Due to its moderate levels of sodium, it’s best to wait until at least 9 months to introduce colby cheese and even then, to serve in moderation. The best cheeses for babies younger than 12 months old are those that are naturally low in sodium, including emmentaler, fresh goat cheese, labneh, mascarpone cheese, fresh mozzarella cheese, low-sodium paneer, fresh ricotta cheese, quark, and swiss cheese.

Mild and sweet with a buttery flavor and striking orange color, colby cheese gets its name from the town in Wisconsin where it was first made. Joseph Steinwand, a teenager in the 1880s, experimented in his father’s cheese factory, ultimately creating a cheese similar in some ways to cheddar, but mellower in flavor and softer and springier in texture. That mild sweetness is achieved by washing the curds with fresh, cold water before draining and pressing, often into a cylindrical form called a longhorn. And why is colby cheese often a striking shade of orange? It’s dyed with annatto, a natural pigment extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree and regularly added to foods.

Yes, if pasteurized and in moderation. Colby cheese contains lots of healthy fats that support cell integrity and essential amino acids that our bodies need to build new proteins. It’s also a great source of calcium to build strong bones and a good source of vitamin B12 for nerve and cell development and zinc for growth and immune function. It also has a dash of vitamin A for brain, eye, immune and skin health. That said, like many cheeses, colby cheese often has sodium levels higher than what is healthy for babies.  When possible, focus on low-sodium cheeses and serve cheeses like colby in moderation.

When shopping for cheese for babies, look for the following:

For more information on how much cheese babies can eat and other frequently asked questions, see our cheese page.

When a child has demonstrated the consistent ability to bite and tear with their teeth and then engage in chewing (no swallowing bites whole), they are likely safe to eat colby cheese sticks that have been cut in half lengthwise, while seated with supervision. For many toddlers, this happens after the first birthday, but every child is different. Colby cheese sticks and other squared-off cheese sticks, when cut in half lengthwise, are a manageable shape for many children by around 18 months of age. That said, any type of cheese stick is still considered a higher choking risk. Never let a toddler eat cheese sticks while walking around, as this heightens the risk of choking.

Yes. Cheese is a common choking hazard for babies and children.  To reduce the risk, slice thinly and avoid serving cheese in cubes. 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. Colby cheese is commonly made from cow’s milk, which is a common food allergen in young children, accounting for about one-fifth of all childhood food allergies in the United States.  If baby is allergic to dairy, know that it is an allergy that often disappears with time. Research shows that most 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. 

Colby cheese commonly contains annatto, a seed also known as achiote, that is used to add flavor and bright orange color to foods. While annatto is not a common allergen, reports of allergic reactions have been documented and have been reported to be severe.   

Milk and other dairy products are a common cause 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 of the food trigger. Left untreated, the reaction can result in significant dehydration. Thankfully, like other forms of milk allergy, FPIES that presents early in life is generally outgrown by the time the child has reached 3-5 years of age. 

For those with older children who are lactose intolerant (keep in mind this is uncommon for infants), good news: colby cheese may be better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance as it has lower lactose content than milk and some other dairy products.  When 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, such as naturally low-lactose cheeses and dairy products labeled “lactose-free.”

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

Recommended Guide: Introducing Allergens

Colby is a popular American cheese used in countless comfort foods and traditional dishes. It’s an ideal cheese for melting in grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, or on nachos, but its mellow taste also makes it a great snacking cheese to serve on its own. Try incorporating shredded colby cheese into baked scrambled egg cups, quesadillas, or sprinkled on top of bean and meat chilis. Or keep it simple and serve a ruler-thin slice or two alongside sweet, tart fruits like apples and pears, which complement the creamy mild taste of the cheese.