Are you a fan of Buffalo Wild Wings and their famous blue cheese dressing?
If you’re pregnant or have concerns about food safety, you may be wondering if their blue cheese is pasteurized. With conflicting information online and varying opinions from fellow wing enthusiasts, it can be hard to know what to believe.
In this article, we’ll dive into the facts about pasteurization and blue cheese, as well as explore some popular options at Buffalo Wild Wings.
So sit back, grab some celery sticks, and let’s get to the bottom of this cheesy mystery.
Is Buffalo Wild Wings Blue Cheese Pasteurized?
The short answer is yes, Buffalo Wild Wings blue cheese dressing is pasteurized. This means that the cheese used in the dressing has been heated to a high temperature to kill any harmful bacteria.
However, it’s important to note that not all blue cheeses are created equal when it comes to pasteurization. Some blue cheeses, such as Roquefort and certain types of Gorgonzola, are made from raw (unpasteurized) milk and may not be safe for pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems.
Fortunately, most commercially-produced blue cheese crumbles and hard, crumbly cheeses like Danish Blue are pasteurized and considered safe to eat.
If you’re unsure about the safety of a particular blue cheese, be sure to check the label or ask your server at Buffalo Wild Wings.
What Is Pasteurization And Why Does It Matter?
Pasteurization is a process that involves heating milk to a high temperature to kill off any harmful bacteria that may be present. This process is important because it helps to make dairy products safer for consumption.
When milk is collected from cows, it can contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness if consumed. By pasteurizing the milk, these bacteria are destroyed, making the milk safer to use in the production of dairy products such as cheese.
While pasteurization does kill off harmful bacteria, it also destroys some of the good bacteria that give certain raw milk cheeses their unique and complex flavors. This is why many cheeses available today in Canada are pasteurized.
For pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems, it’s important to pay attention to whether a cheese has been pasteurized or not. Unpasteurized soft cheese can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as listeria, which can cause listeriosis – a potentially dangerous infection.
Is Blue Cheese Typically Pasteurized?
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is often made with unpasteurized milk, which puts it at high risk of causing listeriosis, a potentially dangerous infection for pregnant women. However, not all blue cheeses are made with unpasteurized milk. Some blue cheeses, like Danish Blue, are made with pasteurized milk and are considered safe to consume.
It’s important to note that blue cheeses made from raw (unpasteurized) milk, such as Roquefort and certain types of Gorgonzola, may not be safe for pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems. This is because raw milk can contain harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
Most commercially-made blue cheese crumbles and blue cheese dressings are made with pasteurized ingredients and are considered safe to eat. However, if you’re unsure about the safety of a particular blue cheese, it’s always best to check the label or ask your server before consuming it.
The Truth About Buffalo Wild Wings’ Blue Cheese
When it comes to Buffalo Wild Wings’ blue cheese dressing, it’s important to consider the nutritional information. One portion (1 oz) of the dressing contains 280 calories, which is quite high for a condiment. Additionally, it has 22 grams of fat and only 2 grams of carbohydrates.
While some may argue that the high fat content is due to the cheese used in the dressing, it’s important to remember that not all cheeses are created equal. Some cheeses, such as feta and goat cheese, are lower in fat and calories than others.
Safe Alternatives For Pregnant Women And Those With Food Safety Concerns
For pregnant women and those with food safety concerns, there are several safe alternatives to blue cheese dressing at Buffalo Wild Wings. One popular option is ranch dressing, which is also pasteurized and considered safe to eat during pregnancy. Buffalo Wild Wings offers several different varieties of ranch dressing, including southwestern ranch, cilantro-lime ranch, and BBQ ranch dressing.
It’s also important to note that raw milk and cheese made from raw milk should be avoided during pregnancy, as they may contain harmful bacteria such as Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella or the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Soft cheeses like feta, goat cheese, Brie, Camembert, blue cheese, and Mexican queso fresco or queso Blanco are more likely to be made with unpasteurized milk than harder cheeses like cheddar or Swiss.
To be on the safe side, pregnant women and those with food safety concerns should always check the label for the word “pasteurized” when selecting cheese or dairy products. If you’re unsure about the safety of a particular product, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid it altogether.
Other Popular Dipping Sauces At Buffalo Wild Wings
While Buffalo Wild Wings is known for their extensive selection of wing sauces, they also offer a variety of dipping sauces that are just as popular. Some of the most popular dipping sauces include ranch, bleu cheese, honey mustard, and garlic aioli.
Ranch is a classic choice that pairs well with almost any flavor of wing. The creamy and tangy sauce helps to cool down spicier wing flavors like Hot and Mango Habanero. Bleu cheese is another popular choice that offers a tangy and slightly salty flavor that complements the richness of the wings.
Honey mustard is a sweet and tangy option that is perfect for those who prefer a milder flavor. It pairs well with boneless wings and can also be used as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings. Garlic aioli is a newer addition to the menu, but it has quickly become a fan favorite. The creamy garlic sauce adds a bold flavor to the wings and can also be used as a dipping sauce for veggies or chips.
