Monterey Jack is a popular cheese known for its mild flavour and smooth texture. But if you’re pregnant, you may wonder whether it’s safe to eat. Let’s take a closer look at the safety of Monterey Jack during pregnancy, how it’s made, and the best ways to enjoy it while expecting.
SEE ALSO: Which cheeses are safe to eat during pregnancy? →
Understanding Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese that originated in California. It is made from cow’s milk and is known for its creamy, buttery texture. Because of its mild taste and excellent melting properties, it is widely used in American and Mexican cuisine, often found in dishes like quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches and casseroles.
One of the main factors that determine whether a cheese is safe during pregnancy is whether it is made from pasteurised or unpasteurised milk. Additionally, the ageing process and moisture content play crucial roles in determining the likelihood of bacterial contamination.
Is Monterey Jack cheese pasteurised?
Most commercially available Monterey Jack cheese is made from pasteurised milk. This is important because pasteurisation kills harmful bacteria like Listeria, which can pose serious risks during pregnancy. If you’re buying Monterey Jack from a supermarket or well-known brand, it is likely pasteurised and safe to eat.
However, some artisanal or farm-produced Monterey Jack may be made with raw (unpasteurised) milk. In many countries, cheeses made from raw milk must be aged for at least 60 days before being sold. Since Monterey Jack is usually aged for a short time, raw milk versions could carry a higher risk of Listeria contamination. If you’re unsure, check the label or ask the cheesemaker.
Why is Listeria a concern during pregnancy?
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that is particularly dangerous during pregnancy. Pregnant women are more susceptible to listeriosis due to a weakened immune system, and the infection can lead to severe complications, including miscarriage, premature birth, or stillbirth.
Listeria can grow in refrigerated environments and is commonly associated with unpasteurised dairy products, deli meats, and certain ready-to-eat foods. This is why it’s important for pregnant women to avoid unpasteurised milk and cheeses unless they are thoroughly cooked.
Is Monterey Jack a soft or hard cheese?
Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese. Hard cheeses, like Cheddar and Parmesan, have lower moisture content, making it harder for bacteria to survive. While Monterey Jack is not as hard as these cheeses, it is still considered low-risk, especially when made from pasteurised milk.
What about flavoured varieties like Pepper Jack?
Pepper Jack is a popular variation of Monterey Jack that includes spicy peppers. As long as the base cheese is pasteurised, Pepper Jack is also safe to eat during pregnancy. However, be mindful of spice levels if you experience heartburn or digestive discomfort, which are common during pregnancy.
Other flavoured varieties, such as Garlic Jack or Herb Jack, follow the same safety guidelines. If they are made with pasteurised milk, they are generally safe to eat. However, always check ingredient labels to ensure there are no added preservatives or ingredients that may not be recommended during pregnancy.
Nutritional benefits of Monterey Jack during pregnancy
Monterey Jack cheese can be a good source of essential nutrients needed during pregnancy. Here are some key benefits:
- Calcium: Supports bone and teeth development in the baby.
- Protein: Helps with fetal growth and development.
- Phosphorus: Aids in bone formation and overall bodily functions.
- Vitamin B12: Essential for neurological development and red blood cell formation.
- Healthy fats: Provide energy and support brain development.
Despite these benefits, it’s important to eat Monterey Jack in moderation, as it can be high in saturated fats and sodium. Excessive sodium intake can lead to water retention and high blood pressure, which can be concerning during pregnancy.
Safe ways to enjoy Monterey Jack during pregnancy
If you want to include Monterey Jack in your diet while pregnant, here are some safe ways to enjoy it:
- In cooked dishes: Heating the cheese to a steaming hot temperature (above 74°C/165°F) kills any potential bacteria.
- On sandwiches or crackers: If it’s made from pasteurised milk, it’s safe to eat cold.
- In Mexican dishes: Monterey Jack melts well and is a great addition to pregnancy-safe tacos, quesadillas and nachos.
- Grated over soups and salads: Adds flavour and texture to meals while ensuring food safety.
- Mixed into scrambled eggs or omelettes: A delicious and nutritious way to enjoy cheese.
What to avoid
While pasteurised Monterey Jack is generally safe, there are a few things to watch out for:
- Avoid unpasteurised Monterey Jack from farmers’ markets or small producers.
- Avoid cheese that has been stored improperly. Cheese left at room temperature for too long may be at risk of bacterial growth.
- Be cautious when eating Monterey Jack at restaurants. Always confirm whether the cheese used is pasteurised.
Monterey Jack vs other cheeses during pregnancy
If you love cheese, you might be curious about how Monterey Jack compares to other cheeses in terms of pregnancy safety:
- Cheddar: Generally safe, as it is a hard cheese with low moisture.
- Mozzarella: Safe if pasteurised; fresh Mozzarella should be consumed with caution.
- Brie & Camembert: Unsafe unless fully cooked, as these are soft and have higher moisture levels.
- Blue cheeses (e.g., Stilton, Gorgonzola): Not recommended unless cooked due to Listeria risk.
By choosing pasteurised, semi-hard cheeses like Monterey Jack, you can enjoy cheese safely while pregnant.
The verdict
Yes, you can eat Monterey Jack cheese during pregnancy as long as it is made from pasteurised milk. Most commercially produced Monterey Jack is pasteurised, making it safe to enjoy. If you’re purchasing from a farmer’s market or artisanal producer, check whether the cheese is made with pasteurised milk before eating it.
As always, if you have concerns about your diet during pregnancy, consult your doctor or midwife. Monterey Jack can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your meals, provided you follow proper food safety guidelines.
Final thoughts
Pregnancy is a time when diet and food safety become especially important. Knowing which cheeses are safe to eat can help you enjoy your favourite foods without worry. Monterey Jack, with its mild flavour and versatility, can be a great option when consumed safely. By choosing pasteurised versions and incorporating them into well-cooked meals, you can continue to enjoy delicious and nutritious cheese throughout your pregnancy.
References
Safety in Pregnancy
All the advice relating to what cheeses you can eat during pregnancy in this article is based on the recommendations by health authorities in Australia, the UK and the USA. If you are unsure about what you can or cannot eat, please consult your doctor.
Australia – FSANZ, United Kingdom – NHS and United Sates of America – FDA
Nutritional content
The nutritional content of cheese in our table comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository and cheese manufacturers. We realise that there can be variations between different brands and producers. Hence, the numbers we have used are averages.
Fat
Our fat RDI data comes from Cleveland Clinic’s Healthy Fat Intake resource.
Type of fat in cheese as per Harvard T.H. Chan’s The Nutrition Source.
Protein
Our protein RDI data comes from Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publishing.
Sabine is the creative force behind Cheese Scientist. She is a sustainable living advocate, a climate change protestor and is pro-choice. And, most relevantly, she is also a lactose intolerant cheese lover.
