If you’ve been told to keep baby food bland… respectfully, we disagree. Babies are born with a wide-open palate, ready to explore the full world of flavor. It’s us adults who tend to narrow it. Early exposure to herbs and spices doesn’t just build flavor acceptance - it builds adventurous eaters.
And contrary to popular belief, almost all herbs and spices are safe for babies starting solids (around 6 months), as long as they’re not too spicy (think loads of cayenne or chili powder) and don’t contain added salt or sugar.
So, ditch the bland beige purées and get ready to spice things up. Literally.
🌿 Baby-Safe Spices (And What They Pair With)
Cinnamon
Warm and sweet, but not sugary.
👉 Try it with: mashed sweet potatoes, apple puree, oatmeal, or yogurt.
Garlic (powder or fresh)
Mild when cooked and packed with flavor.
👉 Try it with: roasted veggies, lentils, or pasta sauce.
Ginger (powder or fresh)
Bright and warming. Great for digestion.
👉 Try it with: pears, carrots, chicken, or rice.
Cumin
Nutty, aromatic, and used around the world.
👉 Try it with: black beans, roasted carrots, or rice.
Turmeric
Earthy and golden. Known for anti-inflammatory properties.
👉 Try it with: lentils, potatoes, or in a mild curry base.
Coriander
Citrusy and gentle. Often used in Indian cuisine.
👉 Try it with: peas, lentils, or sautéed spinach.
Dill
Mildly tangy and refreshing.
👉 Try it with: cucumber, salmon, potatoes or even falafel (cut into baby-sized pieces).
Thyme
Subtle and savory.
👉 Try it with: roasted root veggies, poultry, or rice.
Basil
Sweet and fragrant. A fan favorite.
👉 Try it with: tomatoes, pasta (pesto!), or white beans.
Cardamom
Warm and slightly floral.
👉 Try it with: bananas, oatmeal, or stewed fruit.
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Start small: A pinch goes a long way. You’re flavoring, not overpowering.
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Use single spices first: This way, if your baby has a reaction (rare, but possible), you can pinpoint it easily.
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Cook them into meals: Spices are best introduced as part of real food - soups, stews, pasta sauces, stir-fries, and yes, even jarred baby meals (hi, Globowl 👋).
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Skip salt and sugar: Let the spices do the heavy lifting in flavor.
Introducing spices from different cuisines doesn’t just make your baby’s meals more delicious - it nurtures curiosity, openness, and even cultural awareness. At Globowl, we built our entire brand around that concept: bringing global flavors to tiny taste buds.
Our jars feature spices like cumin, turmeric, basil, and garlic - not to overwhelm, but to Open the Flavor Window™, when babies are most receptive to new flavors and textures (between 6 and 18 months).
Don’t wait until toddlerhood to introduce flavor. The earlier, the better. Spices are safe, beneficial, and delicious.
