Can I Eat Cream Cheese While Pregnant? Soft Cheese Facts 2026
Short answer: Yes. Cream cheese is made from pasteurised milk and is a safe soft cheese during pregnancy.
Cream Cheese Is Safe
Unlike mould-ripened soft cheeses, cream cheese is a pasteurised, spreadable cheese with no listeria risk. It's safe on bagels, in dips and in cooking. Just store it properly and check the use-by date.
For a quick colour-coded verdict, see our Cream Cheese food safety page.
Why Cream Cheese Is Safe
The pregnancy concern with soft cheeses is listeria, which grows in mould-ripened and unpasteurised cheeses like brie, camembert and soft blue cheese. Cream cheese is different: it's made from pasteurised milk, isn't mould-ripened, and has a firm, acidic profile that doesn't support listeria. That makes it safe to eat.
How to Enjoy Cream Cheese Safely
Spread it on bagels and toast, use it in dips, frostings and baking, or in cooked dishes like pasta and cheesecake. Keep it refrigerated, don't eat it past its use-by date, and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long periods.
What About Flavoured or Whipped Cream Cheese?
Flavoured, whipped and spreadable tubs are all fine as long as they're made from pasteurised milk (virtually all supermarket brands are). Check the label if you buy from a specialty or artisan producer.
Safe Ways to Enjoy Cream Cheese
- On bagels and toast, classic and safe
- In dips and spreads, pasteurised base
- In baking, cheesecake, frosting (fully cooked/chilled)
- In cooked pasta sauces, heated through
When to Be Cautious
- Unpasteurised artisan cream cheese, check the label
- Cream cheese left out too long, keep refrigerated
- Past its use-by date, discard
Helpful pregnancy essentials
A few things expecting moms often find useful. Always check with your OB-GYN or midwife first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cream cheese safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Cream cheese is made from pasteurised milk and is not mould-ripened, so it does not carry the listeria risk of soft cheeses like brie.
Can I eat cheesecake while pregnant?
Yes. Baked cheesecake and chilled cheesecake made with pasteurised cream cheese are safe. Just avoid any topping made with raw egg.
Is Philadelphia cream cheese safe?
Yes. Branded cream cheeses like Philadelphia are made from pasteurised milk and are safe during pregnancy.
What soft cheeses should I avoid?
Avoid mould-ripened soft cheeses (brie, camembert) and soft blue cheeses unless cooked, plus any unpasteurised cheese. See our soft cheese guide.
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