Can Babies Eat Quorn & Is It Good For Them?
We love a bit of Quorn. We've already written about whether or not it is healthy but there are many people looking online to ask: can babies eat Quorn? And is it good for them? Well, we've put together a bit of information to help you understand how heathy it is, how safe it is and if there are any risks you should be aware of.
So, lets get into it:
Can Babies Eat Quorn & Is it Healthy?
The full answer to the questions is, yes. Quorn is generally safe to give to babies but there are some considerations: such as their ability to handle solid foods and whether or not they suffer from allergies.
Quorn is made from mycoprotein - which is a type of fungus - that is made as a mean substitute. It usually comes in the form of a soft but firm portion which may not be safe for babies to eat until they can handle solid foods. If you do serve them quorn, then make sure that you blend it up, or cut the Quorn up to make sure that your baby can eat it safely.
This is not a food that is generally given to babies, but there is nothing to suggest that it can't be consumed as a meat-less alternative
According to the Quorn website, their products are suitable for children over the age of one. It's always a good idea to consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before giving new foods into a baby's diet. You'll learn all this from the community nurses.
When it comes to nutrition, Quorn is a great, protein-rich meat alternative, that could be a meatless source for your baby. Each 100g of Quorn contains:
- Calories: 89 kcal
- Protein: 14.5g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 2.7g
- Fibre: 6.3g
- Sodium: 5mg
Quorn is also packed with nutrients and essential minerals including iron, zinc, and B vitamins which are essential for growth. The meat alternative is low in saturated fat. So, pretty great!
Are there any risk factors?
While Quorn is generally considered safe for consumption by most people, some people have experienced some nasty adverse reactions.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These reactions are thought to be due to the high fibre content of Quorn and the presence of certain compounds in the mycoprotein. This could make your baby a little sad and may give you one hell of a mess to clean up. It may be best to wait until your baby is older to introduce them to Quorn if you're concerned.
Allergies may be a risk factor here. Allergies are very common with babies and the dangerous thing is that you don't know whether they have any allergies until they are tested, or come across the allergen. For example, Quorn contains soy, which is one of the most common allergies in children. It could get really bad- from hives, swelling of the face, mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. This is a very serious condition, which can lead to death.
As with any food, it is important to introduce Quorn gradually and monitor your child for any adverse reactions. If you suspect that your child may be allergic to Quorn or if they experience any symptoms after consuming it, seek medical attention immediately.
Final Thoughts
So, is Quorn safe for babies? Well, technically, yes. But there are some considerations to take note of. Firstly, you should consider how suitable the consistency of the quorn is for your baby. Secondly, Quorn contains some of the ingredients causing the most common food allergies in children, so your child could be at risk of suffering an allergic reaction or becoming ill after eating Quorn.
If in doubt, please speak to a medical professional or child-care expert.