🧂 Black pepper
Allergen note
Black pepper is not a common allergen, and true allergic reactions are rare. Its heat can make some babies cough, sneeze or fuss, so start with a tiny pinch mixed into food from around 6 months and watch how your baby responds.
How to serve
From around 6 months, add a small pinch of finely ground black pepper to mashed vegetables, eggs, lentils or meat to build a taste for savory flavors. Toddlers can share lightly peppered family meals; pepper is a handy way to add flavor without adding salt.
Preparation
Use finely ground pepper and stir it into food during or after cooking so it is spread evenly rather than sitting on the surface. Remove whole peppercorns from stocks and stews before serving, and skip coarse cracked pepper or peppercorn crusts on meat for young children.
Texture and choking risk
Ground pepper is not a typical choking hazard, but a dusty pinch on top of food can make a baby cough or gag. Whole peppercorns are small, hard and round, so strain them out of any dish, and always supervise meals.
Starting ages are typical guidance for healthy, full-term babies who show signs of readiness. Your paediatrician may advise differently, especially where there is a family history of allergy.
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries black pepper, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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