is important to maintain exposure to common food allergens (such as tree nuts) in the diet regularly (twice weekly, if possible) once introduced. Don’t stop offering the nut unless baby shows signs of a reaction.

Yes. Whole nuts, nut pieces, and globs of nut butters are considered choking hazards for babies and young children.  To reduce the risk, finely grind almonds into a fine flour and sprinkle on other foods or purchase smooth almond butter and mix into applesauce, yogurt, or thin with breast (human) milk, formula, or water. Almond flour and almond butter can also be added to baked goods such as pancakes, waffles, and muffins. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

No. Prior to 12 months, the only liquids an infant should receive are breast milk, formula, and if the baby is older than 6 months of age, water in small amounts (less than 4 oz a day) in an open cup. For babies 6 months and up, almond milk used as an ingredient in solid food (such as in oatmeal, etc.) is totally fine.

If, after the first birthday, you’d like to introduce almond milk as a drink, it’s fine to do so, but know that almond milk lacks adequate calories, fat, and protein, as well as calcium and vitamin D, when compared to cow’s milk. Other plant-based milks like fortified soy or pea milk tend to be more nutritious.  See our Milk FAQs to learn more.