Last Updated on September 24, 2022
Jarlsberg cheese is a type of Swiss cheese known for its nutty, mellow flavor and slightly sweet aftertaste. But, is Jarlsberg safe to eat during pregnancy?
Jarlsberg cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy as it is made with pasteurized milk which reduces the risk of Listeria infection. Listeria is a type of harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Let’s take a closer look at the research that identifies Jarlsberg cheese as safe to eat during pregnancy. We will also share tips on enjoying this cheese while pregnant.
Can Pregnant Women Safely Consume Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg cheese originated in Norway but is now widely available in grocery stores across the United States. This cheese is known for its nutty, mellow flavor and slightly sweet aftertaste that many pregnant women may crave during pregnancy.
Jarlsberg cheese is safe for pregnant women to consume as long as the cheese is made from pasteurized milk (source: Jarlsberg website).
Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to kill dangerous bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning, which can be severe (even fatal) for pregnant women and their babies (source: CDC).
To ensure that the Jarlsberg cheese you’re eating is safe, check the food label to make sure it says “Made with Pasteurized Milk.” Jarlsberg cheese is also semi-hard, which means it is aged for at least 60 days. This aging process also helps to kill harmful bacteria (source: American Society of Microbiology).
Jarlsberg cheese is usually served as part of a dish or recipe, such as in a grilled cheese sandwich or quesadilla. It can also be eaten on its own, as a snack. Jarlsberg cheese is a good option if you’re looking for a nutritious snack that is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Cheeses are generally an excellent source of calcium and protein, both of which are important for pregnant women. Calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth for both mom and baby, while protein helps with the growth and development of the unborn baby.
Popular Jarlsberg cheese Brands like Tine and Dairy Gold are generally considered safe for pregnant women.
Is Jarlsberg Usually Pasteurized?
Jarlsberg cheese is almost always made with pasteurized milk. The only exception to this rule is for certain specialty cheeses made in small batches and sold directly to consumers.
These cheeses may not be pasteurized, but they are still safe for pregnant women to eat because they are made with raw milk that has been tested for harmful bacteria. Additionally, as a semi-hard cheese, Jarlsberg’s low water content means that bacteria are less likely to grow.
On the whole, if you want to be super safe, you can eat Jarlsberg if it’s made from pasteurized milk – which almost all of them are, anyway.
Even though Jarlsberg cheese is made from pasteurized milk, you can cook it in dishes such as a grilled cheese sandwich. Heating it will also ensure that any harmful bacteria have been killed.
Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese sandwich? And now that you know that Jarlsberg cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy, you can enjoy this delicious snack without worrying about the risks. Just be sure to check the food label to make sure the cheese is made with pasteurized milk.
For more on cheeses during pregnancy, we have a complete list of types that are safe, and ones that aren’t.
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