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can you have mozzarella when pregnant

Yes, you can usually have mozzarella when pregnant — as long as it’s made from pasteurized milk and handled safely.

Quick Scoop

  • Pasteurized mozzarella (most supermarket brands and most pizza cheese) is considered safe in pregnancy, hot or cold.
  • Unpasteurized/raw-milk mozzarella and any cheese that looks or smells spoiled should be avoided because of listeria risk.
  • Always check the label for “pasteurized milk” and keep mozzarella well refrigerated and within its use-by date.

Safe vs. Not-Safe Types

  • Safe in pregnancy (if pasteurized):
    • Fresh “ball” mozzarella (in brine or whey).
* Shredded or block mozzarella for cooking/pizza.

* Mozzarella sticks, baked or fried, from pasteurized cheese.
  • Avoid or be very cautious:
    • Mozzarella made from unpasteurized/raw milk.
* Any soft cheese that is unpasteurized or from uncertain origin (e.g., some farm-shop or imported products without clear labeling).

Pizza, Salads, and Everyday Eating

  • Pizza with mozzarella is fine in pregnancy if the cheese is pasteurized; thorough cooking further reduces bacterial risk.
  • Caprese-style salads with fresh mozzarella are also fine when:
    • The mozzarella is pasteurized.
    • Tomatoes and basil are well washed, and the dish is freshly prepared and chilled properly.

How Often and How Much?

  • General guidance suggests cheese (including mozzarella) a few times per week can fit into a balanced pregnancy diet, adjusting for your weight, blood pressure, and medical history.
  • Mozzarella provides protein and calcium but can add calories and some sodium, so moderation is still important, especially if you’ve been advised to limit salt or manage weight gain.

Quick Safety Checklist

Before eating mozzarella while pregnant, run through this list:

  1. Does the label say “pasteurized milk”? If not clear, skip it.
  1. Is it in date, well sealed, and properly refrigerated? If not, discard.
  1. From a restaurant or deli? Ask if the mozzarella is pasteurized; most in the US and many other countries are, but it’s worth confirming.

If anything feels uncertain or you have pregnancy complications (like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or a high‑risk pregnancy), checking with your midwife or doctor for personalized advice is a good idea.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.