Can You Eat Provolone When Pregnant [Explained]

When pregnant, it is crucial to ensure that you eat a healthy and balanced diet. One of the specific foods that can be included in a pregnancy diet is provolone cheese. This semi-hard cheese offers a mild yet savory taste, perfect for snacking or adding delicious flavor to any meal. Some think it is safe while pregnant, while others are more cautious and recommend that pregnant women avoid it. What’s the truth? Can you eat provolone when pregnant?

Can you eat provolone when pregnant?

Yes. Provolone cheese is considered safe during pregnancy as long as it is made of fresh and pasteurized cheese. But it would be best if you always ate it in moderation.

Provolone contains plenty of healthy nutrients that are important for pregnant women, such as protein, calcium, and other minerals. Eating it in moderation can help provide essential nutrients for a growing baby. However, overeating provolone may increase your risk of consuming too much-saturated fat and sodium.

Are all provolone cheese pasteurized?

No, not all provolone cheese is pasteurized. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all cheeses made in the United States must be made with pasteurized milk, but some imported brands may not be. Always check the label to make sure that it has been made with pasteurized milk before eating it while pregnant.

Below are some provolone cheeses to consider:

Subway provolone cheese – Subway provolone cheese is made with pasteurized milk and is considered safe during pregnancy.

However, it is essential to remember that too much consumption of this type of cheese may put you at risk of consuming too much sodium, which can increase your blood pressure and harm you and your baby. If you choose to eat Subway provolone cheese while pregnant, make sure it is part of a balanced diet.

Jersey Mike’s provolone – Jersey Mike’s provolone cheese is made from pasteurized milk and can be safely enjoyed by pregnant women. It is important to remember that this cheese should be enjoyed in moderation, as it contains a high amount of sodium.

Sargento provolone – Sargento’s Provolone cheese, crafted with pasteurized milk, provides a safe alternative for expecting mothers. Sargento’s cheese is generally lower in sodium than some other provolone cheeses, so it can be a healthier option for pregnant women who want to enjoy the taste of provolone without increasing their risk of consuming too much salt.

Some provolone cheese brands to avoid:
Kraft Provolone
Galbani Provolone
Boar’s Head Provolone
BelGioioso Provolone

These brands of provolone cheese do not use pasteurized milk and, as a result, are not safe to eat while pregnant. They may contain harmful bacteria that could be detrimental to your health, as well as the health of your baby. It is best to avoid them altogether.

Conclusion

In conclusion, provolone cheese is generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy. Nonetheless, consulting a medical professional is essential before introducing any new food into your diet while pregnant. Additionally, make sure that the cheese you purchase has been pasteurized. Check the labels of any other products you buy for ingredients that may not be recommended for pregnant women.

Sources:
https://www.castellocheese.com/en/cheese-types/semi-hard-cheese/provolone/#:~:text=Like%20most%20Italian%20cheeses%2C%20Provolone,to%20always%20check%20the%20label.
https://www.darkcheese.com/provolone-pregnant-pasteurized/