Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Spinach Benefits

Spinach is among the world’s healthiest vegetables and ranks very high when compared to other veggies and their nutrient content. This tender, leafy green is rich in vitamins and minerals and is concentrated in phytonutrients that provide our bodies with powerful antioxidant protection. In just one cooked cup of spinach, we are getting 987% of our daily recommended intake (DRI) of vitamin K, and 105% of our DRI of vitamin A! It’s also rich in calcium and a great alternative to animal-based dairy products. In addition to helping our bodies fight oxidative stress, spinach helps protect us from inflammatory problems, cardiovascular disease, bone issues, and certain cancers (especially prostate cancer).  Unlike other vegetables containing phytonutrients, researchers have identified more than a dozen different flavonoid compounds in spinach that help keep inflammation and cancer at bay, making it a perfect food to introduce to kids and yourbaby early on. Spinach can be served as a puree for your baby, or steamed or served raw for kiddos. Spinach can be rather stringy once cooked, so serving it blended into a smoothie or puree is probably the safest bet for younger kiddos!

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPINACH

Thanks to Popeye, we all know spinach is super healthy for us but here are some top health benefits you get:

  • high in fiber to help build a healthy heart and aid in digestion
  • has a good amount of vitamin C, which is important for skin, eye, immune and brain health
  • great source of iron that helps muscles store and use oxygen, and it is vital for brain development
  • is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting
  • is high in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body and is responsible for healthy eyesight

Highlighted Nutritional Importance of Spinach

Vitamins

Vitamin K – spinach contains 987% of our recommended daily intake of Vitamin K! This vitamin is vital for the blood clotting process and a healthy skeletal system
Vitamin A – important for a healthy immune system, skin, eyes and bone health
Folate – this B vitamin supports a healthy brain and nervous system
Vitamin C – helps support baby’s immune system, mucous membranes and respiratory system
Vitamin E – a potent antioxidant that boosts the immune system and helps maintain a healthy blood pressure

Minerals

Manganese – this potent antioxidant helps to form baby’s bones and healthy cartilage and helps protect cells from damage
Magnesium – necessary for the body’s bone and skeletal health and important in regulating energy production within the cell
Potassium – another electrolyte mineral that supports healthy cardiovascular function and kidney function
Iron – this blood-building nutrient enhances the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood bells
Calcium – regulates bone growth and skeletal development and plays a critical role in hormone production

How to Select and Store Spinach

Spinach is on the Dirty Dozen List, meaning if possible, it’s a good idea to purchase organic to avoid excessive exposure to harmful pesticides.

When purchasing, choose spinach with vibrant, deep green leaves and stems with no signs of yellowing. The leaves should look fresh and tender and be free from wilting, bruising, or a slimy coating. Avoid washing spinach before storing it since the water encourages spoiling. Place the unwashed spinach in a large baggie and squeeze out as much air as possible, then place it in the refrigerator, which will last up to 5 days. Your grocery store may have bagged spinach, a great pre-washed option. Eating frozen spinach is also a convenient option and will yield much more than fresh.

Preparing spinach for your baby is easy. You can steam the spinach or boil it for about 1 minute to create a softer texture and a sweeter taste. After the spinach is cooked, puree with fresh water until it reaches the desired consistency. Pureed spinach can be eaten on its own or added to other sweet or savory purees for a big nutritional boost!

Favorite Spinach Recipes

A colorful muffin tin with spinach muffins against a white background with a purple navigating.

20 Minute Spinach Muffins for Kids & Toddlers

4.78 stars (40 ratings)
Nourishing, veggie-filled muffins coming right up! These homemade Spinach Muffins are easy and quick to make with the help of a high-powered blender. They’re made with fresh spinach, applesauce, and no refined sugar—they’re a great option for breakfast, a healthy snack, and perfect for school lunch boxes, too! Great for 9+ months and up!
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Small white bowl with spinach apple puree inside with baby spoon resting on top.

Spinach Apple Baby Puree (Stage Two)

4.76 stars (45 ratings)
This Spinach Apple Baby Puree is high in iron and a perfect food to introduce to baby around 6 months. With the addition of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, this stage two combination puree tastes amazing!
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Cooking with Kids – Spinach Basil Pesto

5 stars (3 ratings)
This easy Spinach Basil Pesto is a great way to start cooking with kids. It's a super fast and easy recipe that they can do mostly by themselves!
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Spinach waffles sitting on a cooling rack.

Freezer-Friendly Spinach Waffles

5 stars (60 ratings)
Warm and wholesome waffles made with nutrient packed spinach!
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Baby friendly green spinach smoothie in a glass with a separate glass filled with whole smoothie ingredients.

Baby’s First Spinach Smoothie

5 stars (14 ratings)
Baby’s First Spinach Smoothie is packed with spinach, avocado, mango, banana, oats, chia seeds and coconut milk. This nutritious and delicious smoothie is easy to make and perfect for babies (and toddlers) 9 months and up!
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image of a white cutting board with produce scattered on it and a small bowl filled with the baby food puree.

Apple, Spinach + Pea Baby Food Puree

5 stars (16 ratings)
Filled with not 1 but 2 (!!) green veggies that provide a big heaping dose of protein, calcium, vitamin A and C, fiber and iron and served with a side of yumminess.
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