Herbs & spices Food Library
When can babies have shiso?
Can babies have shiso?
Babies can have shiso, also called perilla, from about 6 months, blended into smooth foods at first and finely chopped into food from 7–8 months. Shiso is a fragrant herb in the mint family with a bright, slightly minty and citrusy taste. Whole leaves can stick to the roof of the mouth, so chop them finely for babies.
How to serve shiso by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Blend a few fresh shiso leaves into a smooth food like mashed avocado, rice porridge or vegetable puree. Start with a small amount on a spoon to let your baby get used to the strong flavor.
7–8 months
Finely chop a few shiso leaves and stir them into soft rice, lumpier mashed avocado, scrambled eggs or a soft fish cake. Keep leaves minced rather than whole.
9–12 months
Mix finely chopped shiso into rice balls, noodles, omelets and soft fish dishes. Keep leaves minced rather than whole.
12 months +
Toddlers can have shiso in rice rolls, salads, soups and as a thinly sliced garnish. Whole perilla leaves used as wraps in Korean dishes can be offered once your child chews well, torn into small pieces.
Why it’s good
Shiso leaves provide vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium and plant antioxidants, though babies eat small amounts. Like other herbs, shiso adds flavor without salt and helps babies explore new tastes.
Safety notes
- Finely chop shiso. Whole fresh leaves can cling to the roof of the mouth and cause gagging.
- Pickled shiso and umeboshi-shiso products are very salty; save them for occasional tastes in toddlers.
- Perilla seeds and perilla oil are a separate food and a recognized allergen in Korea; introduce them separately.
- Wash leaves well and use them fresh; shiso wilts quickly.
- Shiso flavored drinks and syrups often contain added sugar; skip them for babies.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Shiso leaf is not a common allergen, though rare reactions, including serious ones, have been reported. Perilla seed is a recognized allergen in some countries, so offer a small amount of shiso first and watch for hives, swelling, vomiting or wheezing.
Shiso for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about shiso for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have shiso?
Babies can have shiso from about 6 months, finely chopped and mixed into other foods. Start with a small amount because shiso has a strong flavor.
Can babies have shiso?
Yes, babies can eat shiso leaves when they are washed and finely chopped. Shiso is a flavorful herb that adds taste without salt.
Is shiso a choking hazard for babies?
Shiso is a low choking risk when finely chopped. Whole shiso leaves can stick to the roof of the mouth and cause gagging, so mince them for babies.
Is shiso a common allergen?
No, shiso is not a common allergen, though rare reactions have been reported. Perilla seeds are a recognized allergen in Korea, so introduce shiso in a small amount.
How do I serve shiso to a 6 month old?
To serve shiso to a 6 month old, wash a leaf or two and blend it into a smooth food like mashed avocado or rice porridge, then offer it on a spoon. Finely chopped shiso in rice or scrambled eggs can follow at 7–8 months. Avoid serving whole leaves.
Is shiso the same as perilla?
Shiso and perilla come from the same plant species. Japanese shiso has smaller, more aromatic leaves, while Korean perilla (kkaennip) has larger leaves with a nuttier flavor, and both can be served the same way.
What is the difference between green and red shiso?
Green shiso is the common fresh herb with a bright, minty flavor, while red shiso is more often used to color and flavor pickles and drinks. Both are fine for babies when finely chopped and unsalted.
Can babies have perilla oil or perilla seeds?
Babies can try perilla seeds or perilla oil, but treat them as a separate food from the leaves because perilla seed is a recognized allergen in some countries. Offer a small amount the first time and watch for a reaction.
The takeaway
- Babies can have shiso, also called perilla, from about 6 months, blended into smooth foods at first and finely chopped into food from 7–8 months.
- Blend a few fresh shiso leaves into a smooth food like mashed avocado, rice porridge or vegetable puree.
- Choking risk is low. Not a Top 9 allergen, but offer a small amount first and watch for any reaction.
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
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 U.S. Department of Agriculture and HHS
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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.