Can I eat goat cheese while pregnant?

Moderate

Hard/aged goat cheese: safe. Soft/unpasteurized goat cheese (chevre, bucheron): avoid unless cooked.

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

What's safe

Hard / aged goat cheese (aged goat gouda)
Pasteurized soft goat cheese labeled 'made with pasteurized milk'
Goat cheese heated through in a cooked dish (baked goat cheese salad, goat cheese pizza baked)

What to avoid

Unpasteurized soft goat cheese — most artisan chevre, bucheron, crottin
Goat cheese of unknown pasteurization at a restaurant or farmers market

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 If you spot outdated guidance, email [email protected].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

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if goat cheese is pasteurized?

Look for 'pasteurized' on the label. In the US, most supermarket goat cheese is pasteurized by default. Farmers-market and imported artisan chevres are often not — always ask.

Track your meals with SafeBites

Get a personalized pregnancy meal plan using only foods you can tolerate. Free to start — no credit card.

More foods to check

Sushi Tuna Salmon Shrimp Smoked Salmon Swordfish Mackerel Raw Oysters Brie Feta Blue 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.