can you have burrata when pregnant
You can eat burrata when pregnant if it’s made from pasteurized milk and handled safely; unpasteurized or poorly stored burrata should be avoided because of listeria risk.
Quick Scoop
- Burrata is a soft, fresh cheese with a high moisture content, which makes it more prone to bacterial growth than hard cheeses.
- The main concern in pregnancy is listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious infection and pregnancy complications.
- Most commercial burrata in supermarkets in the US/UK is made from pasteurized milk, but you must check the label or ask.
- If the burrata (both the outer mozzarella and inner cream) is pasteurized and kept cold, it’s generally considered safe in pregnancy.
- Skip burrata that is unpasteurized, from unknown sources, left out at room temperature for long periods, or close to/ past its use-by date.
When Burrata Is Safe In Pregnancy
You can usually enjoy burrata during pregnancy if all of these are true:
- Pasteurized milk and cream
- The label clearly says “pasteurized milk” (and cream) or local guidance confirms supermarket brands are pasteurized.
* In restaurants, ask directly whether the burrata is made from pasteurized milk and cream.
- Good storage and handling
- Kept refrigerated, not sitting out for hours on a buffet or warm counter.
* Eaten fresh and ideally within about 24–48 hours of opening because burrata has a short shelf life.
- Trusted source
- Bought from reputable supermarkets or cheesemongers with proper hygiene and cold-chain handling.
* Extra caution with farm shops, markets, or artisanal products where pasteurization and storage might be less clear.
If these boxes are ticked, experts and pregnancy-focused nutrition resources generally say burrata can be part of a normal pregnancy diet in moderation.
When You Should Avoid Burrata
There are situations where skipping burrata is the safer call in pregnancy:
- The label says “unpasteurized,” “raw milk,” or doesn’t specify pasteurization.
- Home-made or farm-made burrata where you’re not sure about the milk source or hygiene.
- Burrata that has been:
- Left at room temperature for a long time (buffets, long dinners, grazing boards).
* Stored beyond its use-by date or smells/tastes off.
- Travel scenarios (small local cafés, markets abroad) where pasteurization standards and refrigeration may differ.
- If you are immunocompromised or have been specifically told to be extra strict with food safety, your provider may advise avoiding soft, high-moisture cheeses altogether.
If you’ve already eaten questionable burrata and feel unwell (fever, flu-like symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea), contact your healthcare provider or maternity triage promptly and mention the cheese.
How To Eat Burrata Safely When Pregnant
Here are practical ways to keep burrata on the menu while minimizing risk:
- Label check routine
- Look for the word “pasteurized” on both milk and cream in the ingredients.
* If in doubt, choose another cheese you know is pasteurized and hard (like cheddar or parmesan).
- Restaurant questions to ask
- “Is your burrata made from pasteurized milk?”
- “Is it delivered chilled and stored in the fridge?”
- If they’re unsure, it’s safer to pick a different dish.
- Timing and storage at home
- Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, not the door.
* Open it close to serving time, then refrigerate leftovers promptly; many pregnancy dietitians recommend finishing opened burrata within 1–2 days.
- Serving ideas that fit pregnancy eating
- On top of warm roasted veg, grain bowls, or pizza (even if it doesn’t fully cook through, pasteurization plus safe handling is the key).
* With plenty of salad, wholegrains, and other nutrient-dense foods to keep the overall meal balanced.
A Quick Example Scenario
You’re at a trendy brunch spot in 2026 and see “sourdough with burrata, tomatoes, and basil” on the menu, a style that’s been popular thanks to viral burrata toast and pizza-style recipes shared online.
Safe way to navigate this:
- Ask if the burrata is made from pasteurized milk and cream.
- Check if it’s delivered and stored chilled (you can just say, “I’m pregnant and careful with soft cheese—do you keep it well refrigerated?”).
- If they confirm pasteurized and properly stored, it’s generally fine to enjoy the dish. If they’re vague, choose something else.
Nutritional Angle And Big Picture
- Burrata provides protein, calcium, and fat, which support energy and bone development in pregnancy.
- It is rich and high in saturated fat, so think of it as an occasional treat, not an everyday staple.
- Most pregnancy guidelines focus less on “never eat X” and more on how to handle higher-risk foods (like soft cheeses) more safely.
If you have specific medical conditions (gestational diabetes, high cholesterol, a history of foodborne illness), your own doctor or midwife may personalize these general guidelines.
Bottom Line (TL;DR)
- You can have burrata when pregnant if it’s made from pasteurized milk/cream, stored cold, and eaten fresh.
- Avoid burrata that is unpasteurized, of uncertain origin, or poorly refrigerated, especially at buffets or in higher-risk travel settings.
- When in doubt, skip that serving and ask your midwife or doctor, especially if you develop any flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms afterward.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.