How to Serve Rice Cakes to Babies (Safe BLW Guide)

Rice cakes can be a convenient finger food for babies starting solids. Their light texture dissolves easily in the mouth, which can make them appealing for little ones learning to self-feed. The key is choosing plain, thin, rice cakes and serving them in ways that are safe and developmentally appropriate for your baby.

Should we offer rice cakes to babies? by Jeanette Blandford

Can babies eat rice cakes?

Yes. Babies can usually eat plain rice cakes from around 6 months once they are ready for solids. Choose unsalted, thin rice cakes and offer them in large pieces topped with soft foods like avocado or yoghurt to improve nutrition and texture.

When Can Babies Eat Rice Cakes?

Babies can typically eat rice cakes from around 6 months of age, once they are showing the signs of readiness for solids.

Rice cakes soften quickly when exposed to saliva, which means they are generally easy for babies to manage. Choosing plain rice cakes without added salt or flavourings is best.

Are Rice Cakes a Choking Hazard for Babies?

Rice cakes are generally considered low choking risk because they dissolve quickly in the mouth.

However, large dry pieces can sometimes break off. To reduce risk:

• Always supervise babies while eating
• Offer plain thin rice cakes
• Serve small sized rice cakes or break larger rice cakes into manageable pieces if needed
• Adding toppings such as yoghurt, avocado or nut butter can also soften the texture and improve nutrition.

How to Serve Rice Cakes for Babies

Choose plain, unsalted, thin rice cakes. Avoid versions with excessive added salts or sugars.

6–12 months

You can offer:

• A whole mini rice cake
• Large broken pieces of a larger rice cake
• Add spread / toppings to soften the texture.

These shapes are easy for babies to hold while they practise biting and chewing.

12+ months

Toddlers can usually handle rice cakes more easily.

Serve them:

• Whole with toppings
• Alongside fruit or yoghurt
• As a simple snack between meals

Nutritional Benefits of Rice Cakes for Babies

Rice cakes are made from puffed rice and are typically low in fat, protein and fibre. While they aren’t particularly nutrient dense on their own, they can be useful as a base for other foods and can make a very quick balanced meal when paired with good sources of protein, fat and fibre.

Adding toppings such as nut butter, yoghurt or avocado can provide healthy fats, protein and important nutrients.

Easy Ways to Offer Rice Cakes to Your Baby

• Rice cake with mashed avocado and cottage cheese
• Rice cake with yoghurt and mashed berries
• Rice cake with peanut butter
• Rice cake with hummus
• Rice cake with ricotta and fruit

Expert Tip

Rice cakes can be a helpful option for babies learning to self-feed, but they work best when used as a base for other foods rather than the main snack. Spreading them with avocado, yoghurt or nut butter can significantly improve the nutritional value.

You may also like:

• How to Serve Banana to Babies
• How to Serve Avocado for Baby Led Weaning
• Best First Finger Foods for Babies

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rice cakes safe for babies?
Yes, plain rice cakes can be offered from around 6 months as they dissolve easily in the mouth.

What rice cakes are best for babies?
Plain thin rice cakes without added salt, sugar or flavourings are best.

Can babies eat rice cakes every day?
Rice cakes can be offered occasionally, but they are best served with nutrient-dense toppings.

Can babies choke on rice cakes?
Rice cakes dissolve quickly which lowers choking risk, but babies should always be supervised while eating.

Do we need to buy the baby aisle rice cakes?
No. These are a great example of good marketing. The baby versions can cost easily 10x the price per 100g of rice cakes from the regular aisle.