Eating cheese safely during pregnancy: which cheeses are suitable?

Which cheeses should you avoid during pregnancy?

Let’s start with the cheeses that are best avoided during pregnancy. Unpasteurised cheeses, also known as raw milk cheeses, are not recommended during pregnancy. These cheeses may contain Listeria bacteria, which can pose a risk to you and your unborn baby. In particular, cheeses made from raw milk should be avoided. When it comes to specific types of cheese, it is best to be cautious with the following:

1. Some types of Brie, especially artisan varieties that are often made from raw milk.
2. Camembert, particularly varieties made from raw milk.
3. Blue cheeses such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Stilton, unless the label clearly states that they are made from pasteurised milk.
4. Some traditional types of feta, which may be made from raw milk.
5. Fresh, soft mozzarella: always check the label, as not all mozzarella is pasteurised.
6. Soft, fresh goat cheese (chèvre).
7. French cheeses such as Munster, Pont l'Évêque and Époisses, which are often made from raw milk.

Heating cheese: does it make it safe?

Heating cheese can significantly reduce the risk of listeriosis. When cheese is heated to a high temperature and becomes thoroughly hot throughout, harmful bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes can be killed. This makes the cheese safer to eat during pregnancy.

It is important to heat the cheese to at least 74°C for at least 2 minutes. This helps ensure that any harmful bacteria present are killed. Cheese used in dishes that are thoroughly cooked or baked, such as pizza, lasagne or a well-heated cheese sauce, can therefore be eaten during pregnancy. Make sure the cheese is thoroughly heated before eating it.

Cheese during pregnancy: what is safe and what should you avoid?

Pasteurised or raw milk cheese: what is the difference?

Pasteurised cheese is made from milk that has been briefly heated to kill harmful bacteria such as Listeria. Raw milk cheese is made from milk that has not undergone this heat treatment. All Henri Willig cheeses are made from pasteurised milk. Want to know exactly how to recognise this on a label? Read our guide to pasteurised cheese.

Which cheeses can you eat during pregnancy?

Fortunately, there are plenty of cheeses you can safely enjoy without heating during pregnancy. All pasteurised Henri Willig cheeses fall into this category, and aged cheese is also an excellent choice. The longer maturation process also reduces the lactose content. Here are a few examples from our range:

• Natural Gouda cheese: a classic cheese made from pasteurised cow’s milk.
• Henri Willig Young Gouda 48+: mild and smooth, ideal for everyday enjoyment.
• Organic cow’s milk cheese 40+ made according to an Edam recipe: a traditional recipe made with pasteurised organic cow’s milk.
• Goat cheese with honey and thyme: made from pasteurised goat’s milk with honey and thyme.
• Extra aged goat cheese: a firm, matured cheese made from pasteurised goat’s milk.

Practical situations during pregnancy

• At a restaurant or café: feel free to ask whether a cheese is pasteurised, especially when choosing foreign or artisan cheeses from the menu.
• While travelling abroad: local fresh cheeses, such as French goat cheese from a market, are more likely to be made from raw milk than the cheeses you may be used to at home. Always check the label or ask the seller.
• At a party with a cheese board: choose pasteurised and aged cheeses and avoid soft, fresh varieties if you are unsure how they were made.

Special attention to goat cheese

Goat cheese deserves some extra attention. Although some goat cheeses are made from raw milk, Henri Willig goat cheeses are made entirely from pasteurised milk. Read our article for more information about eating goat cheese during pregnancy.

Eating cheese during pregnancy: Henri Willig cheeses

At Henri Willig, we aim not only to offer delicious cheeses, but also to provide clear information so you can enjoy cheese with peace of mind, including during pregnancy. Looking for cheeses that are also suitable for the youngest cheese lovers? Discover our range of mini cheese wheels.