When can babies eat Ricotta Cheese?
From 6 months
Start with: Soft, creamy, and slightly grainy.
Ricotta is a soft, creamy Italian cheese made from whey. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein and calcium with a naturally low sodium content, making it one of the best cheeses for infants. Its soft, spreadable consistency is perfect for early self-feeding and for adding creaminess to vegetable purees or pasta dishes.
How to serve Ricotta Cheese, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Soft, creamy, and slightly grainy.
Serve as a creamy addition to purees. Stir a tablespoon of whole milk ricotta into spinach, carrot, or squash puree to add healthy fats and protein. You can also offer a small dollop on a pre-loaded spoon. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor is very well-accepted by beginners.
- 9mo
From 9 months: Spreadable and soft.
Spread ricotta onto thin strips of toasted bread or use it as a 'glue' to help small pieces of soft-cooked vegetables stick to pasta. You can also mix it with mashed fruit like raspberries or bananas for a nutrient-dense snack. It is excellent for babies practicing the pincer grasp with small 'blobs' of cheese.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Soft, creamy chunks.
Toddlers can enjoy ricotta as a base for healthy 'pancakes' (mixed with egg and flour) or in stuffed pasta like ravioli. It remains a superior healthy alternative to cream cheese because it is higher in protein and lower in salt. Try adding chopped herbs like parsley or basil for more flavor.
Choking risk & safe preparation
Low choking risk
Ricotta is one of the safest cheeses regarding choking due to its soft, moist texture. However, ensure it is not served in massive spoonfuls that could be difficult for a baby to clear from their palate. Always supervise while eating.
Allergen information
This is one of the common childhood allergens. Introduce it on its own and watch for a reaction before mixing it with new foods.
Contains or relates to these allergens:
- Milk
Nutrition & benefits
Contains significantly less sodium (only 80mg) than most other cheeses, which is vital for protecting infant kidneys. It is high in whey protein, which is more easily digested by babies than the casein protein dominant in hard cheeses like Cheddar.
- Bone Health
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 150kcal
- Protein
- 7.5g
- Fat
- 10.2g
- Fiber
- 0g
- Iron
- 0.1mg
- Vitamin C
- 0mg
See all nutrients (25)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 150 kcal
- Protein
- 7.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 7.3 g
- Fat
- 10.2 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 0.1 mg
- Calcium
- 206 mg
- Zinc
- 0.5 mg
- Sodium
- 110 mg
- Potassium
- 219 mg
- Magnesium
- 20 mg
- Phosphorus
- 154 mg
- Selenium
- 5.9 mcg
- Copper
- < 0.1 mg
- Manganese
- < 0.1 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 120 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 0 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0.2 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0.8 mcg
- Vitamin E
- 0.1 mg
- Vitamin K
- 1.1 mcg
- Folate
- 4 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- < 0.1 mg
- Choline
- 17.5 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 0 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Recipes with Ricotta Cheese
Creamy Polenta with Tomato & Ricotta
Soft, creamy polenta served warm with a simple fresh tomato sauce and dollops of ricotta. A scoopable meal that introduces corn-based grains as an alternative to rice and oats. Naturally gluten-free.
Creamy Pasta with Ricotta & Peas
A soft and comforting meal rich in calcium and protein. Using small pasta shapes coated in creamy ricotta and smashed peas, this dish is perfect for babies practicing self-feeding and chewing.
Creamy Ricotta Pancakes with Honey
Light, fluffy, and protein-packed pancakes. The ricotta makes them incredibly soft, while a small drizzle of honey adds a touch of natural sweetness. A perfect celebratory breakfast for toddlers over one year old.
Ricotta & Raspberry Toast Fingers
Soft toast fingers spread with creamy ricotta and topped with lightly smashed raspberries. Ricotta provides protein and calcium in a smooth, spreadable form, while raspberries add natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamin C. A different twist on toast for babies who love holding finger-shaped foods.
Frequently asked
Is ricotta better than cottage cheese?
Yes, for babies, ricotta is usually better. Standard cottage cheese can be very high in sodium (salt), whereas ricotta is naturally low-salt. Ricotta also has a smoother, more uniform texture that is easier for beginners to manage.
Can I use ricotta made from skim milk?
No. Babies need the fats found in whole milk dairy for brain development and energy. Always look for 'Whole Milk Ricotta' or 'Full Fat' on the label.
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