App First Foods® Database Gift Toddlers Book

Cashew Yogurt

Tree Nut

Age Suggestion

6 months

Iron-Rich

Common Allergen

Yes

When can babies have cashew yogurt?

Cashew yogurt may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Note that cashew yogurt is made with cashew, a common allergen.

Cashew yogurt is a recent development that takes advantage of the rich, creamy texture of cashews—a nut with centuries of culinary importance in tropical regions. Native to South America, the cashew tree was spread by Portuguese traders to Africa and South Asia in the 16th century. The blending of cashews with water and bacterial cultures to make yogurt is a modern innovation born from the global demand for plant-based dairy alternatives, combining the nut’s natural creaminess with probiotic benefits.

How do you serve cashew yogurt to babies?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.

6 months old +:

Offer cashew yogurt in a bowl and let baby scoop the yogurt with their hands or eat from a pre-loaded spoon (passing the spoon in the air will make it easier for baby to grab). You can also use cashew yogurt as a base for sweet and savory sauces.

9 months old +:

At this age, babies may be able to pick up pre-loaded spoons independently. Continue to offer cashew yogurt in a bowl and give baby plenty of opportunities to pick up the pre-loaded spoon independently. Note that many babies will tire of this activity quickly so don’t worry if you need to go back and forth between letting baby eat yogurt with their fingers, a pre-loaded spoon handed over the air, or a pre-loaded spoon resting on the edge of a bowl. Multiple spoons at the same time can help.

12 months old +:

In this age range, if you are still pre-loading spoons and handing them over in the air, this is a good time to pre-load the spoon and leave it on the edge of the bowl for the toddler to pick up independently and practice using. Be patient: consistent, independent utensil use may not come until after 2 years of age.

Is cashew yogurt a choking hazard for babies?

No. Cashew yogurt 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 yogurt 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.

Is cashew yogurt a common allergen?

Yes, cashew yogurt is made with cashews, which are classified as a common allergen. However, most cashew yogurt contains a very low amount of allergenic protein. This means that cashew yogurt 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.

Is cashew yogurt healthy for babies?

Yes. Cashew yogurt provides some plant-based fats, protein, and iron. Some varieties are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, which support bone development and immune function, and some brands are made with live bacterial cultures, which offer probiotic benefits for baby’s digestion.

What are some great first foods for babies?

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.

Do I need to start solids with purees?

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.

Our Team

Written by

Dr. Sakina Bajowala

MD, FAAAAI

Kim Grenawitzke

OTD, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC, CNT

Venus Kalami

MNSP, RD, CSP

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