In celebration of National Mango Day, the National Mango Board (NMB) is encouraging families to make fresh mango a lifelong favorite, starting with baby’s very first bites. Through its new “First Taste of Joy” campaign, NMB is providing parents with simple recipes and answers to common questions about introducing fresh mango to babies, while capturing the heartwarming reactions of little ones tasting the fruit for the first time.
To bring the experience to life, the National Mango Board assembled the world’s most adorable judging panel to try mango and deliver the official Cutie Patootie Verdict. The Cutie Patootie judges include 12 babies under 15 months old: Ryan (8 months), E’mari (8 months), Boone (7 months), Madeline (15 months), Cairo (12 months), Rori (7 months), Kuhu (8 months), Valentina (8 months), Evan (8 months), Verdica (7 months), Emma (12 months) and Burr (8 months). The “First Taste of Joy” video captures their priceless reactions as they experience mango while enjoying Easy Peasy Mango Purée, showcasing how naturally appealing the fruit can be to little ones.
Naturally sweet, soft when ripe and providing more than 20 vitamins and minerals, mangoes are a popular first fruit for babies. In addition to their delicious taste, mangoes also provide vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, folate and antioxidants to support overall health. They also contain carbohydrates for energy and are naturally fat-free, sodium-free and cholesterol-free, making them a healthy choice that helps support early development.
Parents are increasingly seeking wholesome foods made with simple, recognizable ingredients. According to Tap Research’s Millennial Parents Baby Food Awareness study, nutritional value is the single most important factor influencing baby food purchasing decisions, ranking above convenience and price.
Fresh mangoes are an ideal fruit to introduce once babies are developmentally ready for complementary foods, generally around 6 months of age. Parents can start with a smooth mango purée, then transition to soft spears or small pieces as babies develop their feeding skills around 9 months, with bite-sized pieces often appropriate by about 12 months. As children continue to grow, mango easily transitions from first foods to family meals, making it an everyday fruit families can enjoy together from infancy through adulthood.
This National Mango Day, NMB invites families to celebrate with a fruit that can be enjoyed at every stage of life — from a baby’s first taste to a favorite snack for kids, teens and adults alike. As a reminder, parents and caregivers should always consult their pediatrician or healthcare provider before introducing any new foods.
National Mango Board Celebrates National Mango Day With Cutie Patootie Mango Judging Panel
The organization’s “First Taste of Joy” campaign features an adorable baby judging panel to showcase fresh mango as a nutrient-rich, easy-to-introduce first food that can become a lifelong family favorite.
(Photo courtesy of National Mango Board)
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