Can I Eat Cream Cheese When Pregnant?

Can you eat cream cheese when pregnant? The short answer is yes — cream cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy. In the UK, cream cheese is always made from pasteurised milk, which means the listeria concern that applies to some other soft cheeses does not apply here. Brands such as Philadelphia, supermarket own-brand cream cheese, and similar products are all fine to eat throughout pregnancy.

Is Cream Cheese Safe in Pregnancy?

Cream cheese is a different type of soft cheese. It is made from pasteurised cream and milk and does not go through a ripening process that allows listeria to develop in the way that mould-ripened cheeses can. Because cream cheese is pasteurised and not mould-ripened, it is safe to eat during pregnancy — both cooked and uncooked.

This means you can enjoy cream cheese on bagels, in sandwiches, as a dip, stirred into pasta, or as part of a cheesecake without any concern.

NHS Guidance on Cream Cheese

The NHS specifically lists hard cheeses (such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Stilton) and certain processed cheeses as safe. Cream cheese falls into the safe category alongside other pasteurised soft cheeses such as cottage cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, and mozzarella.

The cheeses to avoid in pregnancy — unless cooked until steaming throughout — are mould-ripened varieties (Brie, Camembert, Chevre, and similar) and soft blue cheeses. Cream cheese is not in this group.

How to Enjoy Cream Cheese Safely

• Check the use-by date before eating and do not consume cream cheese past its expiry.
• Store it correctly — cream cheese should be kept refrigerated at or below 5°C and consumed promptly once opened.
• Use a clean utensil when serving to avoid introducing bacteria that could cause the cheese to spoil more quickly.
• Avoid leaving cream cheese at room temperature for extended periods, particularly in warm weather.

These are standard food hygiene practices that apply to all perishable foods, not specific pregnancy restrictions.

Cream Cheese as Part of a Healthy Pregnancy Diet

• Calcium, which supports your baby's developing bones and teeth, and helps maintain your own bone density.
• Protein, which is needed for your baby's growth and development.
• Fat, including saturated fat — useful as an energy source, though as with all high-fat foods, moderation as part of a balanced diet is sensible.

Full-fat cream cheese is higher in calories and saturated fat than reduced-fat versions. Both are safe in pregnancy. If you are watching your overall fat or calorie intake, a lighter cream cheese is a straightforward substitute that carries the same safety profile.

Common Cream Cheese Uses in Pregnancy

• Cream cheese on bagels or toast
• Cream cheese in sandwiches and wraps
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese (smoked salmon from a sealed packet is safe — see guidance on smoked salmon)
• Cream cheese dips with vegetables or crackers
• Cream cheese frosting on cakes
• Cheesecake made with cream cheese (both baked and no-bake cheesecake are safe, provided other ingredients such as eggs are handled correctly)
• Pasta sauces or risottos using cream cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Philadelphia and all branded cream cheeses sold in UK supermarkets are made from pasteurised milk and are safe to eat throughout pregnancy, including in the first trimester. You do not need to cook it before eating.

Can I eat cream cheese on a bagel when pregnant?

Yes, cream cheese on a bagel is completely safe during pregnancy. This is one of the easier pregnancy food questions — cream cheese is on the NHS safe list and requires no special preparation or heating.

Is cream cheese the same as soft cheese to avoid in pregnancy?

Not all soft cheeses are unsafe in pregnancy. The NHS advises avoiding mould-ripened soft cheeses (like Brie and Camembert) unless cooked through, because these can contain listeria. Cream cheese is a different type of soft cheese — it is pasteurised and not mould-ripened, so it does not carry the same risk and is safe to eat uncooked throughout pregnancy.

Speak to your midwife or GP for personal advice about your diet during pregnancy.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Related articles:

• Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Vitamins
• Healthy Diet in Pregnancy