Can You Eat Goat's 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.
Soft goat's cheese with a white rind (like chèvre) should be avoided in pregnancy unless cooked; hard goat's cheese and rindless pasteurised soft goat's cheese are safe.
Why is goat's cheese a concern in pregnancy?
Goat's cheese covers several very different products. Mould-ripened goat's cheese with a soft white rind (chèvre) carries the same listeria risk as Brie and should be avoided unless thoroughly cooked. Hard goat's cheese is safe, and soft goat's cheese without a rind is safe as long as it's made from pasteurised milk.
You can also check the calorie content of goat's cheese alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Safe options: hard goat's cheese; pasteurised rindless soft goat's cheese; any goat's cheese cooked until piping hot (for example grilled chèvre served hot through).
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Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
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Baby-safe food thermometer
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Common questions
Can I eat goat's cheese in the first trimester?
The NHS advice applies to all stages of pregnancy, including the first trimester. Uncooked goat's cheese should be avoided from the moment you find out you are pregnant right through to birth.
Is a small amount of goat's cheese OK during pregnancy?
There is no amount of uncooked goat's cheese that is considered risk-free during pregnancy. The chance of listeria being present is low, but because the consequences can be serious, the NHS advises avoiding it entirely unless cooked.
I accidentally ate goat's cheese while pregnant — what should I do?
Try not to panic — the risk from a single portion is low. Most people who eat goat's cheese while pregnant will be absolutely fine. Watch for flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, aches or chills over the next few weeks, and speak to your midwife or GP if you feel unwell or are worried.
Is cooked goat's cheese safe in pregnancy?
Yes — thoroughly cooked goat's cheese is safe during pregnancy. It must be piping hot all the way through, not just melted. Baked goat's cheese, or goat's cheese cooked until steaming on a pizza or in a tart, is fine.
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.