Is Cream cheese safe during pregnancy?
Fine when made with pasteurized milk — check the label. Avoid cream cheese made from raw milk.
PregnancyUse with care
BreastfeedingGenerally safe
EvidenceStrong
What the sources say
CDC lists cream cheese made with pasteurized milk as a safer choice in pregnancy; cheese made from raw (unpasteurized) milk is a Listeria risk. Check the label for "made with pasteurized milk," especially at farmers markets, specialty shops and restaurants. No special restriction while breastfeeding (CDC).
Also listed as
neufchatel, neufchâtel, philadelphia cream cheese, schmear, whipped cream cheese
Sources
- CDC: Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women
- CDC: Preventing Listeria Infection
- FDA: Food Safety for Moms-to-Be At-a-Glance
- CDC: Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.