Drinks & extras Food Library
When can babies have marmite?
Can babies have marmite?
Babies can have a tiny amount of Marmite from about 6 months, stirred into a large batch of food, and a paper-thin scrape on toast strips from 7–8 months, but only occasionally because it is very salty. Marmite is a yeast extract spread made with grains that include wheat and barley, so it contains gluten.
How to serve marmite by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
At this age, use Marmite only as a seasoning: stir a small dab into a large pot of soup, stew or lentils the whole family shares, then blend baby's portion smooth and offer it on a spoon. Never give it straight from the jar.
7–8 months
Spread a very thin layer of Marmite, just enough to tint the surface, on a soft toast strip with unsalted butter or cream cheese, or keep stirring a dab into shared soups and stews. Offer it only now and then because of the salt.
9–12 months
Offer Marmite toast fingers or small squares with a scrape so thin you can see the toast through it, Offer Marmite only occasionally, as a paper-thin scrape, and keep the rest of the day's food unsalted.. Pair it with low-salt foods for the rest of the day.
12 months +
Toddlers can have Marmite thinly spread on toast, crackers or in a cheese sandwich. Keep it to a thin scrape and not every day, since salt adds up quickly with bread, cheese and other foods.
Why it’s good
Marmite is a source of B vitamins, including B12, folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, since many versions are fortified. These help with energy and growth, and B12 is useful for families who eat little meat. In the tiny amounts babies should have, it is mainly a flavor, not a key source of nutrients.
Safety notes
- Marmite is very high in salt. Babies under 12 months need less than 1 gram of salt a day, so use only a paper-thin scrape and not daily.
- Marmite contains gluten from barley and wheat, and some jars list rye and oats. Introduce it as a wheat food and avoid it for children with celiac disease.
- Do not offer Marmite by the spoonful. Thick, sticky spreads can coat the mouth and are too salty.
- Reduced-salt Marmite is a better choice, but it is still salty, so the same thin-scrape rule applies.
- Some other yeast extract spreads have different ingredients and salt levels. Check the label for salt and allergens.
Introduce marmite on its own, then keep it in
Marmite contains gluten from grains, including wheat, which is one of the Top 9 allergens. If your baby has not had wheat yet, introduce wheat in another food first, then watch for hives, vomiting or swelling after Marmite.
Marmite for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about marmite for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have Marmite?
Babies can have a tiny amount of Marmite from about 6 months, stirred into a large batch of food, and a very thin scrape on toast from 7–8 months, as an occasional food. Marmite is very salty, so keep portions tiny and do not offer Marmite every day.
Can babies have Marmite?
Yes, babies can eat Marmite in very small amounts, mixed into a large batch of food from 6 months or spread paper thin on toast from 7–8 months. Marmite should not be eaten by the spoonful because of its high salt content.
Is Marmite a choking hazard for babies?
Marmite is a low choking risk when it is spread thinly on toast. A thick layer of sticky spread can coat the mouth, so always spread Marmite thin and stay with your baby while eating.
Is Marmite a common allergen?
Marmite contains wheat and other gluten grains, and wheat is one of the Top 9 common allergens. Introduce wheat first in a plain food like toast or pasta, then offer Marmite once wheat is tolerated.
How do I serve Marmite to a 6 month old?
To serve Marmite to a 6 month old, stir a small dab into a large pot of soup, stew or lentils, then blend your baby's portion smooth and offer it on a spoon. Paper-thin Marmite on toast strips can follow at 7–8 months, as an occasional food rather than a daily one.
Is Marmite too salty for babies?
Marmite is very salty, so only a paper-thin scrape is suitable for babies. Babies under 12 months should have less than 1 gram of salt per day, and a thick layer of Marmite on toast can use up much of that.
Are Marmite and Vegemite the same thing?
Marmite and Vegemite are both yeast extract spreads, but they are different brands with slightly different flavors and recipes. Both are salty and contain gluten, so the same thin-scrape advice applies to Marmite and Vegemite.
When can babies have Marmite on toast?
Babies can have Marmite on toast from about 7–8 months, as long as the toast is cut into strips and the Marmite is spread very thinly. Adding unsalted butter or cream cheese underneath softens the strong flavor.
Is Marmite good for babies?
Marmite provides B vitamins, including B12 and folic acid, but babies only need a tiny amount. Marmite is fine as an occasional flavor, while meat, eggs, dairy and fortified cereals are better everyday sources of these nutrients.
The takeaway
- Babies can have a tiny amount of Marmite from about 6 months, stirred into a large batch of food, and a paper-thin scrape on toast strips from 7–8 months, but only occasionally because it is very salty.
- At this age, use Marmite only as a seasoning: stir a small dab into a large pot of soup, stew or lentils the whole family shares, then blend baby's portion smooth and offer it on a spoon.
- Choking risk is low. Wheat is one of the Top 9 allergens: offer a small amount first, watch for a reaction, then keep it in the diet regularly.
Read next
Sources
This guide follows current advice from these organizations.
- Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Recommended Drinks for Young Children Ages 0-5 American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- The Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW; American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2019;143(4):e20190281
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Updated November 2026. Reviewed by our dietitians. Based on AAP, CDC and NIAID guidance. Written for healthy, full-term babies; not a substitute for your pediatrician. If your baby was born early, has a medical condition, feeding difficulties or a known allergy, check with them first (medical disclaimer). Always stay with your baby while they eat.