Burrata

Pasteurized burrata cheese may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. There is no age at which it is considered completely safe to offer raw/unpasteurized burrata cheese to babies and children.

Raw milk cheeses, like unpasteurized burrata, carry the risk of several infections, some of which can be serious and even fatal. There is no age at which it is considered completely safe to offer raw/unpasteurized cheeses to babies and children.

Burrata is a cow’s milk cheese with origins in southern Italy. To make burrata, fresh mozzarella is stretched around a buttery mixture of cream and stracciatella (fresh mozzarella curds) to form a ball, which is then stored in water or whey. These balls come in various sizes, and they are typically served at room temperature, so that the gooey interior flows from the ball once the shell of fresh mozzarella is pulled open. Burrata’s mild, buttery flavor works well as a spread for bread and toast, a topping on pasta or pizza, or a creamy counterpart to vegetables like broccoli, fava beans, tomatoes, or zucchini.

Yes, as long as it is pasteurized. Fresh burrata is rich in fat and protein to provide plenty of energy and to fuel baby’s rapid development. It’s also high in calcium to support healthy bones and vitamin B12 for nerve and cell development. Burrata also contains some vitamin A for brain, eye, immune, and skin health, as well as zinc for a healthy sense of taste and smell. When shopping for burrata for babies, look for fresh, pasteurized burrata preserved in water or whey.  

Yes. Cheese is a common choking hazard for babies and children, and cubes and melted globs of cheese pose a higher risk. To reduce the risk, thinly slice fresh burrata into long strips. Do not serve cubes or small balls of fresh burrata or globs of melted burrata, as these shapes pose a higher risk of choking. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

Yes. Burrata is commonly made from cow’s milk, and cow’s milk is a common food allergen in young children, accounting for about one-fifth of all childhood food allergies in the United States. Keep in mind that some burrata may be made from water buffalo milk, and dairy products from other ruminants such as sheep, goat, and buffalo may provoke similar allergic reactions to cow’s milk dairy products. That said, there’s good news: milk allergy often disappears with time. Research shows that the majority of children with cow's milk allergy will outgrow it by age 6 and many babies with milder symptoms of milk protein allergy (which can show up as painless blood in stool) are able to successfully reintroduce cow's milk as early as their first birthday, with the guidance of their doctors.

Milk is a known trigger of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, also known as FPIES. FPIES is a delayed allergy to food protein which causes the sudden onset of repetitive vomiting and diarrhea to begin a few hours after ingestion. Left untreated, the reaction can result in significant dehydration. Thankfully, like other forms of milk allergy, FPIES which presents early in life is generally outgrown by the time the child has reached 3 to 5 years of age. While the exact rates of FPIES are unknown, it is believed to be an uncommon condition (although better recognition of the disease has led to increased reporting in recent years).

Although it is not an allergy, lactose intolerance can result in gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea, after ingestion of dairy items containing lactose. For those with older children who are lactose intolerant (keep in mind this is uncommon for infants and toddlers), burrata cheese can contain lactose and may not be tolerated by those with lactose intolerance, depending on the amount and type consumed. The symptoms of digestive upset in individuals with lactose intolerance can often be mistaken for an allergic reaction. Note that if a child is lactose-intolerant, it’s important to find calcium-rich foods to consume regularly to ensure a balanced diet and support bone health. Search for naturally low-lactose cheeses and dairy products labeled “lactose-free.”

If you suspect baby may be allergic to milk, consult an allergist before introducing dairy products like burrata. Based on baby’s risk factors and history, your allergist may recommend allergy testing, or may instead advise dairy introduction under medical supervision in the office. If the risk is low, you may be advised to go ahead and introduce cheese in the home setting. As with all common allergens, start by serving a small quantity for the first few servings, and if there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

No. In general, burrata cheese is relatively high in fat and lacking in fiber, qualities that slow the processes of digestion and pooping. Excessive consumption of cheese and milk can be a contributing factor in constipation. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, learn more about when to worry about baby’s poop and, as always, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.