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.

If you are feeling terrified to introduce nuts to your baby, watch our peanut and allergen videos in our virtual course, which were created by our award-winning allergist MD and our founder, who is an allergy mom.

Pecans originated in North America, where they have grown on towering, long-lived trees that were first cultivated by Native Americans. In fact, the name “pecan” is adapted from similar sounding words in the languages of the Algonquian peoples, who not only consumed the nuts, but used them as currency for trade. 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, if unsalted. 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 babies. Lastly, pecans are one of the top nuts for flavonoids—antioxidants that support the immune system. 

Pecans are sometimes sold salted, and some brands of pecan butter may be high in sugar and sodium. When introducing pecans to babies, opt for unsalted, unsweetened pecans or pecan butter, if possible.

★Tip: Like most tree nuts, pecans can go rancid, so store raw pecans and open jars of pecan butter in the refrigerator, purchase roasted unsalted pecans, or roast raw unsalted pecans yourself to extend their shelf life.  Pecans can keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 9 months and in the freezer for up to 2 years. 

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.

Yes. Whole nuts, nut pieces, and globs of nut butters are choking hazards for babies and young children.  To reduce the risk, finely grind pecans until no large pieces remain and sprinkle on other foods or offer smooth pecan butter thinned with other foods like applesauce or yogurt. 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.

Yes. Pecans are considered to be tree nuts (even though they are actually seeds), and all tree nuts are common food allergens. Many individuals who are allergic to pecans also have a walnut allergy, since these two tree nuts share similar protein structures.  While only 1 to 3% of the population is allergic to tree nuts, it 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 to get the nutrients we need to be healthy.

There is no recommendation to complete allergy testing before introducing tree nuts into the diet, even if there is a family history of food allergy. However, if you suspect baby may be allergic to nuts, make an appointment with your primary care clinician or a pediatric allergist before introducing nuts at home.

When it’s time to introduce pecans, offer a scant amount (such as a pinch of finely ground pecan or 1/8 teaspoon of pecan butter thinned with water) for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals. It is okay if baby does not consume each serving entirely. It is important to maintain common food allergens (such as tree nuts) in the diet regularly (about 1 gram twice weekly, if possible) once introduced. Don’t stop offering the nut unless the baby shows signs of a reaction.

Recommended Guide: Introducing Allergens

Pecans and pecan butter can help prevent constipation by promoting bowel movement regularity. They are a good source of fiber and magnesium, which help move stool along in the intestine.

Grind pecans to make an earthy topping that you can sprinkle on vegetables or use to coat proteins to make chicken nuggets, fish sticks, or tofu strips. Blend pecans to make a creamy dairy-free butter to spread on toast or eat with fresh fruit. You can also follow the cue of the Algonquian peoples, who ground, soaked, and strained pecans to make a nutritious nut milk called powcohicora. When baby gets a bit older, try offering pecans as a thickener in soups and stews like kanuchi, a blend of corn and pecans sweetened with maple syrup that has roots in Cherokee culture.

★Tip: When shopping for pecans, buying the nuts from bulk bins (rather than pre-packaged) or purchasing the nuts in their shell may be more affordable.