Allergen note
True cocoa allergy is rare, but chocolate products often contain milk, soy or nuts or are made alongside them, so check labels for 'may contain' warnings if your child has a food allergy. From 3 years, offer a small amount the first time and watch for hives or tummy upset.
How to serve
Cocoa is not offered before 3 years because it contains caffeine-like stimulants and is usually eaten with lots of sugar. After that, stir about 1/2 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa into oatmeal, plain yogurt or a banana smoothie now and then, and keep sugary hot chocolate and chocolate spreads as rare treats.
Preparation
Choose pure, unsweetened cocoa powder rather than drinking-chocolate mixes, which are mostly sugar. Stir it into a little warm milk or mashed fruit to make a smooth paste before mixing it into food, and keep portions small, since cocoa can carry traces of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.
Texture and choking risk
Dry cocoa powder is fine and dusty and can make a child cough or breathe it in, so never offer it by the spoonful or dust it thickly on top of food. Mix it fully into moist food, do not give chocolate with whole or chopped nuts before 5 years, skip chocolate treats with other hard pieces, and always supervise.
Sources: cdc.gov · cdc.gov · healthychildren.org · healthychildren.org · nhs.uk · nhs.uk
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 cocoa powder, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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