Can you eat mozzarella while pregnant?
SafeYes, mozzarella is safe during pregnancy as long as it is made from pasteurized milk, which is the norm in US stores, fresh balls included.
Why
Mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese and the NHS lists it among cheeses that are safe to eat pasteurized. In the US, virtually all mozzarella, including fresh mozzarella in water, is made from pasteurized milk; the CDC's rule is simply to check that the label says so. Raw-milk versions, mostly artisanal imports, are the only ones to skip.
Safer alternatives
- Pasteurized ricotta
- Cheddar or parmesan
- Pasteurized burrata
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is fresh mozzarella in water safe while pregnant?
Yes, if it is made from pasteurized milk, which is standard for US brands. A quick label check settles it.
Can I eat buffalo mozzarella during pregnancy?
Yes when pasteurized, which most sold in the US is. Artisanal raw-milk buffalo mozzarella is the exception to skip.
Is melted mozzarella on pizza always safe?
Yes. Even in the rare raw-milk case, oven heat kills Listeria, so hot pizza with bubbling cheese is safe.
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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.