What’s more tempting than the velvety charm of nacho cheese? As you reach for that next chip loaded with cheesy goodness, you might pause and wonder: is this safe for my baby and me?
Most of us know about the strict no-nos like raw sushi or unpasteurized milk, but nacho cheese falls into a more nebulous category.
Before you give in to your cravings at your next movie night or social gathering, let’s unpack the concerns and safety measures regarding consuming nacho cheese while expecting. Get ready to satisfy your curiosity as much as your taste buds!
What is nacho cheese? What is its nutritional value?
It’s a creamy cheese sauce widely used all over Mexico and the US for dipping chips and topping various dishes. Nacho cheese has a smooth texture and spicy kick and is orange in color.
I make mine from melted cheeses and spices and sometimes add peppers to give it that extra zing, and I’m pretty certain that’s the same preparation process everywhere.
Let’s delve a bit into its nutritional profile. It contains calories, fat and protein alongside carbohydrates. These values aren’t fixed as they vary across brands, recipes, and serving sizes.
Generally, it’s less nourishing. I mean to say it’s not known for being super nutritious because it can be high in calories and fat.
Can I eat nacho cheese sauce when pregnant?
It’s perfectly okay to treat yourself to some nacho cheese now and then, but there are a handful of precautions to consider;
The cheese used for nacho is melted and comes with added spices, sometimes chilies. One big issue with cheeses during pregnancy is making sure they are from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to a temperature high enough to kill bad bacteria, which are potentially dangerous.
Most nacho cheese, especially the kind you find in jars at the store or served at restaurants, is made from pasteurized ingredients. And this makes it safe for you and your baby. However, be sure to cross-check the label or ask at a restaurant to be sure what you have is made from pasteurized cheese.
Even though eating nacho cheese isn’t bad, remember you don’t want to eat willy-nilly during these delicate times. Your safer bet has always been balanced meals incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Nacho cheese can be high in calories and fat, so enjoy it in moderation and as part of an overall healthy eating plan. Below is a lowdown on all the tips to enjoy this sauce without worries.
Tips to safely eat nacho cheese while pregnant
It’s totally fine to savor this, but it’s important to do it safely! I crafted these tips for you:
Check the ingredients
This tip basically emphasizes checking the pasteurization status of the cheese, which I mentioned earlier. This matters because pasteurized milk has been treated to eliminate any harmful bacteria that could potentially hurt your baby and even you.
Some examples of brands I’ve used and can assure they use pasteurized cheese versions are El Mexicano, Rosarita, Chef-mate Que Bueno, and Campbell’s Fiesta Nacho Cheese (I’ve not been sponsored, though)
Always read the labels attentively or ask the restaurant if you’re unsure whether their nacho cheese is from pasteurized milk.
Eat in moderation
It’s worth re-emphasizing this tip – enjoying it sometimes, not always. Nacho cheese is very tasty but comes with many calories and fat. Eating too much can cause you to put on extra weight, which isn’t the best thing. It’s also got a lot of salt(sodium), which you shouldn’t have too much when you’re pregnant.
So, how do you do it? Well, you could save nacho cheese for special occasions. The only times I took it during my pregnancy were during movie nights or small get-togethers with friends. And you can follow suit.
Also, try not to eat a lot when you have some; A little bit, just enough to satisfy your cravings, sounds fantastic! Remember, it’s also good to balance these treats with fruits, veggies, etc.
Watch for freshness
Eating nacho cheese that’s been sitting out for too long, especially if it’s kept warm, can be a playground for bacteria to grow. And that’s definitely not good for you or your baby.
If you’re at home enjoying some nacho cheese, make sure you heat it up until it’s nice and hot, even bubbling. After it’s heated, try to eat it within a couple of hours. If there’s any left over, put it in the refrigerator right away. And when you’re ready for more, heat it up really well again.
Being at a party or a buffet can be tricky. You see, it’s hard to tell how long it has been out. If there’s a warmer, check that the cheese is actually staying hot. If it looks like sitting there getting cold or you can’t tell how long it’s been out, it’s probably best to skip it.
Don’t hesitate to ask the staff how the nacho cheese is stored and prepared. It’s completely okay to make sure that what you’re eating is safe for your baby. Restaurants understand these troubles and are usually more than happy to answer your questions.
Homemade is the best.
I bet I’d choose homemade stuff any day because I know exactly what goes into it. You should do the same, as it allows you to pick safe ingredients for yourself and the little one.
Safe ingredients here means pasteurized cheese and natural spices overall. You can also avoid preservatives and artificial flavors that come with store-bought cheese.
Another cool thing about making it home is you can customize it to be a bit healthier, trying out recipes that use less salt and adding more veggies for extra vitamins.
Pair it with healthy foods.
It’s yummy, but it’s not exactly the healthiest choice on its own. So, try to pair it with nutritious foods. Think of bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots instead of just chips. These options still get you the crispy feature, the nacho cheese flavor, and a bunch of vitamins and fiber. It’s like a win-win situation.
Another fantastic way is to put nacho cheese on a baked potato or use it in a homemade taco salad with lots of lettuce, tomatoes, and beans. These are my tried and tested options; I bet you might bite your fingers. And they are way better and healthier for you and your baby. Plus, they make your treat feel like a real meal.
Healthy Alternatives to Nacho Cheese for Pregnant Women
Here are healthier options for nacho cheese that would still be kind to your taste buds:
- Greek Yogurt Dip: If you want to benefit from its nutritive value, then aim to mix it up with herbs and spices. It packs more proteins and has a nice tangy flavor.
- Hummus: It is made with chickpeas and I find it more delicious and nutritious than nacho cheese. You can dip veggies or pita bread(whole-grain, preferably)
- Avocado or Guacamole: Full of healthy fats. Use it as a dip or spread, just like you would with nacho cheese.
- Salsa: This fresh tomato is full of vitamins, and it has fewer calories. It’s a zesty topping for just about anything.
- Bean dip: Beans are full of fiber and protein. Go ahead to make a bean dip with a bit of cheese for flavor.
- Cottage cheese: These are low-fat and can be spiced with your favorite herbs for protein.
- Nutritional yeast: Sprinkle this on your popcorn or mix into sauces to get the cheesy flavor. It’s full of B vitamins.
FAQs
As long as the cheese is pasteurized, it is okay and safe to eat while pregnant. Also, before you eat, heat it until it’s steaming hot to kill off all bad bacteria that may be present.
When you ask me what cheeses to avoid during pregnancy, I’d always list out soft cheeses like Brie, camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola, and Mexican-style cheeses like Queso Blanco and Queso Fresco, unless they clearly state that they are made from pasteurized milk. Because these can often harbor harmful bacteria if not pasteurized.
So, Can I Eat Nacho Cheese Sauce When Pregnant? Final Say
It’s alright to enjoy nacho cheese while pregnant but always, and I repeat, always ensure the cheese is pasteurized. Ensuring this makes it safe for you and your little one.
Also, when you make your nacho cheese sauce at home, you control the ingredients. And you can ensure everything’s good for you and your baby.
Feeling adventurous? Try out those healthier outlisted alternatives. Stay safe and enjoy your snacks!
References: USA Today (Fact check: Those are salt crystals in nacho cheese Lunchables, not glass shards, FDA says)
