When can babies eat Eggplant?
From 6 months
Start with: Creamy, silky puree or soft roasted wedge.
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable known for its unique texture and brain-protecting antioxidants. It is a good source of fiber, B-vitamins, and potassium. Its mild flavor makes it an excellent 'sponge' for absorbing the flavors of healthy fats and spices, helping babies transition to more complex family meals.
How to serve Eggplant, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Creamy, silky puree or soft roasted wedge.
Serve as a smooth puree. Peel the eggplant, remove as many seeds as possible, and steam or roast until buttery soft. Blend with a little olive oil. Roasting is preferred as it reduces the natural bitterness. For BLW, offer a large, skinless roasted wedge that is soft enough to be smashed with the tongue.
- 9mo
From 9 months: Soft, 'melt-in-the-mouth' cubes.
Offer soft-cooked cubes (peeled). At this stage, you can bake eggplant with a little tomato sauce and cheese (like a baby-friendly parmigiana). Ensure the texture is meltingly soft. You can also mix mashed eggplant into hummus or yogurt dips.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Soft roasted pieces or thick dips.
Toddlers can enjoy eggplant with the skin on if it is cooked until very tender. Try roasted eggplant 'sticks' or Baba Ganoush (eggplant dip). The skin contains Nasunin, which is great for brain health, so try to incorporate it finely chopped at this stage.
Choking risk & safe preparation
Moderate choking risk
The skin of an eggplant can be tough and difficult to chew, posing a gagging risk. Under-cooked eggplant can be rubbery. Always cook until 'buttery' and peel the skin for younger infants.
Allergen information
Not a common childhood allergen. Reactions are possible with any food, so introduce it on its own first.
Nutrition & benefits
Contains Nasunin, a powerful antioxidant found in the purple skin that protects brain cell membranes. It is also high in soluble fiber, which helps keep the baby's digestion regular.
- Brain Food
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 25kcal
- Protein
- 1g
- Fat
- 0.2g
- Fiber
- 3g
- Iron
- 0.2mg
- Vitamin C
- 2.2mg
See all nutrients (25)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 25 kcal
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5.9 g
- Fat
- 0.2 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 0.2 mg
- Calcium
- 9 mg
- Zinc
- 0.2 mg
- Sodium
- 2 mg
- Potassium
- 229 mg
- Magnesium
- 14 mg
- Phosphorus
- 24 mg
- Selenium
- 0.3 mcg
- Copper
- < 0.1 mg
- Manganese
- 0.2 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 1 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 2.2 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- < 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin E
- 0.3 mg
- Vitamin K
- 3.5 mcg
- Folate
- 22 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- < 0.1 mg
- Choline
- 6.9 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 3 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Recipes with Eggplant
Roasted Pepper and Eggplant Dip with Soft Veggie Sticks
A delicious Balkan-inspired vegetable dip made from naturally sweet roasted red peppers, garlic, and eggplant. Served with soft steamed carrot and zucchini sticks, this colorful dish is ideal for nine-month-olds practicing dipping and self-feeding.
Warm Eggplant & Chickpea Mash for Baby
A soft, savory mash made with tender sautéed eggplant, fresh grated tomato, and crushed chickpeas seasoned with mild ground cumin. Specially prepared for older infants exploring textured finger foods or lumpy mashes.
Frequently asked
Is eggplant bitter for babies?
Some varieties can be slightly bitter. To reduce this, choose smaller, younger eggplants (which have fewer seeds) and roast them instead of steaming. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars and creates a much sweeter taste.
Do I need to salt eggplant to remove the bitterness?
While adults often salt eggplant, you should avoid this for babies to keep their sodium intake low. Instead, simply peeling the skin and roasting it is enough to make it delicious for your little one.
Track Eggplant in the Nica app
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