If you have a young child who might enjoy these tasty cheese snacks, you may be wondering can babies have Dairylea triangles.
Let’s face it; they’re quite bland in flavor and very soft, so they would seem ideal for a baby.
Are there actually any harmful ingredients in Dairylea triangles?
Do the triangles contain any real cheese?
At what age can babies start to eat Dairylea triangles?
How can you feed your baby Dairylea triangles?
Let’s check out the facts about our favorite triangle-shaped cheese!
Babies can eat Dairylea triangles when aged six to eight months. However, as it is processed cheese, it does contain a high salt content and should be fed in moderation. A small piece of Dairylea can be added to mashed potato to introduce the new flavor to the child. The triangles do contain genuine cheese and hence are made with skimmed milk and milk fat. So, Dairylea may not be suitable for babies with lactose intolerance. Dairylea triangles are a good source of calcium, which is necessary for a baby’s growth. They have relatively few calories, approximately 33 per triangle.
Can Babies Eat Dairylea Triangles?
Would you like to share your tasty cheese snack with your baby but are not sure it’s safe?
Let’s look at some facts.
In general, babies can eat Dairylea Triangles or other brands of processed cheese, such as Laughing Cow.
Typically, around the ages of six to eight months, when weaning has started.
The texture of the triangles is very soft and squishy and easy for a baby to hold.
You may wish to introduce the flavor gradually, such as by adding the cheese to a portion of mashed potato.
You could also spread a thin layer of Dairylea on a small piece of toast.
Dairylea can actually be seen as being good for a young baby, as it has a lot of calcium and relatively few calories.
A baby aged six months to one year requires approximately 260 grams of calcium per day, and one Dairylea triangle contains around 140 grams.
The triangles also contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, so in that respect, you are not introducing anything harmful to your baby.
Dairylea triangles are also suitable for a vegetarian lifestyle.
Why Should Babies Not Have Dairylea Triangles?
There are a couple of downsides to Dairylea triangles and reasons why you shouldn’t feed them to your baby.
First of all, they do contain salt, approximately 0.2 grams per triangle.
This amount of salt has been reduced over the years since Dairylea triangles were invented in the 1950s.
But it is still relatively high for a young baby.
If you have ever wondered what Dairylea triangles were actually made of, you may be surprised to learn that they contain real cheese.
Of course, this means they are a dairy product made from skimmed milk, milk fat, and milk protein.
If your baby is showing any signs of lactose intolerance, then Dairylea triangles may have an adverse effect on them.
Cheese for Babies
Final Thoughts
Babies can eat Dairylea triangles from the age of six months onwards.
The cheese should be introduced gradually by mixing it into mashed potatoes or spreading it on toast.
Dairylea triangles are a good source of calcium.
However, they do have a relatively high salt content.
Also, be aware that Dairylea triangles are made from real cheese and may not be suitable for a baby with lactose intolerance.
Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your baby’s diet.
If you are interested in more facts about triangle snacks, have a read of my article about whether Laughing Cow cheese can melt.