When can babies eat Olives?
From 6 months
Start with: Smooth, seedless olive paste.
Olives are an excellent source of healthy monounsaturated fats and Vitamin E, which support brain growth and skin health. They contain powerful antioxidants like oleuropein. Because olives are usually preserved in salt, they must be served in moderation and prepared carefully by soaking and chopping to ensure they are safe for infants.
How to serve Olives, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Smooth, seedless olive paste.
Serve only as a very fine paste or mixed into a puree. Rinse the olives thoroughly or soak them in fresh water for 24 hours to remove excess sodium. Blend a few olives with avocado or white beans. Do not offer whole or even sliced olives at this stage.
- 9mo
From 9 months: Finely minced or paper-thin slivers.
Offer finely minced/chopped olives. Ensure the olives are pitted and have been soaked to reduce salt. You can sprinkle the minced olives over pasta, polenta, or mix them into omelets. Slicing them into very thin 'rings' is only acceptable if the baby is an advanced chewer.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Quartered (lengthwise) soft olives.
Toddlers can handle olives cut into quarters lengthwise. Never serve whole olives, as the round shape is a major choking risk. Continue to prioritize low-sodium varieties or soak them before serving to protect the child's kidneys.
Choking risk & safe preparation
High choking risk
Olives are a high choking risk due to their shape, size, and slippery texture. Even pitted olives can block the airway perfectly. Always quarter them lengthwise or mince them. Never leave the pit inside.
Allergen information
Not a common childhood allergen. Reactions are possible with any food, so introduce it on its own first.
Nutrition & benefits
Extremely rich in Oleic Acid (healthy fat) which supports brain and eye development. Also a good plant-based source of iron (3.3mg), though it lacks Vitamin C, so pair with vegetables.
- Brain Food
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 116kcal
- Protein
- 0.8g
- Fat
- 10.9g
- Fiber
- 1.6g
- Iron
- 6.3mg
- Vitamin C
- 0.9mg
See all nutrients (25)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 116 kcal
- Protein
- 0.8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 6 g
- Fat
- 10.9 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 6.3 mg
- Calcium
- 88 mg
- Zinc
- 0.2 mg
- Sodium
- 735 mg
- Potassium
- 8 mg
- Magnesium
- 4 mg
- Phosphorus
- 3 mg
- Selenium
- 0.9 mcg
- Copper
- 0.3 mg
- Manganese
- < 0.1 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 17 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 0.9 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- < 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin E
- 1.6 mg
- Vitamin K
- 1.4 mcg
- Folate
- 0 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- 0 mg
- Choline
- 10.3 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 1.6 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Recipes with Olives
Golden Polenta Toasts with Fresh Tomato and Olive
Making your own polenta from scratch gives these toasts a wonderful creamy interior and a perfectly crisp crust. Topped with a fresh mix of finely diced tomatoes and olives, they are a colorful, iron-rich finger food that helps toddlers explore new textures and savory Mediterranean flavors.
Tuna Nicoise-style Salad
A toddler-safe version of the classic French salad. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and colorful vegetables like tender green beans, potatoes, and boiled eggs.
Frequently asked
Can I give my baby olives from a jar?
Yes, but they must be prepared. Jarred olives are very high in salt. Soak them in a bowl of fresh water for several hours (ideally 24 hours, changing the water once) to pull the salt out before giving them to your baby.
Which olives are best for babies?
Dark, ripe olives (like Kalamata or black olives) often have a softer texture than green olives, making them easier to mince. Regardless of the color, low-sodium is the priority.
Track Olives in the Nica app
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