Can I eat brie while pregnant?
Pasteurized brie is generally considered OK during pregnancy. Unpasteurized (raw milk) brie is usually advised against because of the risk of Listeria, a germ that can be harmful in pregnancy.
Key points
- Check whether the label says the cheese is made with pasteurized milk.
- Raw-milk brie carries a higher risk of Listeria, so many providers suggest skipping it.
- Cooking brie until it is steaming hot is one option many providers mention.
Why it matters
Soft cheeses like brie can sometimes carry Listeria bacteria. Pregnancy changes the immune system, which makes infections like listeriosis more serious for both the pregnant person and the baby.
The FDA lists soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk as foods pregnant people are generally advised to avoid.
What is OK and what is not
- Usually considered OK: brie made from pasteurized milk, which is the most common type sold in US stores.
- Usually advised against: brie made from unpasteurized (raw) milk, including some imported or farm-made cheeses.
- A middle option: brie that is cooked until steaming hot, such as baked brie, is one approach many providers mention for people who want to eat it.
The NIH also notes that pregnant people are often advised to pick pasteurized dairy products for safety.
Practical tips
Many providers suggest reading the label for words like “made with pasteurized milk” before buying brie. Deli and cheese-counter brie may not always have a clear label, so asking the seller can help.
If a provider has given you specific food guidance, following their advice is usually the best choice, since they know your health history.
If you already ate brie
Eating brie once does not always mean a problem, especially if it was pasteurized. Many providers suggest keeping an eye out for symptoms and mentioning what you ate at your next visit, so they can decide whether any follow-up is needed.
It can help to choose pasteurized brie or cook it thoroughly from now on, as many providers suggest.
When to contact your provider
Contact your doctor, midwife, or local urgent care right away if you have fever, chills, muscle aches, a stiff neck, nausea, or diarrhea after eating soft cheese. These can be signs of listeriosis, which needs prompt care.
Questions people ask
Is brie safe during pregnancy?
Brie made with pasteurized milk is generally considered OK. Brie made with unpasteurized milk is usually advised against because of the risk of Listeria.
Is brie safe for pregnancy if it is baked?
Many providers say cheese cooked until steaming hot is a safer option, since heat can kill Listeria. Ask your provider how much heat is enough for your situation.
Can I eat brie when pregnant from a grocery store?
Most grocery-store brie in the US is made with pasteurized milk, but the label is the best check. Look for wording about pasteurized milk before buying.
Can u eat brie while pregnant if it says raw milk?
Raw-milk brie is usually advised against during pregnancy. Many providers suggest choosing a pasteurized version or cooking it until steaming hot instead.
More questions people ask
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Sources
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