Introducing nut butters to your baby can be a nourishing and safe way to expand their diet during the weaning phase.
Our unsalted nut butters provide a powerhouse of essential fats, plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals that support brain development, immunity, and overall growth. However, nuts are a common allergen, so they must be introduced gradually and safely.
When & How to introduce nut butters
Nut butters can be introduced from around 6 months, when babies are developmentally ready for solid food. To reduce allergy risk, it’s recommended to offer one nut at a time and wait 2–3 days before introducing another. Once individual nuts have been tolerated, you can offer a smooth mixed nut butter in small, safe amounts.
For babies 6–12 months, about 1–2 teaspoons per day is appropriate.
- Take some nut butter out of the fridge to make it room temperature. This will make it softer and easier to eat.
- Start small: Begin with a tiny smear (e.g. 1/4 teaspoon) the first few times to check for allergies.
- Gradually increase to 1–2 teaspoons if no allergic reaction occurs.
- Nut butter can be given a few times per week and doesn’t need to be daily.
Serving Ideas:
- Stir ½ teaspoon into porridge or mashed banana
- Mix with plain yoghurt for a protein boost
- Spread thinly on toast fingers
Which vitamins and minerals does this unsalted nut butter set (Peanuts, Almonds, Cashews and Brazil nuts) have?
Unsalted nut butters, such as those made from peanuts, almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts, are rich in various vitamins and minerals. Here’s a general overview of the key nutrients found in these unsalted nut butters:
Peanuts
- Vitamins: Peanuts are a good source of vitamin E, niacin (vitamin B3), and folate (vitamin B9).
- Minerals: They provide minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Peanuts also contain some iron and zinc.
Almonds
- Vitamins: Almonds are high in vitamin E and provide some vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and niacin (vitamin B3).
- Minerals: They are rich in minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. Almonds also contain iron and zinc.
Cashews
- Vitamins: Cashews offer vitamins such as vitamin K, vitamin B6, and folate (vitamin B9).
- Minerals: They are a good source of minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Cashews also provide some iron and zinc.
Brazil Nuts
- Selenium: Brazil nuts are one of the richest food sources of selenium, a mineral important for immune function and thyroid health. A single Brazil nut can provide a day’s worth of selenium.
- Healthy Fats: They also provide healthy fats, which are crucial for brain development.
Each spoonful of our unsalted nut butter combines these nutrients without any added sugar, salt, or oils.
Check out the A to Z Vitamins & Minerals: function, benefits, and what foods you can find them in.
What are the benefits of Peanut, Almond, Cashew and Brazil nuts for my baby?
Nuts like peanuts, almonds, cashews, and brazil nuts can be introduced to your baby’s diet when they are developmentally ready for solid foods. These unsalted nut butters offer various health benefits, but it’s crucial to consider the following factors and consult with your paediatrician before introducing nuts to your baby:
Benefits of Nuts for Babies:
- nutrient-rich: Nuts are packed with essential nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- healthy fats: Nuts are a source of unsaturated fats, which are important for brain development in infants.
- protein: Nuts provide plant-based protein, which is beneficial for growth and development.
- minerals: Nuts contain important minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, which support overall health.
- vitamins: Nuts contain vitamins such as vitamin E, B vitamins, and folate, which are crucial for various bodily functions.
- dietary fibre: Nuts can contribute to dietary fibre intake, aiding in digestive health.
If you would like to find out more about nutrients, check out our A to Z Vitamins & Minerals: function, benefits, and what foods you can find them in.
Important References:
Age of baby: It is generally safe to introduce nut butter to a baby between 6 to 12 months of age. Most experts recommend waiting until at least 6 months when your baby starts eating solid foods. This delay allows their digestive system to mature and reduces the risk of allergies.
Nuts are a common allergen, so it’s important to consult with your paediatrician before introducing them. Consider starting with nut butters in small quantities and watching for any allergic reactions.
Portion Size: Start with small portions and monitor your baby for any adverse reactions. Nuts are calorie-dense, so be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overfeeding.
Family allergy history: If there’s a family history of nut allergies, consult with an allergist before introducing nuts to your baby’s diet.
Nut butter recommendations for women
| Group | Daily Serving Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General adult women (moderately active ) | 1–1.5 tablespoons (15–24g) | Provides healthy fats and protein. Adjust based on activity level and calorie needs (~1,800–2,200 kcal/day). |
| Pregnant women | 1.5–2 tablespoons (24–32g) | Supports increased calorie and nutrient needs (~2,200–2,800 kcal/day). Rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. |
| Breastfeeding women | 2–2.5 tablespoons (32–40g) | Higher fat and calorie needs (~2,300–2,900 kcal/day). Nut butter helps meet energy demands and supports milk production. |
Nutritional sources
Healthline states introducing smooth nut butters (peanut, almond, walnut) around 4–6 months can help prevent allergies, increase nutrient intake, and should be served thinned and spread thinly for safety nih.gov+15healthline.com+15srnutrition.co.uk+15.
Bonavita emphasises that nut butters enrich baby meals with vitamins, minerals, protein, heart‑healthy fats and calories, while also potentially helping prevent future allergies bonavita.co.
Nutrition advice from SR Nutrition (UK) notes nut butters are a good source of fibre, protein, healthy fats, magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin E. They recommend offering a variety (peanut, almond, cashew, Brazil nut) from around 6 months srnutrition.co.uk.
My Little Eater outlines safe serving methods (thin spreads, purees, powder) and highlights nut butters (peanut, almond, pistachio, etc.) as a rich source of unsaturated fats, encouraged once initial protocol is followed mylittleeater.com.
Organix (UK) describes nuts (walnut, almond, peanut) as providing omega‑3 fatty acids for brain development, protein, fibre, and antioxidants. They recommend smooth nut butters for 6–9 month olds organix.com.
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