Silken tofu
- First taste
- 6 months
- Choking risk
- low
- Common allergen
- yes
- Iron
- high
Soy allergen · iron-rich · soft
Contains allergens
Each new allergen is offered on its own and watched for two hours. Our allergen introduction guide is available in Turkish for now.
When can babies eat silken tofu?
Silken tofu can be offered from about 6 months. It contains soy. Some ready-made brands also carry other allergens such as sesame and wheat. Read the label.
Where it comes from
Tofu is a soy food native to Asia. The method is close to cheese making. Soy milk from cooked soybeans is used in place of cow's milk. Silken tofu is the softest type. It is used a lot in smooth sauces, soups and desserts.
Nutrition
Tofu gives protein, plant omega-3, iron, and zinc. These support growth, brain development, and immunity. Tofu made with calcium sulfate holds more calcium.
How do you prepare silken tofu for babies?
Most commercial silken tofu is pasteurized. If so, you can serve it straight from the package. You can also warm it gently or add it to a cooked dish.
Mash it with a fork, or stir it into purée or soup. You can blend it into a sauce. At nine months offer small soft pieces. After the first birthday add spoon practice and use in smoothies.
Preparation by age
The same food is served differently at each age. What matters is how your baby sits, grasps and chews, more than the calendar.
6 months
6 months · How to prepare as a puréemash
Cut: Fork mashed
Mash the silken tofu with a fork. Serve it plain on a loaded spoon, or put it in a bowl for baby to reach into. You can stir it into soft vegetable purée, soup, or sauce. For the first try, choose a plain tofu with no sesame or wheat.
9 months
9 months · How to prepare as small piecescube
Cut: Bite sized piece
Break the tofu into small, soft pieces. The shape does not matter as long as it mashes easily. Baby will try to pinch it with fingers. You can also add it to shared meals.
12 months
12 months · How to prepare as pieces and for the spooncube
Place tofu pieces on the plate for your child to pick up. A pre-loaded spoon left next to the food is another chance to practice. If your child refuses the spoon, that is fine. You can also blend the tofu into a smoothie.
Is silken tofu a choking hazard for babies?
Choking risk: low
It is very soft, so the risk is low. Still serve it in an age-appropriate way and stay beside your baby.
Silken tofu is very soft, so the choking risk is low. Still, any food can in theory cause choking.
Serve it in a form that suits your baby's age and stay beside them during the meal.
Is silken tofu a common allergen?
Tofu is made from soy. Soy is a common food allergen in infants. Soy allergy affects fewer than one percent of children. Reactions are mostly mild, though severe ones have been reported. About 70 percent of allergic children outgrow it by age 10.
When introducing
For the first try, pick a plain tofu that contains no other allergens. Serve a small amount alone for the first few meals. If there is no reaction, raise the amount slowly. Once introduced, keep it in the diet twice a week when possible.
If there is a soy allergy, tempeh, edamame, miso, natto, and soy sauce are also out. Look for soy on labels.
Related conditions
Ten to 14 percent of babies with cow's milk allergy also react to soy. If milk allergy is known, ask your doctor about soy. Soy can cause a delayed allergy called FPIES. Its sign is repeated vomiting and diarrhea starting a few hours after eating. People with birch pollen allergy may get short-lived mouth itching.
A child with soy allergy may also test sensitive to peanut. If peanut is already eaten without trouble, there is no need to stop it.
Talk to your doctor
If your baby has a known milk or soy allergy, ask an allergist before giving tofu.
Key nutrients
Frequently asked questions about silken tofu
Does silken tofu need cooking?
No. If it is pasteurized, you can serve it straight from the package. Warming it gently or adding it to cooked dishes also works.
Should I worry about phytoestrogens in tofu?
No. There is no evidence that babies and toddlers need to limit phytoestrogens. A varied, balanced diet is what matters.
Is soy a common allergen?
Yes, it is a common food allergen in infants. Still, under one percent of children have it, and most outgrow it.
Can a baby with milk allergy have tofu?
Ten to 14 percent of babies with milk allergy also react to soy. Ask your pediatrician or allergist first.
Sources for this page
- Dünya Sağlık Örgütü. (2023). Guideline for complementary feeding of infants and young children 6-23 months of age.
- NHS. (n.d.). Preparing food safely for babies.
- Halken S, Muraro A, de Silva D, Khaleva E, Angier E, Arasi S, et al. (2021). EAACI guideline: Preventing the development of food allergy in infants and young children (2020 update). European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. doi:10.1111/pai.13496
- Savage JH, Kaeding AJ, Matsui EC, Wood RA. (2010). The natural history of soy allergy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2009.12.994
- Mostafa D, Elkhatat EI, Koppolu P, Mahgoub M, Dhaifullah E, Hassan AH. (2019). Correlation of ABO Blood Groups and Rh Factor with The Severity of Generalized Chronic Periodontitis: Across Sectional Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2019.044
- Nowak-Węgrzyn A. (2015). Nowak-Wegrzyn A., Allergy and Asthma Proceedings 36(3):172-184 (başlık kaynakta silinmiş). Allergy and Asthma Proceedings. doi:10.2500/aap.2015.36.3811
Guides on iron, allergen introduction, gagging and drinks. Read the starting solids guides
Medical note
This page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your pediatrician before any feeding decision, especially about allergen introduction and reactions.
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Astro Tasarım Simay Yenice · Türkiye · merhaba@lokmini.com