In this article we answer the questions: can you eat Jarlsberg cheese when pregnant, what is Jarlsberg cheese, what type of cheese is Jarlsberg, what cheese to avoid, which ones are safe when pregnant, and how to safely add it to my diet.
Can you eat Jarlsberg cheese when pregnant?
Yes, Jarlsberg cheese is safe to eat when pregnant. The risk of food poisoning is very low according to the NHS.
Hard cheese and semi-hard cheese have very low water content which makes it harder for bacteria to grow.
What is Jarlsberg cheese?
It is a mild cheese with a smooth, rubbery texture and buttery, nutty flavor. It is considered a semi-firm cheese that is made with cow’s milk. It is from Norway and was created by Anders Larsen Bakke. It can be compared to Swiss Emmentaler cheese and dutch gouda.
It is an all-purpose cheese perfect for cooking as well as for snacks or cheese boards. Because it melts very well it can be used for sandwiches, fondues, and hot dishes.
It is responsible for 80% of Norway’s cheese exports. If you can’t find any Jarlsberg cheese you can choose
- Mild Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Mozzarella
- Young Gruyere
- Emmentaler
You can find it as wheels, slices, wedges, minis, and random weight pieces.
What type of cheese is Jarlsberg?
It is considered semi-hard cheese. According to the NHS, semi-hard cheese made with pasteurized or unpasteurized milk is safe to eat when pregnant.
What cheese should you avoid when pregnant?
You should not eat any soft cheese, mold-ripened or blue-veined. They are strictly out of limits when pregnant.
- Brie
- Camembert
- Goat cheese with the rind
- Chevre
- Danish Blue
- Gorgonzola
- Roquefort
- Queso Blanco or queso fresco
What cheese can you eat when pregnant?
According to the NHS, you can eat all hard cheese made with pasteurized or unpasteurized milk because they have low water content which makes it harder for bacteria to grow.
- Cheddar
- Gouda
- Gruyere
- Parmesan
- Provolone
- Havarti
- Manchego
- Edam
- Emmental
- Halloumi
The NHS also recommends that soft cheese as long as it is made from pasteurized milk is safe to eat when pregnant.
- Cottage cheese
- Cream cheese
- Goat cheese
- Ricotta
- Mozzarella
- Feta
- Prepared cheese spreads
What is the risk of eating unpasteurized cheese?
The risk of food poisoning with unpasteurized Jarlsberg cheese is not that usual but you still need to be careful.
Pregnant women are too susceptible to this type of food poisoning. They are 20 times more susceptible to having worse side effects. The FDA says that soft cheese, unpasteurized, is 50 to 160 times more prone to be contaminated with bacteria, especially Listeria monocytogenes.
The main side effects you can experience with a foodborne illness:
- Blood or brain infections
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Miscarriage
- Preterm labor
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Fever
How to store Jarlsberg to last longer?
You can store it in the original package in the refrigerator.
- If unopened, it lasts up to 3 weeks or checks the best by date
- After opening, store it in a plastic bag or plastic wrap. It can last up to 10 days.
- It can be frozen for up to 6 months in the original packaging or in a plastic wrap perfectly sealed. Before using, defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
Is Jarlsberg cheese healthy?
Like other cheeses, it has a high content of fat and protein. It can be an excellent source of calcium and vitamin A. Just eat it in moderation so your calories don’t add up.
| 28 grams | |
| Calories | 111 calories |
| Total Fat | 8.8 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 grams |
| Trans Fat | 0.3 grams |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 grams |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2.3 grams |
| Cholesterol | 26 mg |
| Sodium | 53 mg |
| Potassium | 20 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0.4 grams |
| Protein | 7.7 grams |
| Vitamin A | 5.9% |
| Calcium | 19% |
How can I add Jarlsberg cheese to my diet?
Jarlsberg cheese can be sliced and served on hot or cold sandwiches. You can add it to your favorite cheese board or snack plate.
It is the perfect cheese to melt so you can add it to frittatas, omelets, gratins, or any dish you want to enhance the flavor with some cheese. It can also be used in soups, sauces, or fondue.
- Jarlsberg Cheese Fondue
Other FAQs about Cheese that you may be interested in.
Why does cheese say eat within 3 days?
What happens if you eat expired cheese?
Does string cheese need to be refrigerated?
Conclusion
This article answered can you eat Jarlsberg cheese when pregnant, what is Jarlsberg cheese, what type of cheese is Jarlsberg, what cheese to avoid, and which ones are safe when pregnant, and how to safely add it to my diet.
Citation
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/cheese-pregnancy
