Can You Eat Feta Cheese (unpasteurized) While Pregnant?

โœ…
SAFE

You can safely enjoy Feta Cheese (unpasteurized) during pregnancy in normal amounts.

Trimester Safety

First Trimester
SAFE
Second Trimester
SAFE
Third Trimester
SAFE

Why unpasteurized feta is unsafe

Do not eat soft cheeses (feta, queso fresco, queso blanco, Panela, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined) unless made with pasteurized milk (FDA pregnant-women guidance).

How to Make It Safer

Enjoying feta cheese (unpasteurized) safely is simple: choose pasteurised feta cheese (unpasteurized), 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.

๐Ÿ’› One less thing to worry about.

Feta Cheese (unpasteurized) is safe, so enjoy it without the guilt. But we know the mental load of double-checking every single food is real. Keep our free cheat sheet on your fridge so you can eat with confidence instead of anxiety.

Grab the free fridge cheat sheet โ†“

What to know about Feta Cheese (unpasteurized) in pregnancy

Hereโ€™s the practical picture for Feta Cheese (unpasteurized). Dairy is an important source of calcium in pregnancy. The one rule is pasteurisation, unpasteurised milk and soft, mould-ripened cheeses can carry listeria.

Safe preparation & tips

  • Choose products clearly labelled โ€œpasteurisedโ€
  • Hard cheeses and firm/pasteurised soft cheeses are fine
  • Mould-ripened soft cheeses are safest cooked until steaming hot
  • Keep dairy refrigerated and within its use-by date

๐Ÿ’› Pregnancy nutrition with dairy

Things expecting moms commonly find helpful. Always check with your OB-GYN or midwife before adding a supplement.

Ritual Essential Prenatal
Top-rated & third-party tested, folate, iron & DHA
๐Ÿ“–
Real Food for Pregnancy
Evidence-based nutrition guide + 85 recipes
ThermoPro Thermometer
Check meat & leftovers reach a safe 74ยฐC / 165ยฐF

Affiliate note: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, it helps keep this checker free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Feta Cheese (unpasteurized) while pregnant?

Feta Cheese (unpasteurized) can be acceptable during pregnancy when prepared safely. See the preparation guidance above.

Is Feta Cheese (unpasteurized) safe during pregnancy?

Safety depends on preparation and product form. Follow FDA/CDC guidance on this page.

Can pregnant women eat Feta Cheese (unpasteurized)?

Only when preparation meets pregnancy food-safety guidance described above.

Is Feta Cheese (unpasteurized) safe in the first trimester?

The same preparation rules apply in the first trimester.

Is Feta Cheese (unpasteurized) safe in the third trimester?

The same preparation rules apply in the third trimester.

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.

Save for later: Bookmark this page (Ctrl+D or Cmd+D) to check back anytime.

Check another food: Search all foods or browse Food Directory.

Share with expecting moms:

Related Foods

Explore more in the same category:

More Guides

๐Ÿ“‹ Get the free Pregnancy Food Safety Cheat Sheet