Can You Eat Feta Cheese While Pregnant?
Keep feta cheese to smaller amounts during pregnancy; the details are below.
Quick check: is your feta pasteurized?
The answer depends on one thing:
Pasteurization check passed
Overall verdict: aligns with pasteurized feta guidance (safe when refrigerated)
FDA advises pregnant people to eat soft cheeses such as feta only when made with pasteurized milk. Pasteurized feta is safe when kept refrigerated and used by the use-by date.
Source: FDA — soft cheese guidance
Pasteurization requirement not met
Overall verdict: AVOID
FDA advises pregnant people not to eat soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk. Do not eat unpasteurized feta during pregnancy.
Source: FDA — soft cheese guidance
Pasteurization not confirmed
This check resolves the pasteurization question only. Pasteurization status remains unresolved — confirm from the label before eating.
If you cannot confirm pasteurization from the label or product information, do not assume it is safe. Check the packaging, ask the retailer, or choose a feta clearly labeled pasteurized.
Source: FDA — soft cheese guidance
Trimester Safety
Why to limit Feta Cheese in pregnancy
With feta cheese, a little care goes a long way in pregnancy. The key is choosing pasteurised versions and keeping them well chilled.
Follow the simple steps below and you can enjoy feta cheese with confidence. A daily prenatal such as Ritual Essential Prenatal covers the nutritional bases either way.
How to Make It Safer
Enjoying feta cheese safely is simple: choose pasteurised feta cheese, keep it properly refrigerated, and check the use-by date. Follow trusted guidance (NHS, CDC, ACOG, FDA), and check with your midwife if anything is ever unclear. A daily prenatal vitamin rounds out the nutrition whatever you choose.
Already ate it?
Unpasteurized soft cheese can carry Listeria. Potential exposure does not mean you have listeriosis.
- If the label confirmed pasteurized feta, that matches FDA guidance for soft cheese in pregnancy.
- If it was unpasteurized or you could not confirm pasteurization, avoid more of that product and choose feta clearly labeled pasteurized next time.
- If you feel well, CDC notes that in most situations experts do not recommend testing or preventive treatment after a potential Listeria exposure. Contact your healthcare professional if you develop fever or flu-like symptoms. If the product was part of a known recall or outbreak, follow CDC and recall guidance for that specific product.
Sources: FDA soft cheese; CDC listeria prevention
What to know about Feta Cheese in pregnancy
Here’s the practical picture for Feta Cheese. Feta itself isn't the problem, pasteurisation is. Feta made from pasteurised milk is safe in pregnancy; feta from unpasteurised milk carries a listeria risk and should not be eaten. Because feta is a brined (not mould-ripened) cheese, once it's pasteurised it's fine.
Safe preparation & tips
- Check the label says “pasteurised”, most supermarket feta is
- Pasteurised feta is safe cold in salads and cooked dishes
- Do not eat feta from unpasteurised or raw milk during pregnancy
- If you cannot confirm pasteurization, check the label or choose a clearly pasteurized product
💛 Pregnancy nutrition with dairy
Things expecting moms commonly find helpful. Always check with your OB-GYN or midwife before adding a supplement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat Feta Cheese while pregnant?
Feta Cheese is generally okay in moderation during pregnancy when properly prepared. See the trimester guidance above for details.
Is Feta Cheese safe during pregnancy?
Pregnancy food safety for Feta Cheese depends on preparation and trimester. Follow the guidance on this page and consult your healthcare provider.
Can pregnant women eat Feta Cheese?
Pregnant women can eat Feta Cheese when it meets safety guidelines. Check the preparation tips and alternatives sections for details.
Is Feta Cheese safe in the first trimester?
First trimester safety for Feta Cheese is shown in the Trimester Safety section above. Follow medical guidelines for your situation.
Is Feta Cheese safe in the third trimester?
Third trimester safety for Feta Cheese follows the same principles. See the trimester grid and consult your OB-GYN with questions.
Checked against FDA, CDC and ACOG guidance.
Sources: FDA
Last Updated: 2026-02-16
How we review: Written by the PregnancySafeFoods editorial team and checked against NHS, CDC, ACOG and FDA guidance. Our editorial policy.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs during pregnancy.
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