Anchovy for babies: when and how to serve

Q: When can babies eat Anchovy?

Most babies can start Anchovy from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Anchovy is low choking risk when served soft and bone-safe, but check carefully for firm bones in fresh fish. Canned anchovies usually have very soft edible bones. For babies, mash or finely flake into other foods. Avoid dry, tough, or overly salty pieces that may be hard to manage.

Q: Is Anchovy a choking hazard?

Anchovy is rated Low choking risk. Anchovy is low choking risk when served soft and bone-safe, but check carefully for firm bones in fresh fish. Canned anchovies usually have very soft edible bones. For babies, mash or finely flake into other foods. Avoid dry, tough, or overly salty pieces that may be hard to manage.

Q: Is Anchovy a common allergen?

Anchovy is a finned fish, which is a common food allergen. Introduce a small amount for the first serving and watch closely. If tolerated, continue offering fish regularly. Babies with allergy to another finned fish may also react to anchovy, so speak with your pediatric clinician or allergist if there is a known fish allergy.

About Anchovy

Anchovy is a small oily fish with a strong savory flavor. For babies and toddlers, it can be a nutritious way to introduce fish in tiny, manageable portions mixed into familiar foods like mashed vegetables, pasta, rice, or toast. Because anchovies are soft when cooked or canned, they can be easy to prepare safely when bones and excess salt are considered. Anchovies provide protein for growth and are especially valued for omega-3 fats, including DHA, which support brain and eye development. They also contain iron, calcium, vitamin B12, selenium, and other minerals that help support healthy blood, bones, and overall development. As a small fish eaten whole, anchovy can offer more calcium than many larger fish when the soft bones are included. Anchovy is a common allergen because it is a finned fish. Babies with one fish allergy may react to other finned fish as well, though not always. Another important consideration is sodium: many preserved or canned anchovies are very salty, so choose lower-sodium options when possible, rinse if appropriate, and serve small amounts rather than large portions. Most babies can start anchovy from 6 months old once ready for solids. For younger babies, mix a small amount of mashed or finely flaked anchovy into soft foods. As chewing skills improve, offer soft flakes or small pieces. Avoid heavily salted fillets packed for adult use unless you can reduce the salt and serve only a little at a time.

How to serve by age

6+ months

Mashed or finely flaked anchovy mixed into soft foods

Offer a very small amount of low-sodium canned anchovy or well-cooked fresh anchovy, mashed or finely flaked into foods like potato, beans, rice, or yogurt-free savory mash. Check fresh fish carefully for bones before serving.

9+ months

Soft flakes or small pieces

Serve soft flakes or very small pieces of anchovy once your baby is managing more texture. Mix into pasta, vegetables, eggs, or grain dishes to spread the strong flavor and limit sodium per bite.

12+ months

Small bite-sized pieces or mixed into family meals

Offer small bite-sized pieces or use anchovy to flavor family dishes such as tomato sauce, fish cakes, or mashed beans. Continue choosing lower-sodium options and avoid serving large salty fillets on their own.

Pairs well with

Mashed potatoWhite beans or chickpeasSoft cooked pastaTomato saucePolentaScrambled egg for babies already introduced to eggSoft cooked zucchini

A note on ages

These age ranges are general guidelines. Every baby develops at their own pace, so always follow your child's readiness signs and consult your pediatrician.

Safety & allergens

Choking riskLow

Anchovy is low choking risk when served soft and bone-safe, but check carefully for firm bones in fresh fish. Canned anchovies usually have very soft edible bones. For babies, mash or finely flake into other foods. Avoid dry, tough, or overly salty pieces that may be hard to manage.

What to watch for

Rash or hivesSwelling of lips, face, or tongueVomiting or diarrheaCoughing, wheezing, or trouble breathingPale skin, sleepiness, or sudden behavior change after eating

Safety checklist

✓Check fresh anchovy carefully for bones before serving

✓Choose low-sodium canned or cooked anchovy when possible

✓Serve in very small amounts because preserved anchovy can be salty

✓Mash or finely flake for younger babies

✓Avoid large chewy or dried pieces

✓Ensure baby is sitting upright

✓Never leave baby unattended while eating

Storage & shelf life

ⓘ

Store opened anchovy in the refrigerator in an airtight container and use within 3-5 days. Keep fresh cooked anchovy chilled promptly after cooking.

ⓘ

Freezing is generally not recommended for preserved anchovy because texture and flavor can worsen. If freezing freshly cooked anchovy, use an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

Provides protein for growth and tissue repair
Contains omega-3 fats that support brain and eye development
Offers iron for healthy blood development
Can provide calcium when the soft bones are eaten

Many preserved anchovies are very high in sodium
Strong flavor may be intense for some babies
Fish is a common allergen

Key nutrients

Omega-3 fats

Support brain and eye development

Iron

Helps support healthy blood and oxygen transport

Calcium

Supports strong bones and teeth

Nutrition facts

Calories	131kcal
Protein	20.4g
Fat	4.8g
Iron	3.3mg
Calcium	147.0mg
Potassium	383mg
Vitamin A	15.0µg
Folate	9µg
Zinc	1.72mg

per 100 g

In season

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Common questions

When can babies eat Anchovy?

Most babies can start Anchovy from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Anchovy is low choking risk when served soft and bone-safe, but check carefully for firm bones in fresh fish. Canned anchovies usually have very soft edible bones. For babies, mash or finely flake into other foods. Avoid dry, tough, or overly salty pieces that may be hard to manage.

Is Anchovy a choking hazard?

Anchovy is rated Low choking risk. Anchovy is low choking risk when served soft and bone-safe, but check carefully for firm bones in fresh fish. Canned anchovies usually have very soft edible bones. For babies, mash or finely flake into other foods. Avoid dry, tough, or overly salty pieces that may be hard to manage.

Is Anchovy a common allergen?

Anchovy is a finned fish, which is a common food allergen. Introduce a small amount for the first serving and watch closely. If tolerated, continue offering fish regularly. Babies with allergy to another finned fish may also react to anchovy, so speak with your pediatric clinician or allergist if there is a known fish allergy.