Can I eat brie while pregnant?

Moderate

Unpasteurized brie: avoid (listeria). Pasteurized brie: safe if cooked through or from a reputable producer. When in doubt, skip.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Example, OB-GYN, MD Last reviewed: January 15, 2025Editorial process

What's safe

Pasteurized brie cooked through (baked brie heated to 165 °F, brie melted into a hot dish)
Pasteurized brie from a sealed supermarket package where the label clearly states 'made with pasteurized milk'

What to avoid

Unpasteurized brie (common in Europe, increasingly on US cheese boards)
Brie of unknown pasteurization at restaurants — ask first
Brie left on a cheese board at room temperature > 2 hours

Sources & citations

Every verdict on this page is grounded in an authoritative source. If you spot outdated guidance, email [email protected].

Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Listeria and Pregnancy (FAQ)
ACOG
Protect Your Pregnancy from Listeria
CDC

Frequently asked questions

Can I eat baked brie while pregnant?

Yes, if the brie is thoroughly heated through. The CDC considers soft cheeses safe for pregnancy when cooked to 165 °F, which kills listeria.

Is brie in a restaurant cheese board safe?

Only if you can verify it's pasteurized. Ask the server — if they can't confirm, skip it.

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More foods to check

Sushi Tuna Salmon Shrimp Smoked Salmon Swordfish Mackerel Raw Oysters Feta Blue Cheese Goat Cheese Unpasteurized Milk

This page is informational only and is not medical advice. Always consult your OB-GYN, midwife, or registered dietitian about your specific pregnancy nutrition questions — particularly if you have gestational diabetes, food allergies, or other complications.