Cashew Milk

Cashew milk can be introduced as an ingredient in solid food (but not as a drink) as soon as baby is ready to start solids. Hold off on cashew milk as a drink until after baby’s first birthday so as not to displace breast milk and formula intake in baby’s first year of life. 

Cashew milk is a plant-based milk alternative made by blending cashews with water and straining the mixture to create a smooth, creamy liquid. While commercial cashew milk is a relatively recent innovation, cashews themselves have a deep history in tropical regions. Native to South America, the cashew tree was spread by Portuguese traders to parts of Africa and Asia in the 16th century, where the nut became integrated into local cuisines and agricultural systems.

• Choose cashew milk fortified with calcium and vitamin D, when available.

No. Cashew milk presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve cashew milk in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals. 

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

Yes, cashew milk is made with cashews, which are classified as a common allergen. However, most cashew milk contains a very low amount of allergenic protein. This means that cashew milk is not sufficient for introducing cashew as an allergen or maintaining exposure to cashew once an allergy is ruled out. See Cashew for more information on how to safely introduce.

Yes, although it does not provide the same complete nutrition that breast milk and formula offer to growing babies, so only use cashew milk as an ingredient in solid food under 12 months of age. Hold off on cashew milk as a drink until after the first birthday so as not to displace breast milk and formula intake in baby’s first year of life.

Cashew milk provides some plant-based protein, iron, and healthy fats. Fortified varieties also tend to contain calcium, vitamin D, and B12, which are important for growth and bone development.

There are many wonderful options. Look for foods that are easy for baby to feed to themselves, that are low in choking risk, and that offer nutrients babies need, such as iron. A few of our favorite first foods include cooked broccoli, oatmeal, and mango pits.

You can if you’d like, but there's no developmental need to start with textureless food. Babies can be served modified versions of what you eat. Use our First Foods Database to find how to safely serve any food.