
Paneer for babies
When and how to serve paneer at every stage of starting solids.
- Introduce from
- 6–9 months
- Safety notes
- Common allergen: Cow's milk (dairy)
- Protein rich
How to prepare paneer by age
6–9 months
Pasteurised paneer only. Warm it through until soft (for example simmered in a mild spinach or tomato sauce), then offer finger-length strips about the width of an adult finger, or crumble it finely. Cold paneer is firm and squeaky, so keep it thin.
9–12 months
Soft strips or small pieces cooked in dishes, or crumbled into scrambled egg or vegetables.
12 months+
Cubes or strips in curries and wraps; grilled paneer is chewier, so cut it smaller.
Common allergen
Contains cow's milk (dairy) , one of the 9 common food allergens.
Contains milk, a common allergen. Offer a small amount mixed into a familiar food first and watch for any reaction. Choose products made from pasteurised milk only.
First time with cow's milk (dairy): Offer dairy in food, such as full-fat plain yogurt or cheese, or milk used in cooking. Cow's milk should not be the main drink before 12 months.
If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, talk to your pediatrician before introducing allergens.
Nutrition highlights
- Protein rich
- Calcium rich
Serving ideas
- Soft paneer strips in a mild spinach sauce
- Crumbled paneer with peas
- Paneer and vegetable wrap (12m+)
Prepare these as described above for your baby’s age.
Choosing and storing
Storage: Refrigerate and use by the date on the pack; once opened, use within 2-3 days or freeze.
Sources
This guide is based on published guidance from:






