Can I Eat Ricotta in Pregnancy? Complete Guide
Ricotta is one of the easier cheeses to navigate in pregnancy, because the vast majority sold in the UK is pasteurised and safe to eat without any extra steps. It's a soft, fresh, whey-based cheese rather than a mould-ripened or blue-veined type, which puts it firmly in the lower-risk category — you just need to confirm pasteurisation before you tuck in.
Is ricotta safe to eat in pregnancy?
- Ricotta made with pasteurised milk is safe to eat cold in pregnancy, including in dishes that aren't cooked afterwards, such as a no-bake cheesecake filling or spread on toast.
- Almost all ricotta sold in UK supermarkets is pasteurised, but it's still worth a quick check of the label, especially with deli-counter or imported Italian ricotta, which occasionally isn't.
- Unpasteurised ricotta is uncommon in the UK but does exist, particularly in some specialist or artisan Italian products, so this is the one thing to actively rule out rather than assume.
- Because ricotta doesn't have a mould rind and isn't a blue cheese, it doesn't carry the same automatic "avoid unless cooked" advice that applies to brie, camembert or gorgonzola — pasteurisation is the deciding factor, not whether it's served hot or cold.
How to check the label
- Look for wording such as "made with pasteurised milk" on the packaging; this is the clearest confirmation.
- If a product doesn't state pasteurisation, or you're buying from a market stall or small Italian deli where you're unsure, ask before buying, or choose a well-known packaged brand instead.
- When eating out, particularly at Italian restaurants using fresh, artisan-made ricotta, it's reasonable to ask whether pasteurised milk is used if you want extra reassurance.
Ways to enjoy it safely
- Stirred into pasta bakes, lasagne, cannelloni or stuffed shells, where any residual heat only adds extra reassurance.
- Spread on toast or crackers, blended into dips, or used in a cheesecake — all fine cold, provided the ricotta itself is pasteurised.
- In baked goods like ricotta cakes or fritters, where thorough cooking removes any doubt entirely.
- If a recipe also calls for raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as some cheesecake fillings, choose British Lion-stamped eggs to cover that separate food safety point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ricotta cheese safe during pregnancy?
Yes, ricotta is safe in pregnancy as long as it's made from pasteurised milk, which the large majority of UK ricotta is. Check the label to confirm, and if you're ever unsure — for example with deli-counter or imported ricotta — choose a packaged brand that clearly states pasteurisation instead.
Can I eat ricotta cheesecake when pregnant?
Yes, ricotta cheesecake is fine to eat as long as the ricotta used is pasteurised and, if the recipe includes raw or barely-set eggs, they're British Lion-stamped. Most shop-bought and homemade ricotta cheesecakes made with standard supermarket ingredients meet both these points without any adjustment needed.
Does ricotta need to be cooked to be safe in pregnancy?
No, pasteurised ricotta doesn't need to be cooked — it's safe to eat cold, unlike mould-ripened cheeses such as brie which do need cooking. Cooking is only relevant here if you happen to be using an unpasteurised ricotta, in which case it's simpler and safer to just choose a pasteurised alternative instead.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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