Can I Eat Soft Cheese (Brie, Camembert) While Pregnant? Safety Guide 2026
Quick Answer
Soft cheese is safe during pregnancy ONLY if made from pasteurized milk. Brie, camembert, and similar soft cheeses are often made from unpasteurized milk, which can harbor listeria. Always check the label for "pasteurized" or "made with pasteurized milk." When in doubt, avoid it.
Why Soft Cheese Can Be Risky
Helpful pregnancy essentials
A few things expecting moms often find useful. Always check with your OB-GYN or midwife first.
Soft cheeses have a higher moisture content and lower acidity, creating an environment where listeria can grow. Unpasteurized (raw) milk cheeses carry the highest risk. Pregnant women are 20x more likely to get listeria, which can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
Safe Soft Cheese Options
Many US supermarkets sell pasteurized versions of brie, camembert, feta, and goat cheese. Look for:
- Label check: "Made with pasteurized milk" or "pasteurized" on the packaging
- US brands: Most mass-produced soft cheeses in the US are pasteurized
- Imported cheese: European artisan cheeses may be unpasteurized, always verify
- Cooked soft cheese: Baked brie (heated to 165°F) kills listeria, safe to eat
Soft Cheese Safety Checklist
- Check label for "pasteurized" or "made with pasteurized milk"
- Avoid imported artisan cheeses unless verified pasteurized
- Baked brie/camembert (heated to 165°F) is safe
- When dining out, ask if cheese is pasteurized
- Hard cheeses (cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan) are generally safe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat baked brie while pregnant?
Yes! Heating soft cheese to 165°F (steaming hot) kills listeria. Baked brie, camembert en croute, or melted brie on pizza are safe.
What about goat cheese?
Goat cheese is safe if made from pasteurized milk. Check the label. Soft goat cheese (chèvre) follows the same rules as brie and camembert.
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