Can You Eat Soft 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 mould-ripened cheeses (Brie, Camembert) should be avoided in pregnancy unless cooked; pasteurised soft cheeses without a rind (cream cheese, mozzarella, feta) are safe.
Why is soft cheese a concern in pregnancy?
"Soft cheese" covers two very different groups in pregnancy. Soft cheeses with a white mould rind — Brie, Camembert, chèvre — should be avoided unless thoroughly cooked, because listeria can grow in them. Soft cheeses without a rind — cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, ricotta, mascarpone — are safe as long as they're made from pasteurised milk, which almost all supermarket versions are.
You can also check the calorie content of soft cheese alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Safe soft cheeses: pasteurised cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, ricotta, mascarpone, paneer and cheese spreads. Avoid unless cooked: Brie, Camembert, chèvre with rind, and all soft blue cheeses.
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Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
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Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.
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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 soft cheese in the first trimester?
The NHS advice applies to all stages of pregnancy, including the first trimester. Uncooked soft cheese should be avoided from the moment you find out you are pregnant right through to birth.
Is a small amount of soft cheese OK during pregnancy?
There is no amount of uncooked soft 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 soft cheese while pregnant — what should I do?
Try not to panic — the risk from a single portion is low. Most people who eat soft 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 soft cheese safe in pregnancy?
Yes — thoroughly cooked soft cheese is safe during pregnancy. It must be piping hot all the way through, not just melted. Baked soft cheese, or soft 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.