Can I Eat Brie During Pregnancy?

Brie is buttery, creamy, and undeniably craveable—so it’s natural to wonder whether it’s safe to eat during pregnancy. The short answer? Yes, you can eat brie while pregnant—as long as it’s made with pasteurized milk and thoroughly heated until steaming hot.

That’s because brie, like other soft cheeses, carries a higher risk of containing Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious illness during pregnancy. But with the right precautions, it can still be part of a healthy and satisfying pregnancy diet.

Is brie safe to eat while pregnant?

Brie is a soft, mold-ripened cheese, meaning it contains more moisture than firm cheeses. That high moisture content makes it more likely to support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, especially when served cold or stored improperly. Even when brie is made with pasteurized milk, it can still pose a risk if it’s not cooked.

That’s why unless brie has been heated until steaming hot, some experts recommend avoiding it—even if it’s been pasteurized. Cooking kills harmful bacteria, making dishes like baked brie in puff pastry or brie melted into pasta or sandwiches a safe option.

Benefits of Eating Brie During Pregnancy

If prepared safely, brie can offer a few nutritional benefits:

• Calcium: Supports bone health and fetal skeletal development
  
• Protein: Helps with maternal tissue repair and baby’s growth
• Vitamin B12: Aids in red blood cell production and neurological development

These nutrients are certainly valuable during pregnancy, but it’s important to note that many lower-risk cheeses, like pasteurized cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella, offer similar benefits with less concern about listeria.

Risks or Considerations

• Listeria risk: Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk can carry listeria, a bacteria that can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor.
• Even pasteurized brie may still support listeria growth if not properly stored or served cold due to its high moisture content.
• Fat and sodium: Brie is high in saturated fat and salt, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation, even when heated.

How to Safely Eat Brie While Pregnant

• Only eat brie that is labeled “pasteurized”
• Heat until steaming hot before eating—baked brie is a safe and delicious option
• Avoid brie on charcuterie boards, in cold sandwiches, or served room temperature at parties
• Store properly and consume before the expiration date

When to Avoid Brie

• If it is made from unpasteurized milk
• If it’s served cold or at room temperature
• If you are uncertain of the source or preparation (e.g., at restaurants or events)

Bottom Line

Brie can be safe during pregnancy if it’s pasteurized and thoroughly heated. Otherwise, it’s best to skip it to avoid the risk of listeria. If you’re craving something cheesy, try safer alternatives like pasteurized hard cheeses or melted mozzarella. Always read the label—and when in doubt, talk to your doctor or midwife.

More Pregnancy Dos and Don'ts:

• Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy
• Can I Have Caffeine During Pregnancy?
• Is Eating Fish During Pregnancy Safe?
• Can I Drink Chamomile Tea During Pregnancy?

***

REFERENCES

•  Food Safety for Pregnant Women, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, March 2011
• Listeria: Risk Factors, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Listeria: About, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Foods to Avoid, National Health Service (UK)
• Foodborne Pathogens and Pregnancy: Risk Assessment and Preventive Measures, Journal of Perinatal Medicine, November 2013
• Nutrition During Pregnancy, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Maternal Nutrition and Fetal Development, Physiological Reviews, October 2012 
• USDA FoodData Central: Egg, Whole, Cooked, USDA National Nutrient Database 

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.