Anchovy paste on toast can be introduced from around six months of age, as soon as your baby is ready to start solid foods. Because anchovies are a common allergen, it's important to introduce them carefully and watch for any signs of a reaction. Toast should be lightly toasted to avoid hard, brittle edges that could break into sharp shards.
Anchovy paste is exceptionally rich in iron, which supports healthy red blood cell development and brain growth in babies. It also provides high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids that support brain and eye development, and important minerals including calcium and selenium. The savoury, umami flavour can help expand your baby's palate early on.
Anchovy paste on toast presents a low choking risk when prepared appropriately because the paste is smooth and spreadable, softening the toast underneath. The moist texture helps prevent the toast from becoming dry and crumbly in your baby's mouth.
Anchovies are fish, which is a common allergen and one of the top allergens in the UK and US. When introducing anchovy paste for the first time, offer a small amount and watch for signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.
Detailed prep guidance tailored to each stage.
Spread a very thin layer of anchovy paste on lightly toasted bread, ensuring the toast remains soft enough to gum but not so hard it shatters. Cut the toast into wide finger-length strips about the size of two adult fingers, which makes it easy for your baby to grasp with the paste-covered end sticking out of their fist. You can leave the crusts on if they're soft, or remove them if they're tough or hard.
Continue to spread anchovy paste thinly on lightly toasted bread and cut into strips, or offer smaller pieces about the size of a large chickpea as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also cut the toast into quarters or triangles to encourage self-feeding with both hands. Check that the toast remains moist from the paste and hasn't dried out or become too crisp.
At this age, you can offer anchovy paste on toast cut into small bite-sized pieces, strips, or even whole fingers of toast for your toddler to bite from. Continue to spread the paste thinly to manage salt intake and keep the toast lightly toasted to avoid hard, sharp edges. You might also let your toddler practice spreading their own paste with supervision, or serve it alongside vegetables like cucumber or tomato.
