Can I Eat Halloumi When Pregnant?
Can you eat halloumi when pregnant? The short answer: Yes — halloumi is safe in pregnancy if it is made from pasteurised milk. Halloumi is one of the most popular cheeses in the UK and is especially loved for its ability to hold up to grilling and frying. The great news for pregnant women is that halloumi is almost universally made from pasteurised milk in UK shops, and it is particularly delicious and safe when cooked through.
Quick Answer
Halloumi in pregnancy: Yes — especially when grilled or fried
Halloumi made from pasteurised milk is safe to eat in pregnancy. When it is grilled or fried — as it most commonly is — the heat eliminates any remaining bacterial concerns, making it an even more reassuring choice.
Why Is Halloumi Generally Safe in Pregnancy?
Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese traditionally made from a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk, sometimes with some cow's milk added. Unlike soft cheeses such as brie or camembert, halloumi has a firmer texture and a lower moisture content, which makes it less hospitable to bacteria. It also does not have a mould rind.The primary food safety concern with cheese in pregnancy is Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can in rare cases cause serious illness and, in pregnant women, may affect the baby. Listeria is more likely to be a problem in unpasteurised cheeses and in mould-ripened soft cheeses.
Halloumi sold in the UK is almost always made from pasteurised milk, and you can confirm this by checking the ingredients list on the packet. Additionally, most people eat halloumi cooked — grilled, fried, or baked — and cooking eliminates any bacterial risk entirely.
Even if you prefer to eat halloumi uncooked (sliced on a salad, for example), as long as it is made from pasteurised milk and stored correctly, it is safe to eat during pregnancy.
NHS Guidance on Halloumi
The NHS advises that cheeses made from pasteurised milk are safe during pregnancy. Halloumi fits this description when made from pasteurised milk, which is the case for virtually all halloumi sold in UK supermarkets and shops.The NHS specifically warns against soft, mould-ripened cheeses (such as brie, camembert, and chèvre with a white rind) and any cheese — hard or soft — made from unpasteurised milk. Halloumi is neither mould-ripened nor typically made from unpasteurised milk in the UK, placing it firmly in the safe category.
Halloumi is a good source of calcium and protein, both of which are important during pregnancy. It is, however, high in salt, so while it is safe to eat, eating very large quantities regularly is something to be mindful of from a general healthy eating perspective.
How to Eat Halloumi Safely
Halloumi is one of the more straightforward cheeses to navigate in pregnancy. Here are a few sensible points:- Check the label — confirm the packaging states pasteurised milk. This is standard for supermarket halloumi but worth a quick glance.
- Cook it through — grilled or pan-fried halloumi is not only delicious but completely safe from a food safety perspective. The high heat eliminates any bacteria.
- Store it correctly — keep halloumi refrigerated and use it within the use-by date once opened. Unopened, it keeps well in the fridge.
- Uncooked halloumi — if eating it raw in a salad, ensure it is pasteurised and within date. This is fine for most UK supermarket halloumi.
- Eating out — halloumi served hot in a restaurant is always a safe choice. If it is served cold and you are unsure of its origin, you can ask.
Halloumi works beautifully in wraps, salads, on skewers, or as a meat alternative in a pregnancy-friendly barbecue. It is filling and satisfying, making it a practical protein source.
Frequently Asked Questions
### Is grilled halloumi safe in pregnancy?Yes, absolutely. Grilling or frying halloumi involves high heat that destroys any bacteria that might be present. Cooked halloumi is one of the safest cheese options you can choose during pregnancy. The only thing to be aware of is that halloumi is relatively salty, so balance it with plenty of water and other lower-sodium foods.
Can I eat halloumi fries when pregnant?
Yes. Halloumi fries — strips of halloumi coated and deep-fried — are safe to eat in pregnancy. They are cooked at high temperature, which eliminates any listeria risk. They are a popular takeaway and restaurant option, and you do not need to avoid them. As with any fried food, they are best enjoyed as a treat rather than an everyday staple.
What if I accidentally ate halloumi made from unpasteurised milk while pregnant?
The risk from a single exposure is generally low. Keep an eye out for symptoms of listeriosis — these can include fever, flu-like aches, nausea, or diarrhoea, and may appear some time after exposure. If you feel unwell or are concerned, contact your GP or midwife. In the vast majority of cases, no harm will occur.
Always speak to your midwife or GP if you have specific concerns about your diet during pregnancy.
Last reviewed: June 2026
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