Can You Eat Ricotta 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 — Ricotta is safe during pregnancy as long as it is made from pasteurised milk. Check the label; almost all supermarket versions are pasteurised.
Why is ricotta safe in pregnancy?
The NHS confirms that soft cheeses like Ricotta are safe to eat during pregnancy as long as they are made from pasteurised milk. Pasteurisation kills listeria and other harmful bacteria. Nearly all Ricotta sold in UK supermarkets is made from pasteurised milk, but it is always worth checking the label, especially for products from delis, farm shops or markets.
You can also check the calorie content of ricotta alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Avoid Ricotta made from unpasteurised (raw) milk. If a label doesn't confirm pasteurisation, choose a different product.
As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
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.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Common questions
Can I eat ricotta in the first trimester?
Yes — pasteurised Ricotta is safe at every stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of ricotta OK during pregnancy?
You don't need to limit pasteurised Ricotta — it can be eaten freely as part of a balanced pregnancy diet.
I accidentally ate ricotta 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 ricotta safe in pregnancy?
Yes — pasteurised Ricotta is safe cooked or uncooked, and cooking any Ricotta 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.