Eating cheese safely during pregnancy: which cheeses are suitable?

Which cheeses should you not eat when pregnant?

Let's start with the cheeses you should avoid. Unpasteurised cheeses, also known as raw milk cheeses, are not suitable during pregnancy. These cheeses may contain listeria bacteria, which can pose a risk to you and your unborn child. Cheeses that should not be eaten during your pregnancy are those made from raw milk. If we translate this to specific types of cheese, it is better to avoid these cheeses: 

• Some types of Brie: Especially the artisanal varieties that are often made from raw milk.
• Camembert: Like Brie, especially the raw milk variants.
• Blue-veined cheese: Like Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Stilton, unless it is clearly stated that they are made from pasteurised milk.
• Feta: Some traditional varieties are made from raw milk.
• Chèvre (goat's cheese): Especially the soft, fresh varieties.
• Munster, Pont l'Évêque, and Époisses: Well-known French cheeses that often contain raw milk.

Heating cheese: is it safe then?

Heating cheese can significantly reduce the risk of listeriosis. When you heat cheese to a high temperature, where it becomes fully heated through and through, harmful bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes can be killed. This makes cheese safer for consumption during pregnancy.

To do this, it is important to heat the cheese to at least 74°C for at least 2 minutes. This ensures that any bacteria present are killed. Cheese used in dishes that have been properly cooked or baked, such as pizza, lasagne, or a cheese sauce that has been properly heated, can therefore be safely eaten during pregnancy. Be careful here and make sure the cheese is really well heated. 

Which cheese can you eat when pregnant?

Fortunately, there are plenty of cheeses that you can safely eat during pregnancy even without heating. Pasteurised cheeses are a good choice. Think of hard cheeses. These cheeses are made from pasteurised milk, making them a safe and tasty option for pregnant women.

Aged cheese is also an excellent choice. Our aged cheeses undergo a long ripening process in which any harmful bacteria do not survive. As a result, you can enjoy the rich taste of aged cheese during your pregnancy without any worries. Besides old cheese, there are several other cheeses you can safely eat during your pregnancy. Among others, the following cheeses offer a safe and tasty option for expectant mothers:

• Organic truffle cheese - This unique cheese combines the flavours of truffle with the texture of organic cow's milk cheese. As the milk is pasteurised, this cheese is safe for pregnant women and is perfect to add to your luxury cheeseboard.
• Supreme organic cow's milk cheese - This limited edition cheese is made from pasteurised organic cow's milk, making it a safe and tasty addition to any diet during pregnancy.
• Organic Jersey cheese - A combination of 50% pasteurised organic jersey cow's milk and 50% pasteurised organic cow's milk.
• Gouda natural cheese - This classic cheese, made from pasteurised cow's milk, is a safe and versatile choice that goes with many dishes.
• Henri Willig Gouda cumin 48+ - The addition of cumin gives this pasteurised Gouda cheese a delicious flavour that is safe for pregnant women.
• Organic Cow's Cheese 40+ according to Edam Recipe - Made from pasteurised organic cow's milk, this cheese follows a traditional recipe and is a safe choice during pregnancy.
• Henri Willig Gouda young 48+ - A young, mild Gouda made from pasteurised cow's milk; ideal for pregnant women who like a milder cheese.
• Goat honey thyme cheese - The combination of pasteurised goat's milk with honey and thyme makes this cheese not only unique in taste, but also safe for consumption during pregnancy.
• Red chilli cheese - For lovers of spice, this cheese with pasteurised organic cow's milk and chilli is a safe way to spice up your meal.
• Pure Gold by Wiebe Willig - Made from pasteurised cow's milk, this cheese offers a rich and golden taste experience that is safe for expectant mothers.
• Coconut cheese - A unique blend of pasteurised cow's milk with coconut, offers an exotic taste experience that can also be enjoyed during pregnancy.
• Rosemary thyme cheese - This cheese combines pasteurised sheep's milk with the flavours of rosemary and thyme, and is a safe choice for pregnant women.
• Goat cheese extra old - For lovers of old cheese, this version made from pasteurised goat's milk is rich in flavour and safe during pregnancy.
• Green pesto cheese - This cheese with pasteurised cow's milk, basil and garlic is a safe and tasty addition to any meal for pregnant women.

Special focus on goat cheese 

Goat cheese deserves extra attention. Although some goat cheeses are made from raw milk, Henri Willig offers a range of goat cheeses made from pasteurised milk. These cheeses are safe to consume during your pregnancy and offer a delicious alternative for those looking for variety in their choice of cheese. 

Read our article for more information on eating goat cheese during your pregnancy!

Eating cheese during your pregnancy - Henri Willig's cheeses

At Henri Willig, we strive not only to offer delicious cheeses, but also to support our customers with reliable information so you can enjoy cheese without worries. Our anniversary cheese and range of safe, pasteurised cheeses have been carefully selected for your enjoyment and safety during your pregnancy. Enjoy your pregnancy and every cheese Henri Willig has to offer you, safely and responsibly. Is the little one now born? Then celebrate this moment with our delicious baby cheeses. Perfect for the real cheese lover!