Pecans

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

Pecans originated in North America, where they have grown on towering, long-lived trees that were first cultivated by Native Americans. While pecans grew wild in America for centuries, their success as a commercial crop owes much to someone known to the historical record only as Antoine, an enslaved man in Louisiana. Antoine’s reputation as an accomplished gardener led others to seek his expertise, and the trees he created through grafting formed the foundation of today’s pecan industry in the United States.

Yes. Pecans are an excellent source of zinc and thiamine, important nutrients for baby’s immune health and metabolism. Pecans also contain protein, healthy fats, and lots of fiber to support optimal growth and digestion. Like all nuts, pecans are also a great source of iron, making them a particularly healthful food for plant-based diets. Lastly, pecans are one of the top nuts for flavonoids—antioxidants that support the immune system.

★Tip: Like most tree nuts, pecans can go rancid. Pecans can keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 9 months and in the freezer for up to 2 years.

Yes, pecans are classified as a Global Priority Allergen by the World Health Organization. Pecans are considered tree nuts (even though they are actually seeds). Most individuals  (>95%) who are allergic to pecans also have a walnut allergy, since these two tree nuts share similar protein structures. 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.

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. 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 pecan 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 pecan at home. Your doctor can help you determine if pecans 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 pecans at home, offer a small amount (such as a pinch of finely ground pecan or 1/8 teaspoon of pecan butter thinned with water, breast milk, or formula) at first. If there is no adverse reaction, you can increase the quantity over future meals. It is okay if your baby does not consume each serving entirely. 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. Whole nuts, nut pieces, and globs of nut butters are choking hazards for babies and young children.  To reduce the risk, prepare and serve pecans and pecan butter 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.

No. Prior to 12 months, the only liquids an infant should consume are breast milk, formula, and if the baby is older than 6 months of age, water in small amounts (less than 2-4 ounces a day) in an open cup. If pecan milk is used as an ingredient in solid food (such as oatmeal), then it is acceptable to serve before 12 months of age. 

If, after the first birthday, you’d like to introduce unsweetened pecan milk as a beverage, it’s fine to do so, but know that nut milk often lacks adequate calories, fat, and protein for a plant-based milk for toddlers (typically fortified soy or pea milk are more nutritious). See our Milk FAQs to learn more.