🧂 Chili powder

Herbs, spices & condimentsAge not specified

Allergen note

Chili powder is generally well-tolerated but introduce it in tiny amounts after age one, watching for reactions to spices or potential cross-contact with top allergens like wheat or sesame in processing.

How to serve

For infants over 8 months, start with a tiny pinch (1/16 tsp) mixed into mashed beans or sweet potato, ensuring it's well-cooked and blended into the food. For toddlers, you can gradually increase to ⅛ tsp stirred into familiar dishes like chili or taco meat to build flavor acceptance.

Preparation

Always cook chili powder in a dish to mellow its flavor and ensure it's fully blended into a smooth, mild puree, avoiding any added salt.

Texture and choking risk

Chili powder itself is a low choking risk due to its fine texture, but it poses a severe irritation and breathing hazard; always incorporate it fully into cooked dishes and never serve it sprinkled or dry to young children.

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.