Cannellini Bean

Yes. Cannellini beans are rich in protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and an array of important micronutrients such as iron, calcium, choline, zinc, folate, and vitamin B6. Collectively, these nutrients support cell function and energy, overall growth and development, strong bones, and healthy brains. Iron is especially important for babies around 6 months of age, when their stores naturally become depleted. Cannellini beans also offer electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, as well as polyphenols, a category of plant nutrients that support the body’s resilience.

★Tip: Vitamin C helps increase absorption of iron from plant sources, so serve cannellini beans with other foods that are high in vitamin C, such as asparagus, bell pepper, cauliflower, or peas.

Yes. Cannellini beans are a choking hazard due to their small size and rounded shape especially when raw or undercooked. To reduce the risk, cook until soft and mash the beans into a paste or flatten each bean before serving. 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.

No, cannellini beans are not a common food allergen. However, allergic reactions to white beans including cannellini beans have been reported.  While allergies to beans in general are being increasingly recognized, white beans, such as cannellini beans, tend to be well-tolerated from an allergy perspective.

Bean allergies have also been reported in some patients with allergies to other legumes, including peanut and soybean (which are common food allergens). However, being allergic to one type of legume does not necessarily mean that an individual will be allergic to others, although the risk of more than one legume allergy can increase. Fortunately, most individuals with peanut or soy allergy are able to tolerate other legumes just fine.

Individuals with allergies to birch tree pollen and/or Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome) may be sensitive to legumes, such as cannellini beans. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

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.

Yes. Just look for beans in cans marked “no salt added” or “low sodium,” as some canned products are high in sodium. Opt for cans marked “BPA-free,” when available. Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to line the interior of some food containers, and studies show that frequent exposure can affect baby’s neurological development.

★Tip: Draining and rinsing canned beans can significantly reduce their sodium content.

Yes. Often called anti-nutrients, these naturally-occurring plant compounds (including lectins, oxalates, and phytates) break down during the soaking and cooking process and are generally harmless in healthy people when consumed as part of a balanced diet.   Lectins and oxalates can even offer health benefits, such as antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

No, although soaking dried cannellini beans before cooking can help significantly reduce cooking time, as well as reduce the content of lectins and a gas-producing carbohydrate, raffinose, making the bean more easily digestible.

Here are a couple of soaking methods:

Yes. Beans have high amounts of fibers and resistant starches, which interact with certain bacteria in the gut, resulting in gas, helping move poop along, and contributing to a diverse ecosystem in the digestive tract. While gas is normal and expected, excess gas can be uncomfortable for baby. To minimize digestive discomfort, introduce high-fiber foods like cannellini beans gradually and regularly in baby’s diet as tolerated. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about your baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.