Monterey Jack Cheese

Due to its moderate levels of sodium, it’s best to wait until at least 9 months to introduce Monterey Jack 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, soft goat cheese, labneh, mascarpone cheese, fresh mozzarella cheese, low-sodium paneer, ricotta cheese, quark, and swiss cheese.

Monterey Jack is a mild cheese made of cow’s milk that originated in North America in the 19th century. How it came to be is a bitter tale: at the time, the cheese was originally known as queso del país (farmer’s cheese) by Spanish monks and colonizers in the area now called California. A Scottish immigrant named David Jacks purchased a wide swath of forests, hills, and plains (some say through devious means) in the region that would become Monterey County. After driving out the local farmers and vintners and taking control of their operations, he proceeded to market queso del país as Jack’s cheese. Monterey Jack cheese is still made with cow’s milk from California, although it is one of the top cheeses produced in the state known as America’s dairyland: Wisconsin.

★ Tip: Treat other “Jack” cheeses like Monterey Jack when cooking. Monterey Jack is often blended with other cheeses, leading to hybrid products including Colby Jack (Colby and Monterey Jack), Cheddar Jack (cheddar and Monterey Jack), and Pepper Jack (Monterey Jack with sweet and hot peppers added).

Yes, if pasteurized and in moderation. Monterey Jack cheese contains lots of healthy fats that support cell integrity and essential amino acids that our bodies need to build new proteins. It’s 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, Monterey Jack cheese can contain sodium levels higher than what is healthy for babies. When possible, focus on low-sodium cheeses and serve cheeses like Monterey Jack in moderation.

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

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. Monterey Jack 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.

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. Symptoms generally improve with elimination of milk from the baby’s diet. 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: Monterey Jack 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 Monterey Jack. 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 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

Monterey Jack is a popular American cheese used in myriad dishes that bridge the diverse cultures that make up the United States: cheeseburgers, cornbread, grits, hot dish, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, quesadillas, spoon bread, and the list goes on. Part of its appeal is that it melts beautifully. Try incorporating shredded Monterey Jack 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.