Grasshoppers
Insect
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
Yes
Common Allergen
No
When can babies have grasshoppers?
Grasshoppers may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Grasshoppers are an ancient family of insects that thrive in diverse climates worldwide. Many countries have their own local species and preferred ways of cooking the insect: in Mexico, edible grasshoppers are called chapulines and often flavored with salt or tajín, while in Uganda, the local edible species is known as nsenene and typically fried with onions and spices.
How do you serve grasshoppers 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 +:
Blend chapulines, nsenene (legs, wings, and tail removed), or other styles of cooked grasshoppers into sauces, soups, and stews for baby to scoop. Alternatively, crush them into powder to sprinkle on finger food like mango pit or cooked vegetable spears. You can also use the powder in pancakes, patties, or meatballs.
9 months old +:
When you see signs of the developing pincer grasp (where the tips of the thumb and pointer finger meet), try serving chopped or whole chapulines or other styles of cooked smaller grasshoppers for baby to practice picking up. The drying and cooking process makes them light and flaky, which reduces the choking risk. Further reduce the risk by only serving one or two grasshoppers at a time. This way, baby cannot shovel too many in the mouth at once. Also make sure they are not stale, as stale chapulines can be more difficult to chew and swallow.
Hold off on serving whole large grasshoppers such as nsenene at this age, as they can be firm and pose a high choking risk. Larger grasshoppers should be cooked and chopped or crushed to minimize the risk, with legs, tail, and wings removed as desired. The bite-sized pieces can be served on their own for baby to practice picking up with their developing pincer grasp or mixed into shared dishes.
24 months old +:
Serve chopped or whole chapulines as desired. If the child has their molars and has developed mature eating skills (takes small bites with their teeth, moves food to the side of the mouth when chewing, chews thoroughly before swallowing, and spits out food when it is not well chewed), you can try serving whole nsenene or other large grasshoppers that have been fried or roasted, with legs, wings, and tail removed if you like. To minimize the risk, serve whole large grasshoppers in a safe eating environment and model how it’s done. Start with one grasshopper at a time. Demonstrate placing the food on your own molars and chew in a very exaggerated fashion. Explain to the child how much noise your teeth make breaking down the food. Coach the child to do the same. You can count out loud how many crunches the child can make, ensuring thorough mastication.
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Are grasshoppers a choking hazard for babies?
Yes. Whole cooked grasshoppers are firm, cylindrical in shape, and typically quite dry from the roasting process, which are qualities that can increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve grasshoppers in an age-appropriate way. 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 section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.
Are grasshoppers a common allergen?
No, grasshoppers are not a common allergen. However, some studies have shown that individuals who are allergic to shellfish or dust mites may also be allergic to certain insects, including grasshoppers.
As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity on its own for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.
Are grasshoppers healthy for babies?
Yes. Grasshoppers are packed with key nutrients like bioavailable proteins, essential fatty acids, minerals like iron and zinc, B vitamins, and many other vital micronutrients. Together, these nutrients support growth and cognitive development, help prevent iron-deficiency anemia, fuel immune function, and support taste perception. Insects are also one of the very few animal-based sources of fiber, which is important for supporting baby's digestive system.
★ Tip: Buy grasshoppers or products made from grasshoppers from reputable sources. Like all foods, grasshoppers can pick up environmental contaminants. For example, edible insects cooked in pottery coated with lead paint may contain traces of lead.
What are the signs of readiness for solids?
Baby should be able to sit with minimal support, hold their head up well, and be able to reach and grab an item and successfully bring it to their mouth while seated. Baby should also show interest in eating and watching caregivers eat. For example of babies who are ready vs not, see our article on readiness.
What utensils do I need to get started?
None! Put solid food directly on baby’s tray, plate, or bowl, then let baby explore with their hands. If you like, keep a baby spoon or fork nearby to help familiarize the child with utensils, but the skills to use them are not expected until early toddlerhood.
Our Team
Written by
Dr. Rachel Ruiz
Pediatrician & pediatric gastroenterologist
Dr. Sakina Bajowala
Pediatrician & pediatric allergist/immunologist
Kim Grenawitzke
Pediatric occupational therapist, feeding & swallowing specialist, international board-certified lactation consultant
Venus Kalami
Pediatric registered dietitian & nutritionist
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