Is Mozzarella Cheese Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Yes, mozzarella cheese is safe during pregnancy when made from pasteurized milk. Most mozzarella sold in U.S. grocery stores is pasteurized and perfectly safe to enjoy.
Mozzarella is one of the safest cheeses for pregnant women because it's typically made from pasteurized milk, which eliminates harmful bacteria like Listeria. Unlike soft ripened cheeses with rinds, mozzarella's fresh preparation and pasteurization process make it a pregnancy friendly choice that provides calcium and protein for you and your baby.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Label stating 'made from pasteurized milk' - this is the key safety indicator
- • Major grocery store brands like BelGioioso, Galbani, or store brands which are reliably pasteurized
- • Fresh mozzarella packed in water or brine from refrigerated sections
- • Shredded or block mozzarella from sealed packages - these are always pasteurized
- • Mozzarella on cooked pizza or in hot dishes where it's been heated thoroughly
- • No limit on consumption when pasteurized - enjoy as part of a balanced diet
✗ What to Avoid
- • Unpasteurized or raw milk mozzarella - check labels carefully, especially on artisan varieties
- • Imported mozzarella from farmers markets or specialty shops without clear pasteurization labeling
- • Fresh mozzarella from deli counters where pasteurization status is unknown
- • Homemade mozzarella unless you're certain pasteurized milk was used
- • Any mozzarella left at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Most Common Ingredients in Mozzarella Cheese Products
We analyzed 18 mozzarella cheese products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Mozzarella Cheese Products We've Analyzed
We graded 18 mozzarella cheese products for pregnancy safety. 18 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Mozzarella Cheese Products
We found 18 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Fresh Mozzarella Pearls, Mozzarella | — |
| A | Fresh Mozzarella Bocconcini | — |
| A | Bel Gioioso, Fresh Ciliegine Mozzarella Cheese | — |
| A | Belgioioso, Fresh Mozzarella | — |
| A | Fresh Mozzarella Zesty | — |
Your Questions Answered
Can pregnant women eat mozzarella cheese?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat mozzarella cheese as long as it's made from pasteurized milk. The vast majority of mozzarella sold in U.S. supermarkets is pasteurized, including fresh mozzarella balls, shredded mozzarella, and string cheese. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria like Listeria that can pose risks during pregnancy. Always check the label to confirm pasteurization, especially with artisan or imported varieties.
What are the risks of mozzarella during pregnancy?
The main risk with any cheese during pregnancy is Listeria contamination, which can cause serious complications including miscarriage, stillbirth, or infection in newborns. However, this risk is virtually eliminated when mozzarella is made from pasteurized milk. Unpasteurized mozzarella, while rare in commercial settings, could harbor Listeria bacteria. As long as you choose pasteurized varieties and follow proper food storage guidelines, mozzarella poses minimal risk during pregnancy.
Is it safe to eat mozzarella while pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to eat mozzarella while pregnant when it's made from pasteurized milk. According to the NHS and CDC, pasteurized soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta are safe for pregnant women. Most commercial mozzarella in the U.S. and UK is pasteurized by default. Fresh mozzarella, mozzarella sticks, and pizza with melted mozzarella are all safe choices. Just verify the label says 'pasteurized' if you're purchasing artisan or imported varieties.
Can you eat pizza with mozzarella during pregnancy?
Absolutely! Pizza with mozzarella is safe during pregnancy. When mozzarella is cooked on pizza at high temperatures, any potential bacteria are killed, making it doubly safe. The cheese melts at around 130°F and pizza ovens reach much higher temperatures, ensuring thorough cooking. Whether it's delivery pizza, frozen pizza, or homemade, the heated mozzarella is perfectly safe to enjoy throughout your pregnancy.
What kind of mozzarella is safe during pregnancy?
All pasteurized mozzarella is safe during pregnancy, including fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini, ciliegine), shredded mozzarella, low moisture mozzarella blocks, string cheese, and buffalo mozzarella made from pasteurized milk. Major brands like BelGioioso, Galbani, and Polly O all use pasteurized milk. The only type to avoid is mozzarella explicitly labeled as unpasteurized or raw milk cheese, which is uncommon in regular grocery stores.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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See our full guide to cheese during pregnancy.
