Can You Eat Cottage Cheese When Pregnant? [Explained]

Once you are pregnant, you’ll realize that many food items you love are not safe for the developing baby. And you’ve undoubtedly wondered if cottage cheese is on the list of unsafe foods.

So in this article, we’ll discuss if you can eat cottage cheese when pregnant, are all cottage cheese pasteurized, and what cheeses you cannot consume when pregnant.

Let’s get started.

Can You Eat Cottage Cheese When Pregnant?

Yes pregnant women can eat cottage cheese as long as it’s pasteurized and not made with unpasteurized milk. Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, all of which are important nutrients during pregnancy. Additionally, several brands of low-fat cottage cheese offer additional benefits such as added probiotics or omega-3s essential for optimal fetal development. With any dairy product, it’s important to choose organic varieties to avoid hormones and antibiotics that can potentially be problematic for an unborn baby.

Is All Cottage Cheese Pasteurized?

Yes, all cottage cheese is made from pasteurized milk, and any factory-made and store-bought cottage cheese will be pasteurized and treated to prevent bacteria growth.

Cottage cheese is made by adding acid to milk that is pasteurized and once the acid separates the milk solids when pressed, what is left behind is known as curds and is the cottage cheese we’ve come to know and love. This type of cheese is not aged and can be safely eaten by pregnant women.

What Cheeses Can’t You Eat When Pregnant?

Not all cheese is safe to consume while pregnant due to how they are processed and the types of mold that are part of the cheese-making process.

To avoid exposing yourself to dangerous bacteria, there are several types of cheese you should avoid, and include the following:

Any unpasteurized/uncooked cheese
Molded soft cheese like brie, chevre, and camembert
Soft blue cheese like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Danish Blue cheese

Is Store-Bought Cottage Cheese Pasteurized?

All cottage cheese sold and found on store shelves will be made with pasteurized milk and can be considered safe to consume.

It is quite rare to find unpasteurized or raw cheese on any store shelf because of the regulations to protect consumers. If any cheese is made from raw milk, the label will need to indicate this.

Our Conclusion

If you buy and consume your cottage cheese fresh and pasteurized, you can safely assume that if eaten in moderation, your pregnancy will not be affected. Being pregnant doesn’t mean a bland and boring diet – and luckily, cottage cheese is not off the menu!

Sources:
https://www.hellomotherhood.com/article/441182-can-pregnant-women-eat-cottage-cheese/ 
https://www.nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby/pregnancy/looking-after-yourself-and-your-baby/eating-well-in-pregnancy