Can I Eat Feta When Pregnant?

Can you eat feta when pregnant? The short answer: Yes — feta is safe in pregnancy if it is made from pasteurised milk. Feta is classified as a soft cheese, and soft cheeses made from unpasteurised milk carry a higher risk of listeria. The good news is that the vast majority of feta sold in UK supermarkets is made from pasteurised milk, making it safe to enjoy throughout pregnancy.

Quick Answer

Feta in pregnancy: Yes — check the label for pasteurised milk

Most feta available in the UK is made from pasteurised milk and is safe to eat. Always check the packaging to confirm. If you are eating out or buying from a deli counter, it is reasonable to ask whether the feta is made from pasteurised milk.

Why Does Pasteurisation Matter for Feta?

In healthy adults, listeria infection (listeriosis) may cause a mild illness similar to food poisoning. During pregnancy, however, the immune system works differently, which means a listeria infection can be more serious and in rare cases may affect the baby.

Pasteurisation — the process of heating milk to destroy harmful pathogens — eliminates the listeria risk. This is why the NHS distinguishes between soft cheeses made from pasteurised milk (safe) and those made from unpasteurised milk (avoid during pregnancy).

Traditional Greek feta has Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status and is made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep's and goat's milk. In Greece, it may be made from unpasteurised milk. However, feta sold in UK supermarkets is almost always made from pasteurised milk and labelled accordingly.

NHS Guidance on Feta

Soft cheeses that are not safe during pregnancy are those made from unpasteurised milk, as well as mould-ripened soft cheeses (such as brie or camembert) even when pasteurised — because the mould rind creates conditions where listeria can grow.

Feta does not have a mould rind, which is an important distinction. It is brined rather than mould-ripened, so — provided it is made from pasteurised milk — it falls into the safe category.

Feta is a useful source of calcium and protein during pregnancy. It is also lower in fat than many other cheeses, which can be helpful if you are watching your saturated fat intake.

How to Eat Feta Safely

• Check the label — look for "pasteurised milk" in the ingredients. Almost all supermarket feta will state this.
• Store correctly — keep feta in the fridge and in its brine if possible, which helps preserve it. Use within the date indicated once opened.
• Cooked feta is always safe — cooking feta — such as in a baked feta dish, on a pizza, or in a hot pasta — eliminates any bacterial risk entirely, regardless of whether it was made from pasteurised or unpasteurised milk.
• Eating out — if you are having a salad with feta in a restaurant and are unsure, you can ask. Alternatively, if it is a hot dish with feta baked in, there is no concern.

Feta pairs beautifully with salads, roasted vegetables, and grains — all of which make nourishing pregnancy meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the same guidance applies throughout all trimesters. Feta made from pasteurised milk is safe whether you are six weeks or thirty-six weeks pregnant. If you are unsure about the pasteurisation status of a particular product, check the label or opt for cooked feta instead.

Can I eat feta salad when pregnant?

Yes, as long as the feta is made from pasteurised milk. A Greek salad or a salad topped with crumbled feta is a healthy, calcium-rich option during pregnancy. Just ensure the salad leaves are washed if they are not pre-washed, and that any other ingredients such as olives are stored safely.

What if I accidentally ate feta made from unpasteurised milk while pregnant?

Try not to panic. The risk from a single exposure is generally low. Monitor yourself for symptoms of listeriosis, which can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhoea appearing in the days or weeks after exposure. If you develop any of these symptoms or feel unwell, contact your GP or midwife and mention what you ate. In most cases no action is needed, but your GP can advise appropriately.

Always speak to your midwife or GP if you have specific concerns about your diet during pregnancy.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Related articles:

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