Is Ricotta Cheese Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 25, 2026
The Answer
Yes, ricotta cheese is safe during pregnancy when made from pasteurized milk. The vast majority of ricotta sold in US grocery stores is pasteurized and poses no risk to pregnant women.
Ricotta cheese is considered one of the safer cheese options during pregnancy because it's typically made from pasteurized milk and whey. The main concern with soft cheeses during pregnancy is listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious complications. However, pasteurized ricotta eliminates this risk, making it a nutritious source of calcium and protein for expectant mothers.
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✓ What's Safe
- • Pasteurized ricotta from major grocery store brands like Galbani, Polly O, or Trader Joe's
- • Check the label confirms 'made from pasteurized milk' - all commercial US brands require this
- • Refrigerated ricotta stored at proper temperature (below 40°F)
- • Use within the expiration date and within 5-7 days of opening
- • No limit on consumption when pasteurized - enjoy in lasagna, stuffed shells, or desserts
✗ What to Avoid
- • Homemade or artisanal ricotta where pasteurization status is unknown
- • Imported ricotta from farmers markets without clear pasteurization labeling
- • Ricotta left at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- • Ricotta past its expiration date or with off smells or discoloration
Most Common Ingredients in Ricotta Cheese Products
We analyzed 387 ricotta cheese products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ricotta Cheese Products We've Analyzed
We graded 387 ricotta cheese products for pregnancy safety. 232 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Ricotta Cheese Products
We found 232 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Ricotta Cheese | Galbani |
| A | Polly O Original Ricotta Cheese | Polly O |
| A | Authentic Italian Flavor Ricotta Cheese | Organic Valley, Cropp Cooperative |
| A | Part Skim Ricotta Cheese | Trader Joe'S |
| A | Part Skim Ricotta Cheese | Calabro Cheese Corp. |
Your Questions Answered
Can pregnant women eat ricotta cheese?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat ricotta cheese as long as it's made from pasteurized milk. In the United States, virtually all commercially sold ricotta is pasteurized by law. Ricotta is actually one of the safer soft cheese options during pregnancy because the pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria like listeria. You can enjoy ricotta in cooked dishes like lasagna or uncooked in desserts like cannoli.
What are the risks of ricotta cheese during pregnancy?
The primary risk with any soft cheese during pregnancy is listeria contamination, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious illness in newborns. However, this risk is essentially eliminated when ricotta is made from pasteurized milk. Unpasteurized or raw milk ricotta could harbor listeria bacteria, which is why it's important to verify pasteurization. Commercial ricotta from US grocery stores is pasteurized and considered safe.
Is it safe to eat ricotta cheese while pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to eat ricotta cheese while pregnant when it's pasteurized, which includes all major US grocery store brands. The NHS and CDC both confirm that pasteurized soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and mozzarella are safe during pregnancy. Just check the label to confirm pasteurization, store it properly in the refrigerator, and consume before the expiration date.
Is ricotta cheese pasteurized?
Yes, ricotta cheese sold in US grocery stores is pasteurized. Federal regulations require commercial dairy products to be made from pasteurized milk. Brands like Galbani, Polly O, Trader Joe's, and store brands all use pasteurized milk and whey. The only exception would be artisanal or homemade ricotta where you should always verify the pasteurization status before consuming during pregnancy.
Can I eat ricotta in lasagna while pregnant?
Absolutely yes. Ricotta in lasagna is doubly safe during pregnancy - not only is commercial ricotta already pasteurized, but the cooking process provides an additional layer of protection by killing any potential bacteria. Baked dishes with ricotta like lasagna, stuffed shells, and manicotti are excellent choices. The heat from cooking ensures any concerns about food safety are eliminated.
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.
