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Amaranth Leaves for Babies: A Soft Nutritious Green

The tender leaves of the amaranth plant, cooked as a soft green across India, Africa, and the Caribbean. Rich in iron and easy to cook down.

When to introduce: Around 6 months
Common allergen?: No (not a common allergen)
Texture: Cooked soft, finely chopped
Key nutrients: Iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C

When can babies eat amaranth leaves?

Amaranth leaves (known as chaulai, callaloo, or many local names) are tender greens cooked down soft across many cuisines. They are nutritious and quick to wilt, and stir easily into a baby’s food from around 6 months.

How to prepare amaranth leaves for baby-led weaning (BLW) and purées, by age

6 monthsCook amaranth leaves soft, then finely chop or blend into rice, dal, or a smooth puree.

9 monthsServe soft-cooked, finely chopped amaranth leaves in soft dishes.

12 months+Add cooked amaranth leaves to family meals, kept mild.

Are amaranth leaves safe? Choking & prep

Cook amaranth leaves soft and finely chop for younger babies. Wash them well, as with any leafy green. Not a common allergen.

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Nutrition

Amaranth leaves are rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Pair with a vitamin C food to help iron absorption.

Goes well with

Lentils · Rice · Garlic

Storage & freezing

Keep fresh amaranth leaves refrigerated and use within a few days, or cook and freeze.

More vegetables to explore

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ArracachaAround 6 months

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ArtichokeAround 9 months

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ArugulaAround 6 months

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Ash gourdAround 6 months

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AsparagusAround 6 months

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Bamboo shootsAround 9 months

Frequently asked questions

When can babies have amaranth leaves?

From around 6 months, cooked soft and finely chopped.

Are amaranth leaves the same as amaranth grain?

They come from the same plant family but are different foods: the leaves are a cooked green, the grain is a tiny cereal.

Are amaranth leaves a common allergen?

No, they are not a top-9 allergen. Cook them soft and introduce like any new food.

Sources

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Last updated July 2026. How we write these: grounded in widely published pediatric guidance (the AAP, WHO, the NIAID 2017 allergen guidelines, and the LEAP study), and pending independent review by a pediatric professional. See our editorial and medical policy for how we research, source, and update these.

This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.

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