Hazelnut (Filbert) for babies: when and how to serve

Q: When can babies eat Hazelnut (Filbert)?

Most babies can start Hazelnut (Filbert) from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Whole hazelnuts, chopped nuts, and thick globs of hazelnut butter are high choking risks. For babies and young toddlers, serve only as finely ground hazelnut mixed into soft foods or as smooth hazelnut butter thinned to a runny consistency. Do not offer whole nuts before age 4.

Q: Is Hazelnut (Filbert) a choking hazard?

Hazelnut (Filbert) is rated High choking risk. Whole hazelnuts, chopped nuts, and thick globs of hazelnut butter are high choking risks. For babies and young toddlers, serve only as finely ground hazelnut mixed into soft foods or as smooth hazelnut butter thinned to a runny consistency. Do not offer whole nuts before age 4.

Q: Is Hazelnut (Filbert) a common allergen?

Hazelnut is a tree nut and a common allergen. Introduce a small amount for the first few times, ideally earlier in the day, and watch closely for a reaction. If your child has severe eczema, a known food allergy, or reactions to other tree nuts, discuss introduction with your pediatric clinician or allergist. Tolerance to hazelnut does not mean your child will tolerate other tree nuts, and vice versa.

About Hazelnut (Filbert)

Hazelnut, also called filbert, is a tree nut with a rich, slightly sweet flavor. It can be part of a baby's diet from around 6 months, but it must be served in a safe form. Whole hazelnuts and nut pieces are not safe for babies or young toddlers, so the best options are finely ground hazelnut or smooth hazelnut butter thinned with water, breast milk, formula, or yogurt. Hazelnuts provide healthy unsaturated fats that support brain development and growth. They are also a good source of vitamin E, which helps protect cells, along with fiber, magnesium, folate, and some iron. Because hazelnuts are energy-dense, a small amount can add calories and nutrients to oatmeal, yogurt, fruit purées, or toast for older babies. Hazelnut is a common allergen because it is a tree nut. Introduce it carefully, especially if your child has severe eczema, an existing food allergy, or a family history of nut allergy. Hazelnut can cross-react with other tree nuts, and some children with birch pollen allergy may later experience oral allergy symptoms with hazelnut. If your child tolerates one tree nut, that does not guarantee tolerance to others. Most babies can start hazelnut from 6 months old in a very thin, smooth form. Continue offering only finely ground hazelnut or thinned smooth hazelnut butter through the toddler years. Whole hazelnuts should be avoided until at least age 4 because of the high choking risk, and even then they require close supervision and strong chewing skills.

How to serve by age

6+ months

Finely ground hazelnut or very thin smooth hazelnut butter mixed into soft foods

Introduce a small amount of finely ground hazelnut stirred into oatmeal, yogurt, or fruit purée, or offer smooth hazelnut butter thinned until runny. Never serve whole nuts, chopped nuts, or thick spoonfuls of nut butter.

9+ months

Finely ground hazelnut in meals or thin spread on toast strips

Continue offering hazelnut in safe forms only. You can mix finely ground hazelnut into cereals and soft foods or spread a very thin layer of thinned smooth hazelnut butter on toast strips for babies already managing finger foods.

12+ months

Ground hazelnut in baked foods or thin smooth hazelnut butter

Toddlers can continue eating hazelnut mixed into porridge, yogurt, muffins, or pancakes, or as a thin spread. Avoid whole nuts and chunky nut butters, which remain choking hazards.

48+ months

Whole hazelnuts only if chewing skills are mature and with close supervision

Whole hazelnuts should generally wait until at least age 4. Even then, offer only if your child reliably chews well, sits calmly while eating, and is closely supervised.

Pairs well with

OatmealPlain full-fat yogurtApple puréePear puréeMashed bananaWhole grain toast fingersPancakes or muffins

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 riskHigh

Whole hazelnuts, chopped nuts, and thick globs of hazelnut butter are high choking risks. For babies and young toddlers, serve only as finely ground hazelnut mixed into soft foods or as smooth hazelnut butter thinned to a runny consistency. Do not offer whole nuts before age 4.

What to watch for

Rash or hivesSwelling of lips, face, or tongueItching or tingling in the mouthVomiting or diarrheaCoughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

Safety checklist

Never serve whole hazelnuts to babies or young toddlers

Avoid chopped nut pieces

Use only finely ground hazelnut or smooth hazelnut butter

Thin nut butter with water, breast milk, formula, or yogurt

Mix into soft foods like oatmeal or yogurt

Ensure baby is sitting upright

Never leave baby unattended while eating

Storage & shelf life

ⓘ

Store shelled hazelnuts or hazelnut meal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 year to help prevent rancidity.

ⓘ

Freeze hazelnuts or hazelnut meal in an airtight container for up to 2 years. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Nutrition

Rich in healthy fats that support growth and brain development
Provides vitamin E, an important antioxidant
Contains fiber to support digestion
Offers folate, magnesium, and some iron

A common tree nut allergen
Whole nuts and nut pieces are major choking hazards
Very calorie-dense, so small portions are enough
Not a significant source of vitamin C

Key nutrients

Vitamin E

Acts as an antioxidant and supports immune and cell health

Healthy Fats

Support brain development and provide concentrated energy

Fiber

Helps support healthy digestion

Nutrition facts

Calories	628kcal
Protein	15.0g
Carbs	16.7g
Fat	60.8g
Fiber	9.7g
Sugar	4.3g
Iron	4.7mg
Calcium	114.0mg
Potassium	680mg
Vitamin C	6mg
Vitamin A	1.0µg
Folate	113µg
Zinc	2.45mg

per 100 g

In season

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PeakAvailableLimited

Common questions

When can babies eat Hazelnut (Filbert)?

Most babies can start Hazelnut (Filbert) from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Whole hazelnuts, chopped nuts, and thick globs of hazelnut butter are high choking risks. For babies and young toddlers, serve only as finely ground hazelnut mixed into soft foods or as smooth hazelnut butter thinned to a runny consistency. Do not offer whole nuts before age 4.

Is Hazelnut (Filbert) a choking hazard?

Hazelnut (Filbert) is rated High choking risk. Whole hazelnuts, chopped nuts, and thick globs of hazelnut butter are high choking risks. For babies and young toddlers, serve only as finely ground hazelnut mixed into soft foods or as smooth hazelnut butter thinned to a runny consistency. Do not offer whole nuts before age 4.

Is Hazelnut (Filbert) a common allergen?

Hazelnut is a tree nut and a common allergen. Introduce a small amount for the first few times, ideally earlier in the day, and watch closely for a reaction. If your child has severe eczema, a known food allergy, or reactions to other tree nuts, discuss introduction with your pediatric clinician or allergist. Tolerance to hazelnut does not mean your child will tolerate other tree nuts, and vice versa.