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Can babies eat chickpeas?
Chickpeas can be offered once your baby has started solids, prepared to suit their stage.
How to cook chickpeas for a baby
- Method
- Boiled or Canned
- Ready in
- 40 Min.
- Texture
- Smooth hummus
How you cut and serve chickpeas changes as your baby grows. That is set out age by age below.
How to prepare chickpeas, age by age
- 6 to 8 months
- Blend cooked chickpeas with olive oil and a small amount of water.
- 9 to 11 months
- Smooth hummus — blend until completely smooth with no lumps.
- 12 to 17 months
- Well-mashed chickpeas or smooth hummus.
- 18 months and over
- Mashed or flattened chickpeas — never serve whole before 12 months.
Choking risk
Whole chickpeas can be a choking hazard before 12 months. Always mash or blend them thoroughly.
Watch: Safe chickpea serving
Is chickpeas an allergen?
Chickpeas is not one of the main food allergens. Any new food can cause a reaction the first time it is offered, so give it on its own and stay with your baby while they eat.
Is chickpeas good for babies?
Chickpeas provide a powerful combination of protein, fibre, iron, and folate. Their prebiotic fibre feeds beneficial gut bacteria and supports healthy bowel function. Hummus (blended chickpeas with olive oil) is one of the most nutritious and convenient dips for finger foods from around 9 months.
- Protein
- Iron
- Folate
- Prebiotics
- Fiber
Storing chickpeas
In the fridge
4 Days. Refrigerate cooked chickpeas or hummus in a sealed container
In the freezer
3 Months. Freeze in small portioned containers
Goes well with
Baby recipes with chickpeas
- Chickpea & Vegetable Stew
- Hummus with Cucumber Dippers
- Chickpea & Spinach Stew
- Carrot & Hummus Sticks
- Hummus & Pitta Dippers
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Not sure what to offer after chickpeas?
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This page is general information based on NHS weaning guidance, not medical advice. Always stay with your baby while they eat. If you have concerns about allergies, choking or your baby's development, speak to your health visitor or GP.