Herbs & spices Food Library
When can babies have star anise?
Can babies have star anise?
Babies can have food flavored with star anise from about 6 months, as long as the whole pods are removed before serving. Never give star anise tea to babies, since it has caused serious illness in infants, partly due to contamination with toxic Japanese star anise. Use a small amount and buy culinary star anise from a trusted brand.
How to serve star anise by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Simmer one whole star anise pod in the water or broth you use to cook vegetables, fruit or meat for a puree, then remove the pod before blending. You can also stir a tiny pinch of ground star anise into a smooth puree.
7–8 months
Keep using star anise as a gentle flavor in stews, broths and poached fruit that you mash into a lumpier texture, always removing the pod first. A tiny pinch of ground star anise can be stirred into cooked food.
9–12 months
Keep using star anise as a background flavor in braises, pho-style broths and stewed fruit. Always count the pods in and out of the pot.
12 months +
Toddlers can enjoy family dishes flavored with star anise, such as braised meats and soups. Keep removing whole pods, which stay hard and woody even after cooking.
Why it’s good
Star anise is used in tiny amounts, so it adds flavor rather than meaningful nutrition. Its warm, licorice-like taste can help babies get used to the flavors of family dishes like pho, five-spice braises and stewed fruits.
Safety notes
- Never give star anise tea to babies. Infants given star anise tea for colic have developed serious symptoms like seizures, vomiting and jitteriness.
- Japanese star anise is toxic and looks almost identical to Chinese star anise. Buy culinary star anise from a trusted brand and use only small amounts in cooking.
- Whole pods are hard, woody and pointed. Remove every pod from food before serving.
- Ground star anise is strong. Use only a tiny pinch, mixed into food.
- Do not use star anise oil or herbal remedies containing star anise for children.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Star anise is not a common allergen, but rare reactions have been reported, including in people with allergies to related spices like fennel or anise seed. Watch for hives, vomiting or swelling.
Star anise for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about star anise for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have star anise?
Babies can have food flavored with star anise from about 6 months, as long as the whole pods are removed. Star anise should only be used in small amounts in cooking.
Can babies have star anise?
Babies can eat food cooked with star anise, but they should never eat whole pods or drink star anise tea. Use star anise as a flavoring and take out the pods before serving.
Is star anise a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, whole star anise pods are a choking hazard because they are hard, woody and pointed. Always remove star anise pods from soups and stews before serving.
Is star anise a common allergen?
No, star anise is not a common allergen. Rare reactions are possible, especially in people allergic to related spices like fennel or aniseed.
How do I serve star anise to a 6 month old?
To serve star anise to a 6 month old, simmer one pod in the liquid used to cook a puree, such as broth or stewed fruit, then remove it before blending. A tiny pinch of ground star anise mixed into a smooth puree also works.
Is star anise tea safe for babies with colic?
No, star anise tea is not safe for babies and should never be used for colic. Infants given star anise tea have had serious reactions, so talk to your pediatrician about colic instead.
Is star anise the same as anise?
No, star anise and anise (aniseed) come from different plants, though they share a similar licorice flavor. Both should only be used in small amounts in cooking for babies.
What is Japanese star anise?
Japanese star anise is a toxic plant that looks nearly identical to culinary Chinese star anise and has been found mixed into some products. Buy star anise from a trusted brand to lower this risk.
The takeaway
- Babies can have food flavored with star anise from about 6 months, as long as the whole pods are removed before serving.
- Simmer one whole star anise pod in the water or broth you use to cook vegetables, fruit or meat for a puree, then remove the pod before blending.
- Choking risk is medium. 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
- Choking Prevention American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
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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.