Randy Chandler
Processed cheese is not a pure form of cheese. It is loaded with added preservatives, flavours, emulsifiers, and chemicals. While it is a good source of calcium, it is not the best option for babies. Babies need healthy fats for their development, and processed cheese is often high in sodium and low in nutrition. Babies under 2 years of age should be given full-fat cheeses that are pasteurized, as they help with growth and development.
Is processed cheese bad for babies?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Processed cheese is deemed a proper source of calcium for children by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. However, it is highly processed and contains many additives, preservatives, and emulsifiers. |
| Health risks | Dairy products can cause stomach issues in babies younger than a year old and can trigger allergies due to the presence of milk protein and lactose. |
| Choking hazards | Cheese can be a choking hazard for babies. Processed cheese slices are often large and thin, increasing the risk. |
| Recommended alternatives | Natural cheeses made from whole milk are recommended over processed cheese products. Fresh mozzarella, ricotta, mild goat cheese, and other soft cheeses are good options for early eaters. |
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What You'll Learn
Processed cheese is loaded with additives and preservatives
Processed cheese is no longer considered a "real cheese" and is instead referred to as a "cheese product". This is due to the numerous chemicals and additives used in its production, which help it hold up better in sandwiches. These additives and preservatives include ingredients like whey, water, protein concentrate, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, gelatin, salt, sodium phosphate, and lactic acid.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has deemed processed cheese as a proper source of calcium for children. However, it is important to note that this organization is largely supported by the dairy industry, which may influence such recommendations. In reality, there are many plant-based sources of calcium that are easier for the body to absorb and extremely nutritious for children, such as collard greens, dried figs, Swiss chard, kale, spinach, oranges, almonds, and tofu.
When introducing cheese to babies, it is recommended to start with mild, pasteurized, full-fat varieties, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, or mild goat cheese. These types of cheese provide the nutritional benefits of cheese without the added chemicals and preservatives found in processed cheese. It is also important to introduce cheese in small quantities to monitor for any allergies or intolerances, as cheese contains milk protein, which can cause stomach issues in some babies.
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It's not real cheese
Processed cheese is not a pure form of cheese. Although it may look and taste like cheese, it is usually loaded with added flavours, preservatives, and emulsifiers. They are manufactured by adding flavour enhancers and preservatives to cheese to make it last longer. Therefore, it is best to avoid buying off-the-shelf processed cheese to feed your baby as the chemicals present in it are not suitable for them.
Processed cheese is now called a "cheese product" due to all the additives and chemicals it contains. Some of these additives include whey, water, protein concentrate, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, gelatin, salt, sodium phosphate, and lactic acid as a preservative. Any food with that number of ingredients should not be deemed a food, especially when it contains dairy lactose, known to cause allergic reactions in many people.
The dairy industry is a large supporter of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which is a significant reason why the food pyramid recommends dairy as a source of calcium for children. However, it is misleading to let organizations influence such labels on highly processed foods like commercial cheese products. For all of us, children included, the answer to calcium intake and strong bones is not found in a cheese "product". It’s found through plants such as collard greens, dried figs, Swiss chard, kale, spinach, oranges, almonds, tofu, and many other plant-based foods. These plant-based sources are easy for the body to absorb and extremely nutritious for children to eat to build strong, healthy bodies.
Babies need full-fat cheeses and other dairy products. Babies under the age of 2 need fat to help their bodies and brains grow. Full-fat cottage cheese, for example, is a good source of calcium, protein, and other important nutrients. It also gives your baby a boost of vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and healthy fats.
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It's high in sodium
Processed cheese is not a healthy option for babies. While cheese is a great source of protein, vitamins, and calcium, which are all essential for a baby's growth, processed cheese is loaded with sodium. Babies need sodium, but in moderate amounts. Excess sodium can lead to high blood pressure and put pressure on your baby's kidneys.
Processed cheese is also loaded with added flavours, emulsifiers, preservatives, and chemicals that are not suitable for babies. Babies have a less developed sense of taste, so they don't need added flavours. Emulsifiers are added to make the cheese last longer, but they are not necessary for babies who will finish the cheese quickly.
