
Can be served at 6–18 months when prepared as described below. Fine to serve from 18 months, prepared as described below. Watch for: milk as a main drink. Low choking risk. Allergen risk is very high (5/5): start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Prepare with care
Only if used in cooking and not as a drink
The NHS recommends that plant-based milk alternatives should not be offered as a drink before 12 months, although small amounts can be used in cooking.
Use hazelnut milk only as an ingredient in cooking or stirred into foods like porridge, rather than offering it as a drink. Choose plain, unsweetened versions with no added sugars. Continue to provide breast milk or infant formula as your baby's primary drink, and monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction since hazelnut is a common allergen.
Prepare with care
Only if used in cooking and not as a drink before 12 months
The NHS advises that plant-based drinks should not be given as a beverage before 12 months; from 12 months, unsweetened calcium-fortified varieties can be offered.
Before 12 months, only use hazelnut milk in cooking and do not offer it as a drink. From 12 months, unsweetened, calcium-fortified hazelnut milk can be offered as an occasional drink in an open cup as part of a balanced diet. It should not replace breast milk, formula, or whole cow's milk as a primary milk source because nut milks are low in protein and calories.
Fine to serve
Suitable at this age with the usual preparation described below.
Toddlers over 18 months can have unsweetened, calcium-fortified hazelnut milk as an occasional drink in an open cup or used in family meals. Because nut milks are generally low in protein and calories compared to whole cow's milk or fortified soy milk, they should not be used as a primary milk source. Offer alongside balanced meals that provide protein, healthy fats, and iron.
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Every child develops chewing and swallowing skills at their own pace. The preparation methods shown are general guidelines; you must always evaluate your individual child's ability before serving. By offering this food, you agree to the following:
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Age and preparation guidance informed by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization's complementary feeding guidelines, ESPGHAN's (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) position paper on complementary feeding, and EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the introduction of complementary feeding. This content is independently created by Dalo Baby for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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