Cashew

Cashews, if they are finely ground or served as cashew butter, may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Whole cashews, chopped cashews, and cashew butter are choking hazards for babies and children, so read our preparation by age section closely before serving.

From its origins in Central and South America, the cashew tree was introduced by the Portuguese to India, which is now the world’s most prolific producer of the nut. The original Tupian word for this nut in its homeland—acajú—gave rise to many others (cashew, cajou, casu, kaju) as it spread across the globe.

• Store cashews in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or fridge for optimal freshness and quality.

Yes. Whole cashews are small, firm, and challenging to chew, and cashew butter can be sticky, all qualities that increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve cashews and cashew butter 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, cashews are classified as a common allergen. Cashews are considered tree nuts (although they are technically a seed). Due to similarities in the protein structure of cashews and pistachios, children are often allergic to both of these specific tree nuts (approximately 75% of children with cashew allergy will also be allergic to pistachio).^{[1] [2]} 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.^{[3] [4]}

Sumac and pink peppercorn belong to the same botanical family as cashew (Anacardiaceae), and individuals with cashew allergy may be sensitive to these spices. While mango is also a member of this family, most individuals with cashew allergy are able to enjoy mango pulp without any reaction.^[5]

Although an allergy to one tree nut increases risk of allergy to another, keep in mind that being allergic to one nut does not necessarily mean that all nuts need to be removed from the diet.^[4] Having as diverse 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 a cashew 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 cashew at home. Your doctor can help you determine if cashews can be safely introduced in the home setting, or if supervised introduction in the clinic would be preferable. 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 or 1/8 teaspoon of smooth cashew butter thinned with water, breast milk, or formula) at first. For step-by-step guidance on how to introduce cashew and other common allergens, start your subscription in the Solid Starts App. 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 your baby shows signs of a reaction.

Yes. Cashews offer nourishing fats, protein, some carbohydrates, and fiber. They also offer iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, vitamins E and K, and zinc. Together, these nutrients provide energy to fuel baby’s growth, play, and exploration. They also support gut microbiome diversity, red blood cells, electrolyte balance, hormone health, immune function, blood clotting, bone density, and taste perception. 

★ Tip: Store cashews in a cool, dark place, like your pantry or fridge for optimal freshness and quality.

Yes—as an ingredient in solid food, but wait until after the first birthday to offer cashew milk as a drink so it does not displace breast milk or formula, which offer important nutrition that baby needs to grow and thrive. After baby’s first birthday, cashew milk may be offered as a drink, but keep in mind that many forms of cashew milk can lack the nutrition growing toddlers need. If available, try to select kinds that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D. See our Milk FAQs to learn more.