Can You Eat Stilton When Pregnant?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
The current NHS page does not name Stilton. Older NHS wording listed it as acceptable, but the cautious choice is to cook it until steaming hot or choose a hard cheese the NHS does name.
Why is stilton a concern in pregnancy?
The NHS foods-to-avoid page (last reviewed 15 June 2026) lists hard cheeses such as cheddar, gruyère and parmesan as safe, and soft blue-veined cheeses such as Danish blue, gorgonzola and roquefort as cheeses that must be thoroughly cooked. It does not mention Stilton, and neither do NHS Wales or nidirect. A Food Standards Agency risk assessment (updated 30 November 2023) says NHS advice in England then listed pasteurised semi-hard cheeses including Stilton as acceptable, rates the frequency of listeriosis from blue cheese as very low, and lists whether Stilton can support listeria growth as an uncertainty. The British Nutrition Foundation page (revised July 2023) lists Stilton among safe hard cheeses.
You can also check the calorie content of stilton alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Stilton cooked until steaming hot (in a soup or sauce, or baked) is safe under the NHS cooked-cheese rule. Raw Stilton: your choice, but not cleared by name on the current NHS page.
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Check Price →Stilton: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| While breastfeeding | Safe |
Common questions
Can I eat stilton in the first trimester?
The same applies throughout pregnancy. The current NHS page does not name Stilton at any stage.
Is a small amount of stilton OK during pregnancy?
The NHS gives no amount for Stilton because it does not name it. Cooking it until steaming hot removes the question.
I accidentally ate stilton while pregnant — what should I do?
The Food Standards Agency rated the frequency of listeriosis from blue cheese as very low. Watch for flu-like symptoms over the next few weeks, and tell your midwife, GP or NHS 111 if you feel unwell or want reassurance.
Is cooked stilton safe in pregnancy?
Yes. The NHS says any cheese cooked until steaming hot, including soft or blue cheese, is safe.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.