Is Ricotta Cheese Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Yes, ricotta cheese is safe during pregnancy when made from pasteurized milk. The vast majority of ricotta sold in U.S. 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, pasteurization kills listeria, making commercially produced ricotta a safe choice for expectant mothers.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Pasteurized ricotta from major grocery store brands like Galbani, Polly O, or store brands
- • Check the label confirms 'made from pasteurized milk' - most U.S. brands are pasteurized by default
- • Properly refrigerated ricotta stored at 40°F or below
- • 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 as desired
✗ What to Avoid
- • Unpasteurized or raw milk ricotta, sometimes found at farmers markets or specialty shops
- • Homemade ricotta unless you made it yourself with pasteurized milk
- • Imported artisan ricotta that may not be pasteurized - check labels carefully
- • Ricotta left at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- • Ricotta past its expiration date or with an off smell or appearance
Most Common Ingredients in Ricotta Cheese Products
We analyzed 207 ricotta cheese products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ricotta Cheese Products We've Analyzed
We graded 207 ricotta cheese products for pregnancy safety. 123 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Ricotta Cheese Products
We found 123 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Galbani, Ricotta Cheese, Whole Milk | — |
| A | Lactose Free Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese | Galbani |
| A | Ricotta Cheese | — |
| A | Los Altos, Queso Requeson Part Skim Ricotta Cheese | — |
| A | Low Fat Ricotta Cheese | Galbani |
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. Nearly all ricotta sold in U.S. supermarkets is pasteurized, including popular brands like Galbani and Polly O. Ricotta is a great source of protein and calcium during pregnancy. Just check the label to confirm pasteurization if you're buying from a specialty store or farmers market.
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 applies mainly to unpasteurized cheeses. Pasteurized ricotta eliminates this concern because the pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria. As long as you choose pasteurized ricotta and store it properly, the risk is extremely low.
Is it safe to eat ricotta cheese while pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to eat ricotta cheese while pregnant when it's pasteurized. According to the NHS and CDC, pasteurized soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese are safe during pregnancy. Most commercial ricotta in the U.S., UK, and Australia is made from pasteurized milk. Always verify by checking the product label, especially for artisan or imported varieties.
What is listeria and why does it matter during pregnancy?
Listeria is a bacteria found in some unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and contaminated produce. Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than the general population due to immune system changes. The infection can cross the placenta and affect the baby, potentially causing miscarriage or preterm labor. Choosing pasteurized dairy products like commercial ricotta significantly reduces this risk.
Can I eat ricotta in cooked dishes like lasagna while pregnant?
Absolutely. Ricotta in cooked dishes like lasagna, stuffed shells, or baked ziti is completely safe during pregnancy. Cooking ricotta to 165°F kills any potential bacteria, adding an extra layer of safety. Even pasteurized ricotta becomes even safer when heated. Feel free to enjoy your favorite Italian recipes without worry.
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.