Babies should be given natural cheeses made from whole milk, as they need the healthy fats for their development. Processed cheese is also more likely to be made with low-fat or skimmed milk, which is not suitable for babies.
Instead of processed cheese, opt for fresh mozzarella, ricotta, mild goat cheese, and other soft cheeses. Harder cheeses like cheddar can be introduced once your baby is a more experienced chewer.
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It's not a good source of calcium
Processed cheese is not a good source of calcium for babies. While cheese is a great source of calcium, protein, and other important nutrients, processed cheese is loaded with added flavours, emulsifiers, preservatives, and chemicals that are not suitable for babies.
Babies need calcium for the development of healthy teeth and bones. However, there are many other plant-based sources of calcium that are easy for the body to absorb and extremely nutritious for children. These include collard greens, dried figs, Swiss chard, kale, spinach, oranges, almonds, and tofu. These foods are not only rich in calcium but also provide a range of other nutrients that are essential for a baby's growth and development.
It is important to note that all cheese is processed to some extent. However, the term "processed cheese" typically refers to cheese products that have been highly processed and contain a long list of ingredients, including additives and preservatives. These types of processed cheese are often high in sodium and offer less nutrition than their less-processed counterparts.
When it comes to cheese for babies, it is best to choose fresh, mild, and soft varieties that are made from whole milk and are pasteurized. Examples include mozzarella, ricotta, mild goat cheese, and cottage cheese. These types of cheese are easier for babies to digest and provide the necessary nutrients without the added ingredients found in processed cheese.
It is always recommended to consult with a pediatrician or a healthcare professional before introducing new foods to a baby's diet, including cheese.
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Babies can be allergic to milk and dairy products
Processed cheese can be given to babies as long as it is made from pasteurized milk. Babies under 2 years of age require fat for their bodies and brains to grow, so it is recommended to offer them full-fat cheeses and other dairy products. However, it is important to avoid soft, aged, or mold-ripened cheeses like brie, Camembert, and bacteria-ripened goat cheese, as they may contain Listeria, a harmful bacterium that can cause food poisoning.
While processed cheese itself may not be inherently bad for babies, it is important to consider that babies can be allergic to milk and dairy products. Milk allergy in infants is caused by an immune system malfunction, where the immune system identifies certain milk proteins as harmful. The two main proteins in cow's milk that can trigger an allergic reaction are casein and whey. Casein is found in the solid part (curd) of milk, while whey is found in the liquid part that remains after milk curdles.
Babies with a milk allergy may exhibit symptoms such as fussiness or more serious allergic reactions. If you suspect your baby is allergic to milk, it is important to consult a doctor, who may refer you to an allergist for skin testing. In the event of a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, seek emergency medical treatment. To minimize the risk of allergy, it is recommended to introduce dairy products once solids are introduced and continue offering them as part of the baby's regular diet.
Additionally, it is important to carefully read food labels and avoid foods that may contain hidden milk proteins, such as canned tuna, sausage, or nondairy products. Milk allergy in infants may also be influenced by factors such as family history, with an increased risk if one or both parents have a history of allergies. While most children outgrow their milk allergies, it is crucial to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of babies who may be allergic to milk and dairy products.
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Frequently asked questions
Processed cheese is a cheese product that is loaded with added flavours, preservatives, and emulsifiers. They are manufactured by adding flavour enhancers to cheese to make it last longer.
Processed cheese is not the best option for babies as it contains many additives and chemicals. It is recommended to opt for less-processed cheese that is lower in sodium and made from whole milk.
Fresh mozzarella, ricotta, mild goat cheese, and other soft cheeses are great alternatives to processed cheese for babies. It is also recommended to opt for full-fat cheeses that are pasteurized.
Cheese is a great source of protein, calories, and vitamins A, D, and B12. It is also rich in calcium, which is essential for the development of healthy teeth and bones.
It is recommended to wait until your baby is at least 6-9 months old before introducing cheese. Some experts suggest waiting until the baby is 8 months old or even a year old. It is important to introduce cheese slowly and in small quantities to detect any allergies or intolerances.
