Protein Food Library
When can babies have tempeh?
Can babies have tempeh?
Babies can have tempeh from about 6 months when it is steamed or simmered until soft and blended into a smooth puree, with thin soft strips or crumbles from 7–8 months. Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans, a common allergen. It is a good source of plant protein and iron.
How to serve tempeh by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Steam or simmer tempeh for about 10 minutes until soft, then blend it with a little cooking water, breast milk or formula and smooth vegetable puree until creamy. Serve it on a spoon, starting with a small amount.
7–8 months
Crumble steamed tempeh finely into lumpier mashed vegetables, or cut soft steamed tempeh into thin strips about the size of an adult finger that squash easily between your fingers.
9–12 months
Crumble cooked tempeh into small pieces for pincer practice or mix into rice and pasta.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat bite-sized pieces of cooked tempeh in stir-fries and bowls. Avoid salty marinades.
Why it’s good
Tempeh provides protein, iron, calcium, fiber and B vitamins. Fermentation makes tempeh easier to digest than some other soy foods.
Safety notes
- Always cook tempeh. Raw tempeh is not recommended.
- Firm tempeh can be a choking risk. Steam it soft and cut into thin strips or crumble.
- Avoid soy sauce and salty marinades.
- Discard tempeh with unusual colors or a strong ammonia smell.
Introduce tempeh on its own, then keep it in
Tempeh is made from soybeans, a Top 9 allergen. Introduce a small amount, watch for hives, vomiting or swelling, and keep soy in the diet once tolerated.
Tempeh for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about tempeh for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have tempeh?
Babies can have tempeh from about 6 months when it is cooked soft and blended into a smooth puree, then served in thin strips or crumbled from 7–8 months. Tempeh is a soy allergen.
Can babies have tempeh?
Yes, babies can eat tempeh if it is cooked until soft. Tempeh is rich in protein and iron.
Is tempeh a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, tempeh can be a choking hazard because it is firm. Steaming tempeh and crumbling it lowers the risk.
Is tempeh a common allergen?
Yes, tempeh is a common allergen because it is made from soy, one of the Top 9 food allergens. Watch for reactions.
How do I serve tempeh to a 6 month old?
To serve tempeh to a 6 month old, steam it until soft and blend it smooth with a little liquid and vegetable puree, then offer it on a spoon. Start with a small amount. Thin strips and crumbles can follow at 7–8 months.
Can babies have raw tempeh?
No, babies should not eat raw tempeh. Cooking tempeh makes it safer and softer.
Are phytoestrogens in tempeh safe for babies?
Phytoestrogens in soy foods like tempeh are considered safe for babies in normal food amounts. Tempeh can be part of a varied diet.
Is tempeh healthy for babies?
Tempeh is healthy for babies, offering protein, iron and fiber. Serve tempeh with vitamin C foods to improve iron absorption.
The takeaway
- Babies can have tempeh from about 6 months when it is steamed or simmered until soft and blended into a smooth puree, with thin soft strips or crumbles from 7–8 months.
- Steam or simmer tempeh for about 10 minutes until soft, then blend it with a little cooking water, breast milk or formula and smooth vegetable puree until creamy.
- Choking risk is medium. Soy 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
- Choking Prevention American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Iron 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.