Walnut

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

Walnuts are the seeds of leafy deciduous trees in our planet’s temperate regions, from China to Iran to the United States. While there are many varieties of edible walnuts, there are two main types that are frequently consumed: the black walnut of North America and the common walnut of Southwest Asia, which has become one of the most popular nuts in the world.

Yes. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, which are terrific for neurological development and heart health. In fact, they are one of the richest whole-food sources of alpha-linoleic acid that exists. Walnuts also contain fiber to support digestion, and folate and zinc to power growth and immunity. Like all nuts, walnuts are also a great source of iron, making them a particularly healthful food for plant-based diet.

★Tip: Walnuts go rancid easily, so store raw walnuts or open jars of walnut butter in the refrigerator. Walnuts can keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, and in the freezer for up to 1 year.

Yes, walnuts are classified as a Global Priority Allergen by the World Health Organization. Walnuts are considered tree nuts (although they are technically a seed). Due to similarities in the protein structure of walnuts and pecans, children who are allergic to walnuts are frequently also allergic to pecans (~70% of children with walnut allergy will also be allergic to pecan.) While only 0.5 to 1.2% of the population is allergic to tree nuts, the allergy is usually life-long: only 9% of children with a tree nut allergy will outgrow it.

Allergic reactions to walnut ingestion can be severe, but walnuts are also a known cause of Oral Allergy Syndrome, especially in individuals who are allergic to birch tree pollen. Oral Allergy Syndrome to walnut typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

Due to similarities in the nuts’ protein structure, individuals who are allergic to walnut may have cross-reactive allergy with a number of other tree nuts and seeds. However, this 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 walnut 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 walnut at home. Your doctor can help you determine if walnuts 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 the nut at home, offer a small quantity (such as a pinch of finely ground nut or 1/8 teaspoon of smooth walnut 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 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 butter are choking hazards for babies and young children. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve walnut and walnut butters 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 receive 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 walnut 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 walnut 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 (fortified soy or pea milk are more nutritious). See our Milk FAQs to learn more.