Can you eat kashkaval while pregnant?
SafeYes, kashkaval is safe during pregnancy. It is a hard, low-moisture cheese, and hard cheeses do not support Listeria growth the way soft cheeses do, even when made with unpasteurized sheep's milk.
Why
The concern with cheese in pregnancy is Listeria, a bacterium that can cross the placenta and cause miscarriage or stillbirth. The NHS lists all hard cheeses as safe to eat in pregnancy, including those made from unpasteurized milk, because their low moisture and higher acidity make them a poor environment for Listeria to multiply. Kashkaval is a pulled-curd, aged, firm cheese in that same family, so it sits on the safe side whether you eat it sliced, grated, or melted on bread.
Safer alternatives
- Aged cheddar blocks or slices
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Gruyère or Emmental slices
- Halloumi cooked until golden
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 kashkaval made from raw milk safe in pregnancy?
Yes. The NHS says hard cheeses are safe in pregnancy even when made with unpasteurized milk, because the low moisture content stops Listeria from multiplying. Traditional sheep's milk kashkaval falls into that hard cheese group.
Can I eat kashkaval on a grilled sandwich or pizza?
Yes, and heating it makes no difference to the safety verdict since kashkaval is already safe cold. Melted kashkaval on toast, börek, or pizza is fine at any point in pregnancy.
How is kashkaval different from feta or white brined cheese?
Kashkaval is firm and aged, while feta and other white brined cheeses are soft and moist, which lets Listeria grow more easily. That is why soft white cheeses need a pasteurized label and kashkaval does not.
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Get instant verdicts on any foodpregAI is informational only and is not medical advice. Always check with your doctor or midwife about anything specific to your pregnancy.