Introducing Spices To

Babies & Toddlers

Baby and toddler food shouldn’t be bland! Experimenting with a range of spices can help to expand their palettes and cultivate adventurous eaters who enjoy a range of flavours, textures and are excited by food!

Introducing bold flavours early on is essential as babies receptiveness to new tastes narrows as they get older. Broadening their palettes at a young age will hopefully result in appreciation of wholesome, unprocessed and flavoursome food. Furthermore, as salt should be avoided for under 1’s adding spices is a fantastic way to add flavour. 

 

Advantages & Benefits Of Introducing Spices Early On:

 

1. They add flavour and fragrance to food without the needed for added sweetness or salt. 

2. Younger palettes are more receptive to new flavours and enjoyment of different flavours will hopefully lead to adventurous eaters. 

3. Spices provide health benefits and can help fight cold and boost immunity. 

4. You can serve the same meal to the whole family, with minor modifications.

5. Spices add dimension and depth to food and you may find they enjoy food they wouldn’t usually eat!

 

How To Introduce Spices:

The key is to begin with aromatic spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, paprika, mint, cardamom, cumin and coriander. Avoid anything that is spicy, such as cayenne pepper or chillies as this may irritate and upset their tummies.  You can always add these to individual adult portions before serving. 

Also start with a small amount of spice and build up the quantity. Spices that have a strong flavour and aroma can overpower if used too generously. 

Be persistent! Babies and toddlers often need a lot of exposure to something new, so don’t be put off if they reject new flavours at first. 

Did you know?

If you breastfed/are breastfeeding your baby then your little one will already have been exposed to a range of flavours through your milk and this can actually help to develop a taste for flavoured food! 

 

Do peruse the recipes on my website as I make full use of a wide and varied range of spices to add vibrancy, depth of flavour and get your little one's excited about food!

 

Note:

Always be mindful of allergic reactions when introducing anything new to babies and toddlers. 

Ensure whole spices are removed before serving. 

 

Have you checked out my new eBook, Baby & Toddler Friendly Authentic Family Food where vibrant spices are the star of the show! The recipes are a fantastic way to introduce spices to your little ones and tantalise their tastebuds with new and exciting flavours.