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Can I eat brie when pregnant?

AvoidColdListeria risk in soft, mould-ripened cheese
SafeBaked hotBaked until steaming hot and eaten straight away

Brie is a soft, mould-ripened cheese. Listeria can grow in it even when it's made from pasteurised milk, and listeriosis is more serious during pregnancy. Heating to steaming hot kills Listeria.

Brie for other situations

BreastfeedingNo Listeria concern for breastfeeding. Usual food safety applies.Safe
VegetarianOften made with animal rennet. Check the labelCaution
VeganContains dairy, which isn't vegan.Avoid
CoeliacNaturally gluten-freeSafe
Milk allergyContains milk.Avoid
Peanut allergyNo peanut. Check the crackers you serve it withSafe
Gestational diabetesNo known concern for gestational diabetes.Safe
MAOIsCan contain some tyramine. Small, fresh portions only.Caution
Low-FODMAPLow in lactose at normal servesSafe

Questions people ask

Is pasteurised brie safe in pregnancy?

Not cold. Pasteurisation kills Listeria in the milk, but it can still grow in soft cheese afterwards. NZ MPI advises avoiding it unless cooked until steaming hot.

I ate some brie before I knew. Should I worry?

The risk from one serve is low. Listeriosis is rare. If you get a fever, aches or an upset stomach in the next few weeks, tell your midwife or GP that you ate soft cheese.

Is brie in a hot toastie OK?

Yes, if the brie is melted and steaming hot all the way through and you eat it straight away. Lukewarm isn't enough.

Which cheeses are safe when pregnant?

Hard cheeses like cheddar and parmesan are fine. Soft and semi-soft cheeses (brie, camembert, feta, blue, mozzarella, ricotta, halloumi, paneer) are only safe cooked until steaming hot.

NZ MPI · reviewed Oct 2026Vegetarian Society · reviewed Oct 2026Coeliac NZ · reviewed Oct 2026Allergy NZ · reviewed Oct 2026GDM guidance · reviewed Oct 2026MAOIs & tyramine · reviewed Oct 2026Monash FODMAP · reviewed Oct 2026