Can you drink buttermilk while pregnant?
Check firstYes, if it is pasteurized. Cultured buttermilk from a supermarket carton is made with pasteurized milk and is fine, while raw or farm-style buttermilk can carry Listeria.
Why
Buttermilk itself is not a problem, the milk it was made from is. The NHS tells pregnant people to avoid unpasteurized milk and anything made with it, because raw dairy can carry Listeria, and the CDC lists raw milk and raw-milk products among the foods most likely to cause listeriosis in pregnancy. The souring and culturing step does not kill Listeria, so a traditional buttermilk churned from unpasteurized cream stays risky. Check the carton for the word pasteurized and you can drink it freely, including spiced versions like chaas or ayran as long as the base milk was pasteurized.
Safer alternatives
- Supermarket cultured buttermilk labeled pasteurized
- Pasteurized plain kefir
- Store-bought lassi made with pasteurized yogurt
- Plain pasteurized Greek yogurt thinned with water and a pinch of salt
Sources
- NHS https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
- CDC https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/prevention/index.html
Every verdict follows our sourcing methodology: official health guidelines only, most cautious position when they differ.
Last reviewed by the pregAI editorial team.
Frequently asked questions
Is store-bought buttermilk pasteurized?
In the US and UK, cultured buttermilk sold in cartons is made from pasteurized milk. The label will say pasteurized, usually near the ingredients. That version is safe to drink through pregnancy.
Can I drink buttermilk from a farm or dairy stand?
Only if the dairy confirms the milk was pasteurized before culturing. Farm-style and homemade buttermilk churned from raw cream can carry Listeria, which crosses the placenta. If nobody can tell you, skip it.
Does buttermilk help with pregnancy nausea or heartburn?
Many people find cold buttermilk easier to keep down than plain milk, and it is a useful source of calcium and protein. There is no official claim that it treats nausea, but it is a safe thing to try if it appeals. Choose a pasteurized carton and keep it chilled.
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