Often associated with joyous smiles and delicious indulgence, cheese is not only a culinary delight but can also be a remarkably healthy addition to your child’s diet. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore why cheese holds a special place in the realm of children’s nutrition,
Is cheese good for kids?
Kids have a natural affinity for cheese, and it’s not hard to see why. The creamy texture and mild flavours make it a familiar and approachable food for young palates.
But beyond its deliciousness, cheese offers a range of nutritional benefits. Packed with calcium for strong bones and protein for growth, cheese can be a valuable addition to your child’s diet.
And the best part? Cheese’s versatility. From breakfast to dinner, cheese can star in a variety of kid-friendly dishes, making meal preparation less of a hassle.
Choosing the right type of cheese
Starting on this cheese journey requires a strategic approach. Begin with cheeses that are mild and familiar, such as Cheddar or Mozzarella. As your children become accustomed to these flavours, gradually introduce them to cheeses with more pronounced tastes and unique textures.
Consider expanding their horizons by exploring different types of cheese, including the soft and creamy ones like Brie or Camembert, the hard and aged options like Parmesan, or even mild blue cheeses.
This isn’t just about food – it’s about embarking on a flavourful adventure around the globe.
Which types of cheese are not suitable for children?
When introducing cheese to kids, it’s important to be mindful of certain types that might pose a higher risk due to their ingredients, production methods or strong aroma. Here are some types of cheese that you might want to avoid or introduce cautiously.
- Processed Cheese Products: These often come in blocks or slices and often contain additives and preservatives that you might want to limit in your child’s diet. Some examples are Velveeta and Kraft Singles. Instead, opt for real cheese options like Cheddar when possible.
- Processed Cheese Spreads: Cheese products that are highly processed, like cheese-flavoured snacks and spreads, might have limited nutritional value and could contain artificial additives. Some examples include Cheez Whiz and Easy Cheese.
- Cheeses with Added Spices: Some cheeses come with added spices or herbs that could be too overpowering for young taste buds. You may want to avoid cheeses like Pepper Jack, Pecorino Pepato or Boursin with Garlic & Herbs.
- Strongly Aromatic Cheeses: Cheeses with very strong aromas, like Limburger or Munster, might not be suitable for young children due to their intense smell. Having said that, these can still be a good option to revisit at a later age.
Is raw milk cheese safe for kids?
When it comes to raw milk cheeses, there’s often a lot of confusion and concern surrounding their safety, especially for children. However, it’s important to understand that not all raw milk cheeses are created equal.
Soft white mould cheeses and unaged cheeses have a higher moisture content and are at a higher risk of Listeria contamination. Because of this, the NHS in the UK does not recommend giving babies and young children raw milk versions of those cheeses. Having said that, you can still cook or bake them to make a delicious dish.
On the other hand, raw aged cheeses like Gruyère and Parmigiano Reggiano are considered to have a similar safety profile to pasteurised cheeses. Hence, FSANZ in Australia and New Zealand considers them to be safe for pregnant women, babies and young children.
Check the labelling for information about the cheese’s production methods and ageing time. When in doubt, consult with a healthcare professional or paediatrician to ensure that the cheese you’re considering is safe for your child’s consumption.
Creating a cheese-tasting experience
Now, let’s make this cheese exploration an exciting sensory experience for your kids. Set the stage by arranging a colourful and enticing cheese platter that showcases a variety of shapes, sizes and colours.
Pair the cheeses with simple accompaniments like crackers, bread and fresh fruits to enhance the tasting experience. Encourage your kids to use their senses – observe the different textures, inhale the unique aromas, and finally, take that captivating first bite.
Making cheese a part of everyday meals
Incorporating cheese into your child’s daily meals can be easier than you think. Get creative in the kitchen and whip up dishes that revolve around cheese.
Think about classic Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, comforting cheesy pasta or scrumptious cheese quesadillas. Or for something a bit more balanced, a fresh green salad with capsicum and Feta.
But it’s not just about taste; presentation matters too. Transform ordinary meals into captivating culinary creations, making cheese the star attraction that entices their curiosity.
Learning through cheese
Expand the educational aspect of this cheese journey. While your kids savour different flavours, take the opportunity to teach them about the fascinating process of cheesemaking – from milking cows to curdling milk.
Discover the origins of each cheese and the cultural significance it holds in various regions around the world. This journey isn’t just about food; it’s about geography, history, and the intricate stories behind each cheese.
Overcoming picky eating habits
Dealing with picky eating habits? Texture and taste aversions are common among kids.
The key is persistence. Keep offering different types of cheese in various forms. Don’t be discouraged if they don’t take to a particular cheese immediately – sometimes it takes multiple tries for a new flavour or texture to be accepted.
Engagement is vital. Involve your kids in the preparation process. When they participate in making meals, they develop a sense of ownership and curiosity that can gradually open them up to new flavours.
Safety and allergies
While you’re on this cheese adventure, don’t forget about safety. Always check the ingredient labels for potential allergens. Cross-contamination can be a concern, especially if your child has allergies. Ensuring their health and well-being should always be a top priority.
If you have any concerns about introducing new foods due to allergies, it’s wise to consult a paediatrician. They can offer guidance and ensure a safe exploration of different cheese varieties.
You can read more about milk protein intolerance and milk protein allergy in our dedicated post here.
Instilling lifelong healthy eating habits
The goal here isn’t just to get your kids to eat different cheeses. It’s about fostering a lifelong habit of adventurous eating.
By starting early with cheese exploration, you’re encouraging them to be open to trying new flavours throughout their lives. And it doesn’t stop at cheese; this willingness to embrace diverse foods can extend to vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious options.
Positive associations matter. By creating enjoyable and memorable experiences centred around food, you’re shaping their perceptions and attitudes toward eating in a way that can benefit them well into adulthood.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this cheesy journey, remember that introducing kids to a variety of cheese types is more than just a culinary experiment. It’s an exciting exploration of flavours, cultures and learning experiences.
From the first tentative nibble to the enthusiastic “more please”, each cheese offers a step toward a world of diverse tastes waiting to be savoured.
So, gather your cheese platter, your young food enthusiasts, and embark on a journey that will not only tantalize their taste buds but also expand their horizons in delightful ways.
Additional resources and recipes
If you’re eager to delve deeper into the world of cheese, here are some resources to aid your cheese exploration:
NHS: Foods to avoid giving babies and young children
The Cheese Scientist: The categorisation of cheese types using the French system
The Cheese Scientist: Iconic cheese dishes from around the world
With these resources, you can dive further into the intricacies of cheese, experiment with more recipes, and maybe even discover a new family hobby. Get ready to infuse your meals with the magic of cheese and watch your kids grow into enthusiastic food explorers!
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!