About Cashew Milk
Cashew milk is a plant-based beverage made by blending cashews with water. For babies and toddlers, it can be used in cooking or offered in small amounts depending on age, but it should not replace breast milk, formula, or nutritionally appropriate milk choices. Unsweetened varieties are the best option for little ones. Nutritionally, cashew milk varies a lot by brand. Many commercial versions are quite low in calories, protein, and fat compared with breast milk, formula, or whole cow's milk, so it is usually not a strong stand-alone nutrition source for young children. Fortified versions may provide calcium and vitamin D, but plain cashew milk is generally better thought of as an ingredient than a main food. Cashew is a tree nut and a common allergen. Reactions can be serious, and children with other tree nut allergies may also react to cashew. Introduce cashew-containing foods carefully, especially if your child has eczema, existing food allergies, or a known pistachio allergy, since cashew and pistachio are closely related. Most babies can be introduced to cashew milk from 6 months when mixed into foods such as oatmeal, mashed vegetables, or smoothies served on a spoon. For babies under 12 months, do not use it as a main drink. Around 12 months, small amounts in an open cup can be offered with meals if your child is otherwise getting enough fat, protein, calcium, and vitamin D from the rest of the diet.
How to serve by age
Stir a small amount of unsweetened cashew milk into oatmeal, porridge, or vegetable mash. Do not offer it as a main drink at this age.
Continue using cashew milk in foods. If your baby is practicing cup skills and has already tolerated cashew, you may offer a few small supervised sips in an open cup, but breast milk or formula should remain the main milk source.
Offer unsweetened cashew milk in small amounts with meals if your toddler is eating a varied diet. It should not crowd out more nutrient-dense foods or appropriate milk sources unless advised by your clinician.
Toddlers can drink cashew milk with meals or snacks. Choose fortified, unsweetened versions when possible and make sure the rest of the diet provides enough protein, fat, calcium, and vitamin D.
Pairs well with
Safety & allergens
Cashew milk itself is low choking risk, but it is safest served in age-appropriate ways. For babies under 12 months, mix small amounts into solid foods rather than offering it as a main drink. For older babies and toddlers, offer small sips in an open cup or straw cup while seated upright and supervised.
What to watch for
Safety checklist
Storage & shelf life
Store unopened shelf-stable cashew milk according to package directions. Once opened, refrigerate promptly and use within 3-5 days or according to the label.
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Texture may separate after thawing, so shake or blend well before using in cooked foods.
Nutrition
- Can be a useful dairy-free ingredient for babies and toddlers
- Often low in saturated fat
- Fortified versions may provide calcium and vitamin D
- Unsweetened varieties are lower in sugar than sweetened plant milks
- Usually low in protein compared with cow's milk or soy milk
- Often low in calories and fat for growing babies
- Nutrition varies widely by brand and fortification
- Cashew is a common tree nut allergen
Key nutrients
Nutrition facts
| Calories | 553kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.2g |
| Carbs | 30.2g |
| Fat | 43.8g |
| Fiber | 3.3g |
| Sugar | 5.9g |
| Iron | 6.7mg |
| Calcium | 37.0mg |
| Potassium | 660mg |
| Vitamin C | 1mg |
| Folate | 25µg |
| Zinc | 5.78mg |
per 100 g
In season
Common questions
When can babies eat Cashew Milk?
Is Cashew Milk a choking hazard?
Is Cashew Milk a common allergen?
More first foods
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