Horseradish

It can be. While grated horseradish presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, thick pieces of raw horseradish are firm, rounded, and challenging to chew, qualities that increase choking risk. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve horseradish in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. 

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

No, horseradish is not a common food allergen, although reactions to horseradish have been reported. Horseradish is part of the cruciferous vegetable family and individuals who are allergic or sensitive to other members of the cruciferous family, such as mustard greens and broccoli, could theoretically be sensitive to horseradish as well.

Horseradish’s characteristic pungency is due to a chemical called allyl isothiocyanate. When handling grated horseradish, make sure to wash the hands and any skin that comes into contact with the horseradish, as it can be irritating to the skin and cause contact dermatitis. Spicy foods like horseradish may cause a harmless rash around the mouth while baby eats or may contribute to diaper rash when consumed in larger quantities. Try applying a thin layer of barrier cream or ointment—such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax balm—to baby’s face and diaper area to help prevent contact rashes.

Processed horseradish products may be preserved with sulfites. Certain individuals, particularly those with asthma, can have allergy-like reactions to added sulfites.  If sulfites are a concern, avoid ingredients such as sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Yes. While horseradish isn’t typically consumed in amounts considered nutritionally significant, it does offer various nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and folate, as well as antioxidants to support the body’s resilience against stressors and glucosinolates, which may offer anti-cancer properties.

Contrary to popular belief, babies can enjoy big flavors, including heat from ingredients like horseradish, but it is important to start with small tastes and adjust the spice level to suit the child. The goal is to avoid a negative experience from too much heat. Taste the dish before serving, and if the dish seems too spicy, adjust the seasonings to mellow the flavor.

★ Tip: Balance the heat by serving horseradish alongside creamy foods like mashed avocado, plain yogurt, or age-appropriate milk, like breast milk, formula, or cow’s milk.

When first getting started, offer a small amount and trust that baby knows how to show interest in wanting more by grunting, pointing, or reaching out. Keep in mind that most babies between 6 and 9 months of age do not consume much solid food at first. For babies between 10 and 12 months of age, work toward what a balanced adult meal would look like, just with smaller portions than what you might have. Follow the child’s lead: when baby indicates “more”, offer more food. When baby shows signs that they are finished, stop offering food.

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.