Cotija Cheese

Yes. Cheese is a common choking hazard for babies and children. To minimize the risk, grate or slice cotija very thinly and avoid serving in cubes or large crumbles. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

Yes. Cotija cheese is 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. 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. Note: Aged cheeses generally contain histamines, which may cause rashes in children who are sensitive to them.

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 3-5 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), some good news: compared with milk and certain other dairy products, many cheeses may be better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance, particularly aged cheeses, which have lower lactose content. Note that if your 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 cheese. 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 dairy in the home setting. As with all common allergens, start by serving a small quantity on its own for the first few servings, and if there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

No. Cotija tends to be exceedingly high in sodium, which is not healthy when consumed in excess. Cotija can also be made with unpasteurized (raw) milk, which carries a higher risk of foodborne illness, though unpasteurized cheeses aged for 60 days or longer – like most cotija – pose a lower risk. Read our cheese page for more information on unpasteurized cheeses.

Nutritionally, cotija cheese contains protein to create new cells and plenty of healthy saturated fats to support cell structure (although some cotija is made with part-skim milk, which reduces these fats). Cotija also offers calcium, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. Together, these nutrients support healthy bones, nervous system, immune system, and senses.

★Tip: When shopping for cotija, pay attention to the type. Cotija made in the tajo style tends to be lower in sodium, while cotija de montaña is a hard, grating cheese that is quite high in sodium.

Probably not. Aged cheeses like aged cotija are fermented and naturally contain certain beneficial bacteria, which may have a positive influence on the microbiome, but more research is needed. Note that pooping patterns can vary significantly from child to child. Be sure to talk to your pediatric healthcare provider if you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function.

Cotija cheese, also called queso cotija, originated in the Jalmich mountains of central Mexico, in the states of Jalisco and Michoacán and is one of the country’s few cheeses given legal protection by means of a collective trademark granted by the Mexican government. That said, there are many other cheeses marketed as cotija, both in Mexico and beyond, that use pasteurized milk and slightly different methods. Cotija’s texture depends on the type: softer, younger varieties have a texture similar to feta, while other forms of cotija are aged and typically grated, like aged asiago or parmesan.