Can You Eat Halloumi 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.
Yes — halloumi is safe during pregnancy. It's a semi-hard brined cheese, almost always pasteurised, and it's usually cooked before eating anyway.
Why is halloumi safe in pregnancy?
Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese and supermarket halloumi is made from pasteurised milk, so it is safe to eat during pregnancy. It's also usually grilled or fried until hot, which adds a further margin of safety.
You can also check the calorie content of halloumi alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Avoid Halloumi made from unpasteurised (raw) milk. If a label doesn't confirm pasteurisation, choose a different product.
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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
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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 halloumi in the first trimester?
Yes — pasteurised Halloumi is safe at every stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of halloumi OK during pregnancy?
You don't need to limit pasteurised Halloumi — it can be eaten freely as part of a balanced pregnancy diet.
I accidentally ate halloumi while pregnant — what should I do?
If it was made from pasteurised milk, there is nothing to worry about. If you think you may have eaten an unpasteurised version, the risk from a single portion is still low — watch for flu-like symptoms and speak to your midwife or GP if you feel unwell.
Is cooked halloumi safe in pregnancy?
Yes — pasteurised Halloumi is safe cooked or uncooked, and cooking any Halloumi until piping hot makes it safe regardless of pasteurisation.
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.