Top Baby-Friendly First Foods (6–12 Months) Foods Highest in Protein (USDA Ranking)

WHO 6–12 month infant-safe whole foods highest in Protein (g per 100g), verified against the Wise Eating USDA Standard Reference catalog. Essential structural macronutrient for muscle protein synthesis, enzymes, hormones, and satiety.

USDA Leaderboard: Top Baby-Friendly First Foods (6–12 Months) Foods Highest in Protein (USDA Ranking)

Click any food below to open its full 100+ nutrient profile (including 22 vitamins, 11 minerals, amino acids, omega-3s, PRAL acid load, and WHO baby feeding age). Top food in this category: Pork skin rinds (61.3 g per 100g).

Rank	USDA Food Item	Protein / 100g	% Daily Value	Per 100 kcal	Calories & Protein
#1	Pork skin rinds	61.3 g	100%	11.3 g	544 kcal · 61.3g P
#2	Shrimp, dried	51 g	100%	20.4 g	250 kcal · 51g P
#3	Pork, cracklings	45 g	90.1%	7.91 g	569 kcal · 45g P
#4	Milk, dry, not reconstituted	36.2 g	72.3%	9.99 g	362 kcal · 36.2g P
#5	Bacon or side pork, fresh, cooked	33.9 g	67.8%	7.25 g	468 kcal · 33.9g P
#6	Pork bacon, smoked or cured, cooked	33.9 g	67.8%	7.25 g	468 kcal · 33.9g P
#7	Beef, for use with vegetables	32.4 g	64.8%	17 g	191 kcal · 32.4g P
#8	Pheasant, cooked	32.3 g	64.5%	13.6 g	238 kcal · 32.3g P
#9	Beef, bacon, cooked	31.3 g	62.6%	6.97 g	449 kcal · 31.3g P
#10	Beef, steak, tenderloin	30.5 g	60.9%	15.5 g	196 kcal · 30.5g P
#11	Fish, tuna, cooked	30.3 g	60.6%	17.2 g	176 kcal · 30.3g P
#12	Turkey light or dark meat, stewed, skin eaten	30.2 g	60.5%	14.8 g	204 kcal · 30.2g P
#13	Cheese, Parmesan, dry grated	29.9 g	59.7%	7.25 g	412 kcal · 29.9g P
#14	Pumpkin seeds, unsalted	29.8 g	59.7%	5.2 g	574 kcal · 29.8g P
#15	Beef, steak, round	29.7 g	59.4%	17.9 g	166 kcal · 29.7g P
#16	Chicken breast, sauteed, skin not eaten	29.6 g	59.2%	16.8 g	176 kcal · 29.6g P
#17	Turkey bacon, cooked	29.5 g	59%	8.02 g	368 kcal · 29.5g P
#18	Pumpkin seeds, salted	29.5 g	59%	5.2 g	567 kcal · 29.5g P
#19	Beef, brisket	29.4 g	58.8%	12.7 g	231 kcal · 29.4g P
#20	Beef, steak, flank	29.1 g	58.3%	12 g	243 kcal · 29.1g P
#21	Beef, roast	29.1 g	58.2%	14.1 g	206 kcal · 29.1g P
#22	Beef, steak, cube	28.8 g	57.7%	15.4 g	187 kcal · 28.8g P
#23	Turkey, light meat, skin not eaten	28.8 g	57.6%	20.7 g	139 kcal · 28.8g P
#24	Cheese, Swiss, reduced fat	28.4 g	56.8%	15.9 g	179 kcal · 28.4g P
#25	Cheese, Swiss, reduced sodium	28.4 g	56.8%	7.59 g	374 kcal · 28.4g P
#26	Beef, pot roast	28.4 g	56.8%	11.3 g	251 kcal · 28.4g P
#27	Beef, stew meat	28.4 g	56.8%	11.3 g	251 kcal · 28.4g P
#28	Canadian bacon, cooked	28.3 g	56.6%	19.4 g	146 kcal · 28.3g P
#29	Turkey, light meat, skin eaten	28.3 g	56.6%	16.7 g	169 kcal · 28.3g P
#30	Cheese, Monterey, reduced fat	28.2 g	56.4%	9.01 g	313 kcal · 28.2g P
#31	Chicken as ingredient in recipes	28.1 g	56.1%	15.4 g	182 kcal · 28.1g P
#32	Pork, chop, lean only eaten	28 g	56.1%	16.4 g	171 kcal · 28g P
#33	Barbecue beef, no sauce	28 g	55.9%	11.1 g	252 kcal · 28g P
#34	Chicken breast, stewed, skin not eaten	28 g	55.9%	18.8 g	149 kcal · 28g P
#35	Cheese, Mozzarella, reduced sodium	27.5 g	55%	9.82 g	280 kcal · 27.5g P

Related Nutrient & Macro Rankings