Poppy Seed

Poppy seeds may be introduced into meals as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Just make sure that the poppy seeds are “food grade” and sold from food or grocery retailers you recognize. Unwashed, non-food grade poppy seeds carry a high risk of opiate exposure.

Only serve food-grade poppy seeds from food and grocery stores you recognize. Unwashed poppy seeds, often available online from private sellers, carry a high risk of opiate exposure, which can cause respiratory and neurological symptoms. Poppy seeds in the form of tea ("poppy tea" or "opium tea"), supplements, poppy milk, oil, straw, pods, and unwashed poppy seeds should be avoided due to the risk of potential opiate contamination and exposure.

Poppy seeds originated in the lands around the Mediterranean Sea, where this ancient food was used medicinally for many centuries. The tiny seeds can be pressed to make oil, ground up to make flour or paste, or dried to be used as seasoning. They are often mixed with sugar to sweeten baked goods like bejgli rolls, hamantaschen cookies, mohnstriezel cakes, tebirkes pastries. In savory cooking, poppy seeds thicken stews like korma and season breads like bagels, kulcha, and sushki. Black, blue, and white poppy seeds are available, but make sure to buy them from a reputable source. While the seeds do not contain opiates, other parts of the poppy plant do, which can contaminate the seeds if they are not properly processed.

Yes, food-grade poppy seeds are generally recognized as safe by the United States Food & Drug Administration when used in amounts typically used in cooking. Avoid purchasing and consuming unwashed poppy seeds (generally available from private sellers online), as these carry a high risk of opiate exposure.

Poppy seeds themselves do not contain opiates, but they can become contaminated with opiates from the plant’s latex during harvesting or processing. Opiate content can vary considerably depending on growing and harvesting methods, local geography, and plant genetics. In light of this, manufacturers wash poppy seeds thoroughly to make them safe for public consumption. Only buy poppy seeds from reputable brands and grocery establishments and only serve in amounts typically used in cooking.

Poppy seeds in the form of tea (“poppy tea” or “opium tea,”) supplements, poppy milk, oil, straw, pods, and unwashed poppy seeds should all be avoided due to the risk of potential opiate contamination and exposure.

Yes, but only in the form of food-grade poppy seeds to avoid the risk of opiate exposure. Nutritionally, poppy seeds aren’t typically consumed in significant amounts; however, the seeds do offer some protein, fatty acids, and fiber, as well as a bit of calcium.

Poppy seeds in the form of tea (“poppy tea” or “opium tea,”) supplements, poppy milk, oil, straw, pods, and unwashed poppy seeds should be avoided due to the risk of potential opiate contamination and exposure.

Hold off on sweetened baking pastes made from poppy seed and poppy seed baked goods with added sugar until a child is older, ideally closer to 2 years of age.

★Tip: When shopping for poppy seeds, only purchase food-grade products from brands that you recognize.

No, poppy seeds do not pose a choking risk, although a spoonful or handful of loose poppy seeds could theoretically pose a risk of aspiration. To minimize the risk, sprinkle thinly on or into foods. 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 sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

No. Allergies to poppy seeds are rare, but have been reported – including severe reactions from ingestion and inhalation. Some individuals have been found to experience food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis from exertion after eating poppy seeds, even though they can tolerate poppy seed in the absence of exercise. Poppy seeds are frequently featured as a flavoring in baked goods, but may not be immediately noted due to their small size. The oil from poppy seed can contain poppy allergens, and may be a cause of “mystery” reactions in allergic individuals. Certain spice and seasoning blends that feature poppy seed may also contain common food allergens, such as sesame seeds and nuts, so make sure to read labels thoroughly if your child has food allergies.

Individuals with allergies to sesame, kiwi, hazelnut, buckwheat, and rye may experience cross-reactivity to poppy seeds. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome who are allergic to birch, mugwort, and grass pollens may also be sensitive to poppy seed. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

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.

No. While they do contain some fiber, poppy seeds do not generally help babies poop. If you see poppy seeds in baby’s poop, this is nothing to worry about. Many seeds, including poppy seeds, have components that are naturally resistant to digestive breakdown. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.