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Can I Eat Yoghurt When Pregnant?

Can you eat yoghurt when pregnant? The short answer: Yes — all yoghurt is safe to eat in pregnancy. This is one food group you genuinely do not need to worry about. Whether it is a plain pot, a Greek-style yoghurt, or a fruity low-fat variety, yoghurt is a nourishing and convenient option throughout pregnancy.

Quick Answer

Yoghurt in pregnancy: Yes — all types are safe

All commercially produced yoghurt sold in UK supermarkets is made from pasteurised milk, which means the harmful bacteria that can pose a risk in pregnancy have been eliminated during production. You do not need to avoid any particular type of yoghurt.

Why Is Yoghurt Safe in Pregnancy?

The key food safety concern with dairy during pregnancy is unpasteurised (raw) milk, which can carry bacteria including *Listeria monocytogenes* and *Salmonella*. These infections can be more serious during pregnancy and in rare cases may affect the baby.

However, all yoghurt you buy in UK supermarkets, health food shops, and most cafes is made from pasteurised milk. The pasteurisation process heats milk to a temperature that destroys harmful pathogens. Even live-culture yoghurts — those labelled as containing "active" or "live" bacteria such as Lactobacillus strains — are made from pasteurised milk and are safe to eat.

This means you do not need to avoid:

  • Natural yoghurt or plain yoghurt
  • Greek yoghurt or Greek-style yoghurt
  • Fruit yoghurts and flavoured varieties
  • Low-fat or fat-free yoghurt
  • Live or probiotic yoghurts
  • Frozen yoghurt
  • Yoghurt drinks and kefir (if made from pasteurised milk — check the label)

The only yoghurt to be cautious about would be one made from unpasteurised milk, which you might encounter at some farm shops or artisan producers. The label will state if it is made from raw or unpasteurised milk.

NHS Guidance on Yoghurt

The NHS advises that dairy foods are an important part of a healthy diet during pregnancy, providing calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients. Yoghurt made from pasteurised milk — which covers almost all yoghurt in the UK — is completely safe throughout pregnancy.

Calcium is particularly important during pregnancy because it supports your baby's developing bones, teeth, muscles, and nerves. If you are not eating much other dairy or are dairy-free, speak to your midwife about ensuring you are meeting your calcium needs.

Yoghurt can also be a good source of protein and, in the case of live-culture varieties, contains beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Some pregnant women find plain yoghurt helpful for managing heartburn or nausea when they cannot face heavier foods.

How to Choose and Eat Yoghurt Safely

There is very little you need to do differently with yoghurt during pregnancy. A few sensible habits:
  • Check use-by dates and refrigerate after opening. Do not eat yoghurt that has gone past its use-by date.
  • Store correctly — yoghurt should be kept in the fridge at the right temperature. Do not leave it out for extended periods, especially in warm weather.
  • Check the label if buying from a farm shop or independent supplier — confirm it is made from pasteurised milk.
  • Be mindful of sugar — some flavoured yoghurts are high in added sugar. Plain or lightly sweetened varieties are nutritionally preferable, but this is about general healthy eating rather than pregnancy-specific safety.

Yoghurt works well as a snack on its own, stirred into porridge, used as a base for smoothies, or as a topping for fruit. It is also a useful swap for cream or crème fraîche in cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Greek yoghurt safe in pregnancy?

Yes. Greek yoghurt is simply yoghurt that has been strained to remove some of the whey, making it thicker and higher in protein. It is made from pasteurised milk and is completely safe to eat during pregnancy. It is also a particularly good source of protein and calcium.

Can I eat live yoghurt when pregnant?

Yes. Live or probiotic yoghurts contain beneficial bacteria cultures but are made from pasteurised milk. They are safe during pregnancy. Some research suggests live cultures may support gut health, but speak to your midwife before taking probiotic supplements in capsule form, as that is a separate consideration.

Is yoghurt good for morning sickness?

Many women find plain, cold yoghurt easy to manage when morning sickness is making food feel unappealing. It is light, cool, and gentle on the stomach. It is not a treatment for nausea, but it can be a practical way to get some calcium and protein in when other foods feel overwhelming.

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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