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Veal

Usually introduced around 6 months

5 key nutrients

Prep warning

Cook veal through until no pink remains and serve it without added salt.

Choking notes

Plain cooked veal is low risk when it's soft and shredded, but large or tough chunks can be hard to chew. Keep pieces small and moist, and slow-cook firmer cuts until they pull apart easily.

How to serve by age

6-9 months

Prep

Cook veal fully until no pink remains, then purée it smooth or finely shred it and moisten with breast milk, formula, broth or a vegetable purée so it isn't dry. Veal is a good source of iron, and serving it alongside a vitamin C food like mashed fruit or vegetables helps the body absorb that iron. Serve it plain with no added salt.

Cut

Smooth purée or fine shreds, always moistened so it isn't dry or crumbly.

9-12 months

Prep

Offer soft shredded or finely chopped veal as a finger food, or small soft veal meatballs that break apart easily. Keep it fully cooked and moist, and keep pairing it with iron-friendly vitamin C foods. Still no added salt, and avoid tough or large chunks.

Cut

Thin shreds, small soft pieces, or broken-up meatballs.

12-18 months

Prep

Serve veal as bite-size soft pieces, shredded, finely chopped or ground, and slow-cook tougher cuts so they pull apart easily. It works well in ragùs, stews and family dishes. Keep it cooked through with little or no salt, and cut pieces small.

Cut

Pea- to bite-size soft pieces that pull apart without resistance.

Key nutrients

ProteinIronZincVitamin B12selenium

Common questions

When can my baby eat Veal?

Most babies can try Veal from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.

Is Veal a choking hazard for babies?

Veal is considered a lower choking-risk food when served in age-appropriate sizes and textures. Follow the cut sizes above and always stay close during meals.

Is Veal a common allergen?

Veal is not one of the major food allergens. Any new food can still cause a reaction, so keep an eye on your baby the first few times.

Sources3

General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.

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