Coconut Yogurt

Coconut yogurt may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Coconut yogurt is a modern adaptation of traditional coconut-based foods long consumed in tropical regions. Coconut has been a dietary staple across Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Africa for centuries, where its flesh, milk, and water are used in curries, stews, and desserts. The idea of fermenting coconut milk with probiotic cultures draws from both these regional culinary traditions and global yogurt-making techniques.

• Choose unsweetened or low-sugar coconut yogurt with live cultures, when available. Live bacterial cultures offer probiotic benefits for baby’s digestion. Sharing sweetened coconut yogurt is not a cause for concern as part of a varied diet, but it can be helpful to hold off on regularly serving very sugary foods until a child is older to help support baby’s oral health and ensure that baby has space in the belly to try a variety of nourishing foods.

• Use as a base for fruit blends, dips, or smoothies.

• Refrigerate and consume within a few days after opening.

No. Coconut 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 coconut 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.

No, coconut yogurt is made primarily of coconut, and coconut allergy is rare.^{[1] [2]} However, in the rare cases when it does occur, coconut allergy has been associated with severe reactions.^[2] Read the label on coconut yogurt carefully for any common allergens like soy or tree nuts in the ingredient list and wait to serve until all common allergens in that coconut yogurt have been safely introduced.

Although it is not typical for individuals with peanut or tree nut allergies to also be allergic to coconut, cross-reactivity has occasionally been observed between coconut and macadamia, almond, walnuts, hazelnuts, lentils, and latex.^[3][4]

Yes. Coconut yogurt is rich in fat, which babies need for healthy brain development and energy. Some brands are made with live bacterial cultures, which offer probiotic benefits for baby’s digestion, and others are also fortified with calcium and vitamin D to support baby’s developing bones, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals.