Can You Eat Cheese When Pregnant?
Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Updated September 2026
Nutritional data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and Public Health England. Always consult a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.
Most cheese is safe during pregnancy — hard cheeses and pasteurised soft cheeses are fine. Avoid mould-ripened soft cheeses and soft blue cheeses unless cooked.
Why is cheese safe in pregnancy?
The NHS position on cheese in pregnancy: all hard cheeses are safe (even unpasteurised ones, including Stilton), and soft cheeses without a rind are safe if pasteurised (cream cheese, mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese, halloumi, paneer). The cheeses to avoid unless thoroughly cooked are soft mould-ripened cheeses (Brie, Camembert, chèvre with rind) and soft blue cheeses (Gorgonzola, Danish Blue, Roquefort), because listeria can grow in them.
You can also check the calorie content of cheese alongside its safety information. Dog owners should check if cheese is safe for dogs before sharing, and cat owners can check whether cats can eat cheese.
The exception
Any of the 'avoid' cheeses becomes safe once cooked until piping hot all the way through.
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Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
Check Price →Pregnancy food guide
A paper reference for the fridge door — no more mid-supermarket googling.
Check Price →Digital food thermometer
Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.
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Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
More pregnancy essentials
Baby-safe food thermometer
Useful for pregnancy cooking checks and later for baby food.
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Common questions
Can I eat cheese in the first trimester?
Yes — cheese is safe at every stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of cheese OK during pregnancy?
You can eat cheese freely during pregnancy. As with any food, it is best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, but there is no safety limit.
I accidentally ate cheese while pregnant — what should I do?
There is nothing to worry about — cheese is safe during pregnancy, so no action is needed.
Is cooked cheese safe in pregnancy?
Yes — cheese is safe both cooked and uncooked during pregnancy.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
The information on 247foodcheck.com is compiled from official public guidance (NHS, Food Standards Agency, USDA/FDA FoodKeeper) and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your midwife, GP, health visitor or other qualified professional. When in doubt, throw it out — and if you feel unwell after eating something, contact NHS 111 or your doctor.