Recently updated on March 26th, 2024 at 08:19 pm
Are you expecting a baby and wanting to know if it’s safe for you to eat Dairylea? Pregnancy can bring about many changes in your diet, so it’s important to ensure everything is safe for the health of you and your unborn child. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to clarify any confusion surrounding certain types of cheese.
In this blog post, we will investigate whether consuming Dairylea while pregnant is something that should be avoided or not. We’ll break down the ingredients present in Dairylea, as well as look at what advice leading organisations have released regarding the product.
By the end of this article, expectant mums everywhere should walk away with a clearer understanding of what their dietary restrictions may be!
About Dairylea
Dairylea is a brand of dairy products that can be found in supermarkets across the UK. The company was founded in 1950, and since then, it has become a household name for many British families. There is a range of products available such as cheese slices, triangles and spreadable cheese that can be enjoyed on toast or crackers. Dairylea can also be added to dishes for an extra cheesy kick!
The ingredients in Dairylea products
Here are some of the most popular Dairylea products and their ingredients:
| PRODUCT | INGREDIENTS |
| Dairylea Cheese Triangles | Skimmed Milk (Water, Skimmed Milk Powder), Cheese, Milk Fat, Whey Powder (from Milk), Inulin, Milk Protein, Skimmed Milk Powder, Emulsifying Salts (Triphosphate, Polyphosphates), Calcium Phosphate, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid) |
| Dairylea Cheese Slices | Skimmed Milk (Water, Skimmed Milk Powder), Cheese, Skimmed Milk Powder, Milk Protein, Milk Fat, Inulin, Modified Starch, Emulsifying Salts (Sodium Phosphates, Triphosphates, Polyphosphates, Sodium Citrates), Whey Powder (from Milk), Calcium Phosphates, Acidity Regulator (Lactic Acid), Salt |
| Dairlea Cheese Spread | Skimmed Milk (Water, Skimmed Milk Powder), Cheese, Inulin, Milk Fat, Whey Powder (from Milk), Skimmed Milk Powder, Emulsifying Salts (Triphosphate, Polyphosphates), Milk Protein, Calcium Phosphate, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid) |
| Dairylea Dunkers | Dairylea Cheese Dip: Skimmed Milk (Water, Skimmed Milk Powder), Cheese, Concentrated Whey (from Milk), Inulin, Milk Protein, Milk Fat, Emulsifying Salt (Polyphosphates), Modified Starch, Calcium Phosphate, Acidity Regulator (Lactic Acid), Corn and Potato Snack: Corn Flour, Potato Granules, Palm Oil, Flavourings, Sugar, Salt, Onion Powder, Emulsifier (Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids), Yeast Extract, Garlic Powder, Parsley, Acid (Citric Acid), Rosemary, Horseradish |
| Dairylea Lunchables Ham & Cheese | Cheese Food: Cheese (75 %), Skimmed Milk (Water, Skimmed Milk Powder), Emulsifying Salts (Sodium Citrates, Potassium Citrates), Milk Protein, Butter, Skimmed Milk Powder, Whey Powder (from Milk), Vitamin D, Preservative (Sorbic Acid), Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Anti-Caking Agent (Sunflower Lecithin), Wheat Crackers: Wheat Flour (71 %), Palm Oil, Wheat Bran, Sugar, Butter, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Raising Agents (Ammonium Carbonates, Sodium Carbonates), Whey Powder (from Milk), Wheat Germ, Salt, Flavourings (contains Milk), Flour Treatment Agent (Sodium Metabisulphite), Cooked Formed Ham: Pork (85 %), Starch, Acidity Regulators (Potassium Lactate, Sodium Acetate), Salt, Flavour Enhancer (Potassium Chloride), Antioxidant (Sodium Ascorbate), Preservative (Sodium Nitrite) |
The ingredients in Dairylea cheese products vary from product to product, depending on which type you buy. Most of the ingredients are dairy-based, with some preservatives and flavourings added.
According to the Dairylea website, their whole range is pasteurised which is good news for expectant mums. This can help to reduce any risks of food-borne illness or bacteria.
What does the NHS say about eating Dairylea during pregnancy?
The NHS states that eating pasteurised soft cheeses (such as Dairylea) can be a safe option during pregnancy. But it is still important to check labels carefully and make sure that any cheese products you eat are labelled as “pasteurized”, meaning they have been processed in a way that kills the bacteria. You also need to check that the product is within its use-by date.
The NHS also recommends that pregnant women should eat at least 2 portions of dairy-based foods each day, so Dairylea can be a great way to get your daily calcium intake.
Can you eat Dairylea cheese triangles when pregnant?
Yes, you can eat Dairylea cheese triangles when pregnant as this product is made with pasteurised cheese and doesn’t contain any potentially harmful ingredients for the baby. However, it is important to check the label and make sure that it is within its use-by date before eating.
Can you eat Dairylea Dunkers when pregnant?
Dairylea Dunkers are a snack combination of cheese dip and crunchy breadsticks or corn and potato snacks. The cheese dip is made using pasteurised skimmed milk, cheese, concentrated whey, emulsifying salts and other ingredients. The breadsticks or corn and potato snacks can contain wheat flour, corn flour, potato granules, palm oil, sugar, flavourings and other ingredients.
As the cheese dip is pasteurised and doesn’t contain any potentially harmful ingredients, it can be safe to eat Dairylea Dunkers while pregnant. However, it is always best to check the label and make sure that it is within its use-by date before eating.
You also need to keep in mind that this is not the healthiest snack option as it’s highly processed and contains added sugar so it should be eaten in moderation. A better snack for pregnant women would be a wholegrain toast with spreadable cheese (Dairylea spread is fine) if you really fancy some cheese.
Can you eat Dairylea Lunchables when pregnant?
Another Dairlylea product that raises questions for pregnant women is Dairylea Lunchables. This product can contain ham, cheese slices, chicken, baked pizza base, flavourings, sugar, additives, and other ingredients. This is not a very healthy snack for pregnant women as it can contain high amounts of salt and sugar.
Although the cheese slices are made with pasteurised cheese, Lunchables can contain some potentially harmful ingredients such as the preservative Sodium Metabisulphite. This additive can trigger complications in asthmatic pregnant women due to their increased sensitivity so if you have asthma it is best to avoid this product.
Another worrying ingredient that can be found in Dairylea Lunchables is the preservative Sodium Nitrite. Although the amount of nitrities found in today’s food is considered safe for pregnant women, a diet high in nitrites can be linked to an increased risk of birth defects. Therefore, it is best to avoid this product while pregnant and opt for a healthier snack such as fresh fruit or wholegrain toast with spreadable cheese.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, can you eat Dairylea when pregnant? Yes, as long as the product is labelled “pasteurised” and within its use-by date, you can eat Dairylea cheese triangles, cheese slices, Dunkers and spread while pregnant. However, it is best to avoid Dairylea Lunchables due to its high sugar content, additives and preservatives. As for other products, always check the label carefully and consult with a doctor or healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
