Can I Eat Burrata During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Burrata is a soft, fresh cheese often made with unpasteurized milk, increasing the risk of Listeria monocytogenes.
🔥 Risk Level: Unsafe if made with unpasteurized milk and served cold. Safer if made with pasteurized milk but should still be consumed fresh and handled carefully.
✅ Safe Practices: Choose burrata labeled pasteurized, store it properly, eat it fresh, and avoid versions from questionable sources like open markets.
Creamy, decadent, and rich, burrata is a show-stopping cheese that combines a soft mozzarella shell with a luscious, creamy interior. It’s a favorite on salads, pizzas, and charcuterie boards — but is it safe to eat during pregnancy? The answer depends on how it’s made and how you serve it.
Let’s break down what makes burrata potentially risky during pregnancy and how to enjoy it more safely.
Why Burrata May Be Risky During Pregnancy
Burrata is a soft, fresh cheese, and these types of cheese are more prone to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is especially dangerous for pregnant people because it can cause:
Miscarriage
Premature labor
Stillbirth
Severe illness in newborns
Additionally, burrata is sometimes made from unpasteurized milk, which is not heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria. Even pasteurized burrata still has a short shelf life and a moist environment, making bacterial growth more likely if mishandled.
How to Choose Safer Burrata
✅ Pasteurized Milk: Always check the label for “made with pasteurized milk.” This dramatically reduces listeria risk.
✅ Reputable Brands: Buy burrata from trusted brands or supermarkets with good refrigeration practices.
✅ Eat Fresh: Burrata should be consumed shortly after opening and never left at room temperature for long.
❌ Avoid Homemade or Street Market Burrata if you cannot confirm the milk source and hygiene standards.
Should Burrata Be Cooked?
Burrata is usually eaten fresh and cold. Unlike hard cheeses, you wouldn’t typically heat burrata — so it’s especially important to confirm it is made with pasteurized milk and has been stored safely.
If in doubt, it’s best to skip it during pregnancy.
Safe Cheese Alternatives
If you want to play it extra safe, consider these pregnancy-friendly cheese options:
Hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan
Pasteurized cream cheese
Pasteurized cottage cheese
Fully cooked mozzarella on pizza or baked dishes
Conclusion: Burrata Can Be Risky — Choose Carefully
Burrata is delicious but carries a higher risk of listeria because it’s a soft, fresh cheese and often eaten cold. If you want to include burrata in your pregnancy diet, always check for pasteurized milk, buy from reputable sources, and eat it fresh. When in doubt, choose safer alternatives.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding your health, pregnancy, or medical conditions.
