Is Mozzarella Cheese Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 20, 2026
The Answer
Yes, mozzarella cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy when made from pasteurized milk. All 12 mozzarella products in our database received an A grade, making it one of the safest cheese options for pregnant women.
Mozzarella is considered a safe cheese during pregnancy because commercially produced varieties in the US are made from pasteurized milk, which eliminates harmful bacteria like Listeria. Unlike soft ripened cheeses with rinds, mozzarella's production process and high moisture content in a controlled environment make it a low risk choice. The main concern with any cheese during pregnancy is unpasteurized milk, but this is rare in store bought mozzarella.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Pasteurized milk listed on the ingredient label - all major US brands use pasteurized milk
- • Store bought mozzarella from reputable grocery stores (Belgioioso, Galbani, Polly O are safe options)
- • Fresh mozzarella stored properly in liquid and refrigerated
- • Cooked mozzarella on pizza or in hot dishes is always safe regardless of source
- • No limit on consumption when pasteurized - enjoy as part of a balanced diet
✗ What to Avoid
- • Unpasteurized or raw milk mozzarella - check labels carefully at specialty stores
- • Homemade mozzarella unless you're certain pasteurized milk was used
- • Farmers market or artisan cheese without clear pasteurization labeling
- • Mozzarella left at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- • Fresh mozzarella past its expiration date or with off odors
Most Common Ingredients in Mozzarella Cheese Products
We analyzed 12 mozzarella cheese products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Mozzarella Cheese Products We've Analyzed
We graded 12 mozzarella cheese products for pregnancy safety. 12 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Mozzarella Cheese Products
We found 12 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Fresh Mozzarella Sliced | Belgioioso |
| A | Fresh Mozzarella | Galvani |
| A | Galbani, Precious, Mozzarella Cheese | — |
| A | Bel Gioioso, Fresh Ciliegine Mozzarella Cheese | — |
| A | Mozzarella Fresca | — |
Your Questions Answered
Can pregnant women eat mozzarella cheese?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella sold in US grocery stores is made from pasteurized milk, which kills harmful bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes. Both fresh mozzarella (the soft, water packed variety) and low moisture mozzarella (shredded or block form) are safe choices. The key is ensuring the product is made from pasteurized milk, which is standard for commercial brands.
What are the risks of mozzarella cheese during pregnancy?
The primary risk with any cheese during pregnancy is Listeria contamination from unpasteurized milk. However, this risk is extremely low with store bought mozzarella since US commercial production requires pasteurization. Listeria can cause serious complications including miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns. To minimize any risk, always check that your mozzarella is made from pasteurized milk and store it properly refrigerated.
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 are safe during pregnancy. Fresh mozzarella, mozzarella sticks, shredded mozzarella, and mozzarella on pizza are all safe options. If you're ever uncertain about a cheese's pasteurization status, heating it until steaming hot will kill any potential bacteria.
Can you eat pizza with mozzarella during pregnancy?
Absolutely! Pizza with mozzarella is completely safe during pregnancy. When mozzarella is cooked at high temperatures on pizza, any potential bacteria are killed, making it safe regardless of the milk source. This applies to all cooked dishes containing mozzarella, including lasagna, baked pasta, and caprese that's been heated. Enjoy your pizza cravings without worry.
What kind of mozzarella is safe during pregnancy?
All types of mozzarella made from pasteurized milk are safe during pregnancy. This includes fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini, ciliegine), sliced fresh mozzarella, low moisture shredded mozzarella, mozzarella string cheese, and burrata (which has a mozzarella shell). Major brands like Belgioioso, Galbani, and Polly O all use pasteurized milk. When in doubt, check the ingredient label for 'pasteurized milk.'
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.
