Can I Eat That While Pregnant?
Navigate pregnancy nutrition with our data-driven safety guides. 33 foods checked against ACOG, FDA, and WHO guidelines — so you don't have to guess.
33 results for “Cheese” — clear search
Foods to Avoid (4)
Blue cheese (unpasteurized)Dairy & EggsMold-ripened cheeses pose Listeria riskBrie cheeseDairy & EggsSoft mold-ripened cheese with Listeria risk unless cookedCamembert cheeseDairy & EggsSoft mold-ripened cheese — Listeria risk same as brieSoft cheese (unpasteurized)Dairy & EggsUnpasteurized soft cheeses can contain Listeria
Use Caution (3)
CheeseDairyHard and pasteurized cheeses are safe. Avoid unpasteurized soft cheeses like queso fresco, feta from raw milk.Goat cheese (soft)Dairy & EggsSafe only if made from pasteurized milk and not mold-ripenedHam & Cheese SandwichPrepared FoodsHeat the ham — cold deli ham carries listeria risk. Hot ham and cheese is safe.
Generally Safe (26)
Cheddar cheeseDairy & EggsSafe when made from pasteurized milkCheese PizzaPrepared FoodsSafe — pizza cheese is pasteurized and the high baking temperature ensures food safety.Cheese QuesadillaPrepared FoodsSafe — melted pasteurized cheese in a cooked tortilla.Philly CheesesteakPrepared FoodsSafe — thinly sliced beef cooked on a griddle with melted pasteurized cheese.CheesecakeSweetsSafe — uses pasteurized cream cheese, eggs, and cream.Colby CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).Cottage cheeseDairy & EggsSafe and high in protein when pasteurizedCream cheeseDairy & EggsSafe when made from pasteurized milk (commercial brands)Feta cheese (pasteurized)Dairy & EggsSafe when made from pasteurized milkGouda CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).Grilled Cheese SandwichPrepared FoodsSafe during pregnancy — the cheese is melted (pasteurized) and the bread is fully cooked.Gruyere CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).Havarti CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).Mac and CheesePrepared FoodsSafe during pregnancy — both homemade and boxed varieties are completely safe.Mascarpone CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).Monterey Jack CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).Mozzarella cheeseDairy & EggsSafe when pasteurized; fresh mozzarella should be checkedMuenster CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).Pepper Jack CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).Provolone CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).Ricotta CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).Ricotta cheeseDairy & EggsSafe when pasteurized; common in cooked dishesRomano CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).String CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).Swiss CheeseCheeseSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).Velveeta CheeseDairy and Egg ProductsSafe when made from pasteurized milk (all US commercial products are).
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about dietary changes during pregnancy.