Can I Eat Mozzarella, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, string cheese While Pregnant?

Why

Mozzarella, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, and string cheese are considered safe in pregnancy when they are made from pasteurized milk, which is the standard for nearly all of these cheeses sold in US grocery stores. Pasteurization heats the milk enough to kill Listeria and other harmful bacteria, removing the main concern that makes some soft cheeses risky. ACOG groups these with the cheeses you can enjoy as a normal part of your diet.

How to enjoy it safely

Check the label and choose products that say 'made with pasteurized milk,' which covers the vast majority of these cheeses at the store. They are great folded into pasta, layered in lasagna, or eaten as a quick protein snack, and they deliver calcium your growing baby needs.

When to ask your provider

Ask your Garden OB/GYN provider if you find an artisanal or imported version and cannot confirm it was made from pasteurized milk.