Are you expecting and wondering if it’s safe to eat Dairylea? Pregnancy often brings changes to your diet, so it’s wise to check what’s safe for you and your baby. There are simple steps you can take to clear up any confusion about different types of cheese.
In this post we look at whether you should avoid Dairylea while pregnant. We’ll break down the ingredients in Dairylea products and review guidance from health organisations so you can make an informed choice.
By the end, expectant mums should have a clearer idea of which Dairylea products are okay and which to watch out for.
What is Dairylea?
Dairylea is a well-known UK dairy brand launched in 1950. It offers items like cheese slices, triangles and spreadable cheese for toast, crackers or recipes. Ingredients differ by product, but most are dairy-based with some preservatives and flavourings added.
Is Dairylea pasteurised?
According to Dairylea, their whole range is pasteurised, which is reassuring for pregnant women. Pasteurisation helps reduce the risk of food-borne bacteria.
What health advice says
The NHS says pasteurised soft cheeses can be safe to eat during pregnancy. Still, always check the label for “pasteurised” and make sure the product is within its use-by date. The NHS also recommends pregnant women eat at least two portions of dairy-based foods daily, so Dairylea can help you meet your calcium needs.
Specific products
– Dairylea cheese triangles: These are made with pasteurised cheese and don’t contain known harmful ingredients, so they’re generally safe in pregnancy — as long as they’re pasteurised and within the use-by date.
– Dairylea Dunkers: The cheese dip uses pasteurised skimmed milk, cheese, concentrated whey and emulsifying salts. The dippers are made from wheat, corn or potato plus oils, sugar and flavourings. Because the cheese dip is pasteurised, Dunkers are usually safe to eat while pregnant, provided the product is in date. However, they’re highly processed and contain added sugar, so enjoy them in moderation. A healthier alternative when you want cheese is wholegrain toast with spreadable Dairylea.
– Dairylea Lunchables: These packs can include ham, cheese slices, chicken or a pizza base, along with flavourings, sugar and additives. They tend to be high in salt and sugar and are less healthy overall. Lunchables may also contain preservatives like sodium metabisulphite, which can trigger problems in people with asthma — pregnant women with asthma should avoid them. Some packs contain sodium nitrite; while current levels in food are generally considered safe, high nitrite diets have been linked to a higher risk of birth defects. For these reasons, it’s better to skip Lunchables and choose snacks like fresh fruit or wholegrain toast with spreadable cheese.
Conclusion
Can you eat Dairylea while pregnant? Yes — slices, triangles, Dunkers and spread can be eaten if they’re labelled “pasteurised” and are within their use-by date. Avoid Dairylea Lunchables because of their sugar, salt, additives and preservatives. Always read labels carefully and talk to your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns.