• Alyssa Fontaine, RD
• Aug 05, 2026

Can You Eat Burrata When Pregnant?

You just got back from your maternity photoshoot and, of course, the photographer pulled the classic: “Say cheese!” You obeyed, but now all you can think about is creamy, rich cheese.  Cheddar, brie, burrata. Ooh burrata. 

You would do anything for burrata right now. Anything but risk harming your baby, that is, and you can’t quite remember if you’re allowed it. However, your thoughts are now so consumed by cheese that you can’t make sense of all the information online. 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you! As dietitians, we’ll explain when burrata is safe and what to look out for so you can get on with bringing your cheese fantasies to life. 

What Is Burrata?

Burrata is a soft Italian cheese featuring a delicate mozzarella shell and a rich, buttery center made from cream and curd. 

It is a popular addition to:

• Salads
• Pizza
• Pasta
• Appetizers

However, as burrata is a soft cheese, it is important to be mindful of its food safety. 

Is Burrata Safe During Pregnancy?

Great news! Yes, burrata can be safe during pregnancy if:

• it is made with pasteurized milk
• it is handled properly
• eaten fresh + kept refrigerated

Risks of Eating Unpasteurized Burrata in Pregnancy

It would have been lovely to end it right there, but unfortunately, there are always two sides to a story. So while there are safe options, burrata made from unpasteurized milk can lead to foodborne illnesses such as:

Listeria Infection

The biggest risk is getting Listeria infection (listeriosis), one of the most serious forms of food poisoning brought on by harmful bacteria.

It can cause a slew of unpleasant symptoms (sometimes months later!) or even go undetected but can pass on to your child. 

This can lead to:

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Premature birth
• Serious health conditions (blood + brain infections, seizures, paralysis, etc)

How to Choose Pregnancy-Safe Burrata

All of this can seem scary and like it might just be better to completely avoid eating burrata. But you don’t have to! Here are some tips you can adopt:

When to avoid burrata:

• At buffets
• From farmer’s markets or local shops (unless they can confirm that it is pasteurized)
• If it has been left out
• If you are unsure of its freshness
• If it has a sour smell

Choose pregnancy-safe burrata by:

• Looking for “pasteurized” on the label
• Buying from reputable stores
• Keeping it refrigerated
• Eating it soon after opening it (and not after the expiration date!)
• Asking servers if the burrata has been pasteurized when eating out
• Heating it until it is bubbling/steaming (at least 165°F / 74°C) 

Working with a dietitian can help you navigate these tips with confidence and answer any other questions you may have. 

Healthy Alternatives to Burrata During Pregnancy

If you can’t find pasteurized burrata or are still unsure and don’t want to take any chances, there are alternatives to safely satisfy those cravings. 

Give these options a try:

• Pasteurized mozzarella, parmesan, pecorino or other hard cheeses
• Pasteurized cottage cheese
• Pasteurized yogurt
• Calcium-fortified plant-based soft cheeses 

For more ideas or suggestions tailored to your preferences and lifestyle, reach out to one of our dietitians!  We’d love to hear from you!

FAQs 

• Can I eat burrata on pizza while pregnant?

Absolutely! Cooking burrata on pizza can be a great way of making sure it is safe. If adding as a topping at the end, just verify that it is fresh and pasteurized.

• Is burrata always pasteurized in North America?

Most North-American grocery stores will have pasteurized burrata, but watch out for artisan-made, small local shops or imported burrata that can be unpasteurized.

• What’s the difference between mozzarella and burrata for safety?

Since burrata is creamier and contains more moisture, it often goes bad a lot quicker than mozzarella (the higher pH and water content provide a better environment for bacterial growth).

• Can heating burrata make it safe in pregnancy?

Yes! Heating burrata can greatly lower the risk of bacteria, making it safer during pregnancy. We would still recommend going for pasteurized options to be extra safe.

• What other cheeses should I avoid while pregnant?

Avoid all unpasteurized cheeses, ones that have a rind/mold ripened (like brie, camembert, blue cheese, etc) unless they are heated, and all queso-fresco type cheeses.

The Bottom Line

With the right precautions, you can certainly continue to enjoy burrata while pregnant. And if you have questions along the way (or are looking for more nutritional guidance), contact us! 

Our dietitians are here to help so that the next time someone says “cheese”, you can confidently reply: “Yes please!”