About Emmentaler Cheese
Emmentaler cheese is a firm Swiss-style cheese made from cow's milk. It has a mild, nutty flavor and can be a tasty way to add variety to a baby's meals. Because it is dense and can break into slippery pieces, it needs to be served in safe shapes and offered with close supervision. Emmentaler is rich in calcium and protein, two nutrients that support growing bones, teeth, and muscles. It also provides vitamin A and vitamin B12. Like many cheeses, it is low in iron and can be high in sodium and saturated fat, so it works best as part of a balanced meal rather than the main food on the plate. Milk is a common allergen, so introduce Emmentaler carefully, especially if your child has a known cow's milk allergy or a strong family history of food allergy. Choose pasteurized cheese for babies and toddlers. Some children may also find cheese constipating if they eat large amounts. Most babies can have pasteurized Emmentaler from 6 months old in very thin slices, finely grated shreds, or melted into other foods. As chewing skills improve, you can progress to small pieces. Avoid large chunks and cubes for younger eaters, since the firm, rubbery texture can increase choking risk.
How to serve by age
Offer pasteurized Emmentaler in paper-thin slices, very fine shreds, or melted into vegetables, eggs, or toast fingers. Avoid thick pieces that can break off into a rubbery mouthful.
Once your baby is developing a pincer grasp, offer finely grated Emmentaler or very small thin pieces. Continue to avoid cubes, which can be a choking hazard.
Serve thin strips, grated cheese, or melted Emmentaler on toast, vegetables, or omelet. Keep portions modest because cheese can be high in sodium.
Toddlers with strong chewing skills may manage small bite-sized pieces, but thin slices are still safer than cubes. Supervise closely and encourage small bites.
Pairs well with
Safety & allergens
Emmentaler is firm, dense, and can form slippery mouthfuls. For younger babies, offer very thin slices, finely grated cheese, or melt it into warm foods. Avoid cubes and thick chunks until chewing skills are well developed, and always supervise closely.
What to watch for
Safety checklist
Storage & shelf life
Store Emmentaler in the refrigerator, well wrapped or in an airtight container, and use within 3-5 days after opening or cutting.
Freezing is not ideal because the texture can become crumbly after thawing, but it can be frozen tightly wrapped for up to 2 months for cooking use.
Nutrition
- Rich in calcium for bones and teeth
- Provides protein for growth
- Contains vitamin B12 for nerve and brain function
- Offers vitamin A for vision and immune health
- High in sodium
- Low in iron
- Contains saturated fat
- Not a source of fiber
Key nutrients
Nutrition facts
| Calories | 295kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7.1g |
| Carbs | 3.5g |
| Fat | 28.6g |
| Sugar | 3.5g |
| Iron | 1.1mg |
| Calcium | 71.0mg |
| Potassium | 112mg |
| Vitamin A | 302.0µg |
| Folate | 12µg |
| Zinc | 0.51mg |
per 100 g
In season
Common questions
When can babies eat Emmentaler Cheese?
Is Emmentaler Cheese a choking hazard?
Is Emmentaler Cheese a common allergen?
More first foods
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