Four Types Of Cheese You Can Eat During Pregnancy

Vitabiotics | Published: 23/07/2019

Cheese In Pregnancy: Cheese You Can Eat During Pregnancy & The Types Of Cheese You Should Avoid

Wondering About The Types Of Cheese You Can Eat During Pregnancy, And Cheese You Can’t Eat When You’re Pregnant? We Look At Cheese In Pregnancy

When it comes to eating cheese in pregnancy, sadly for cheese lovers there are some cheeses you are advised to avoid eating because of the potential harm to you and your baby.

But it’s not all bad news; while there are some types of cheese you should avoid in pregnancy, there are still some cheeses you can still eat during pregnancy.

So here are the types of cheese you can eat during pregnancy, as well as the types of cheese you can't.

For more information on what it’s recommended that you can eat and what you should avoid eating when you are expecting a baby, read our post on food during pregnancy.

If there is anything you are unsure about when it comes to pregnancy food, always speak to your doctor or midwife.

Why Are You Advised Against Eating Certain Types Of Cheese During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women are advised against eating certain types of cheese in pregnancy due to the risk of listeria (listeriosis), a bacterial infection. Some types of soft cheeses are less acidic than hard cheeses and contain more moisture. This means they can be an ideal environment for harmful bacteria, such as listeria, to grow in.

Even a mild form of listeria can lead to severe pregnancy complications. It can also lead to serious illness in a newborn baby.

If you're pregnant and showing signs of listeria infection, seek medical help straight away.

What Cheese Can’t You Eat During Pregnancy?

When it comes to cheese in pregnancy, the following cheeses are not recommended:

1 - Cheese In Pregnancy: Don’t Eat Soft Cheeses With White Rinds

It’s recommended that you DON’T eat mould-ripened soft cheese (cheeses with a white rind). This includes brie and camembert, and mould-ripened soft goats' cheese, such as chèvre. These cheeses are only safe to eat in pregnancy if they've been cooked through.

2 - Cheese In Pregnancy: Don’t Eat Soft Blue Cheeses

It’s recommended that you DON’T eat soft, blue-veined cheeses. These include:

Danish blue is not recommended during pregnancy
Gorgonzola cheese is not recommended in pregnancy
It is also recommended that you avoid Roquefort during pregnancy.

Soft blue cheeses are only safe to eat in pregnancy if they've been cooked through.

3 - Cheese In Pregnancy: Don’t Eat Cheese Made From Unpasteurised Milk

It’s also recommended that you don’t eat cheese made from unpasteurised milk in pregnancy, This includes soft goats cheese.

3 For 2 On All Vitamins & Supplements

Get 3 for 2 on all products and free UK delivery when you shop with us.

Here Are Four Types Of Cheese You Can Eat In Pregnancy

1 - Cheese In Pregnancy: You Can Eat Hard Cheese

Any hard cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy. You can eat cheddar and parmesan cheese during pregnancy. Hard cheeses don't contain as much water as soft cheeses, so bacteria are less likely to grow in them. It's possible for hard cheese to contain listeria, but the risk is very low.

2 - Cheese In Pregnancy: You Can Eat Soft Cheese Made From Pasteurised Milk

The types of cheese in pregnancy you can eat include:

You can eat Boursin when pregnant
You can eat feta cheese in pregnancy
Can you eat Halloumi when pregnant? Yes
Mozzarella is also safe to eat during pregnancy
Cream cheese in pregnancy is considered safe to eat
Processed soft cheeses like Dairylea, ricotta and cottage cheese are safe to eat during pregnancy

3 - Cheese In Pregnancy: You Can Eat Blue Hard Cheese

This one might surprise you, but on our list of cheese in pregnancy you can eat during pregnancy is hard blue cheese. You can eat Stilton during pregnancy.

4 - Cheese In Pregnancy: You Can Eat Baked Cheese

Cooking food at hot temperatures should kill the bacteria, so it’s OK to eat cooked mould-ripened soft cheese, such as brie and camembert and cooked, soft blue cheese, such as Roquefort or gorgonzola, or dishes that contain them, if they are cooked. It's important to make sure the cheese is thoroughly cooked until it's steaming hot all the way through.

Pregnancy Cheese Questions

Can You Eat Boursin In Pregnancy?

Yes, you can eat Boursin cheese in pregnancy. Boursin is made from pasteurized milk and is treated at a high temperature. Boursin is safe to eat during pregnancy.

Can You Eat Dairylea Cheese When Pregnant?

Yes, you can also eat Dairylea cheese during pregnancy as it is made from pasteurized milk. You can also eat Dairylea Dunkers during pregnancy if you fancy a snack.

What’s A Good Recipe For Baked Cheese?

Certain types of cheese are safe to eat during pregnancy if they are cooked through. Make sure the cheese is piping hot throughout. We love this recipe for baked camembert.

Can I Have Pâté With My Cheese When I’m Pregnant?

Unfortunately, it is recommended that you avoid all types of pâtés during pregnancy, including vegetable pâtés, as they can contain listeria.

Meet the Author

Gill Crawshaw

Copywriter / Editor of TalkMum Blog

Gill Crawshaw

Copywriter / Editor of TalkMum Blog

Pregnancy and parenting editor and writer, mum of two Gill Crawshaw is the editor of the TalkMum blog, and a writer who specialises in pregnancy and parenting. With over 18 years experience in digital content creation, she also writes the blog A Baby On Board, which covers the parenting journey. Gill has two tween-age children and lives in south London.