Ricotta is a soft, creamy cheese that is widely used in both sweet and savoury dishes. If you’re pregnant, you might be wondering whether it’s safe to eat. Some cheeses pose a risk during pregnancy due to bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes, which can lead to serious complications. But where does Ricotta stand?
SEE ALSO: Complete guide to eating cheese during pregnancy →
This article explores whether Ricotta is safe during pregnancy, the potential risks, and how to enjoy it safely.
What is Ricotta?
Ricotta is an Italian whey cheese made from the leftover whey of cow, sheep, goat or buffalo milk. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a soft, grainy texture. Unlike aged cheeses, Ricotta is fresh and typically not matured.
Traditionally, Ricotta is made by heating whey with an acid (like vinegar or lemon juice), which causes the remaining proteins to coagulate. The curds are then strained, resulting in a soft, fluffy cheese.
Ricotta is often used in dishes like lasagne, stuffed pasta, cheesecakes and even as a topping for toast. But is it safe for pregnant women? Let’s dive into the science together.
Can you eat Ricotta when pregnant?
Yes, Ricotta is generally safe to eat during pregnancy—as long as it is made from pasteurised milk. Pasteurisation is a heat treatment that kills harmful bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause listeriosis.
Listeriosis is a rare but serious infection that can lead to complications such as:
- Miscarriage
- Preterm labour
- Stillbirth
- Severe illness in newborns
If Ricotta is made from raw (unpasteurised) milk, it poses a higher risk of listeriosis and should be avoided during pregnancy.
How to ensure your Ricotta is safe during pregnancy
To safely enjoy Ricotta during pregnancy, follow these guidelines:
- Check the label: Always look at the packaging to confirm that the Ricotta is made from pasteurised milk. In many countries, store-bought Ricotta is pasteurised, but it’s still best to check.
- Avoid raw milk Ricotta: If you are buying Ricotta from a farmer’s market or an artisan cheesemaker, ask if it is made from raw milk. If it is, it’s best to avoid it during pregnancy.
- Eat it cooked if unsure: If you’re unsure whether Ricotta is pasteurised, you can eat it cooked. Heating the cheese until it’s steaming hot (above 75°C/167°F) kills bacteria, making it safe for pregnant women.
- Store it properly: Keep Ricotta refrigerated at 4°C (39°F) or below and consume it within the recommended timeframe on the packaging. Discard any Ricotta that smells off, has mould, or is past its expiration date.
Nutritional benefits of Ricotta during pregnancy
Ricotta is not only safe when made from pasteurised milk, but it also has several nutritional benefits for pregnant women:
- High in protein: Protein is essential during pregnancy for the growth and development of the baby. Ricotta provides a good amount of high-quality protein.
- Rich in calcium: Calcium is crucial for foetal bone development. Ricotta contains a decent amount of calcium, helping to support both your baby’s and your own bone health.
- Source of vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation and neurological development in the baby. Ricotta, especially from cow’s milk, contains B12.
- Contains phosphorus and selenium: Phosphorus works with calcium to strengthen bones, while selenium supports immune function. Ricotta provides both.
- Lower in sodium than many cheeses: Some cheeses, like Feta and Parmesan, are high in sodium. Ricotta is relatively low in sodium, making it a heart-friendly choice during pregnancy.
What about Ricotta in different dishes?
Here’s a breakdown of common Ricotta-based dishes and their safety during pregnancy:
Lasagne and stuffed pasta (safe)
Ricotta in lasagne, ravioli or cannelloni is cooked, making it safe even if the cheese was unpasteurised. Cooking at high temperatures eliminates harmful bacteria.
Ricotta cheesecake (safe if cooked properly)
Baked Ricotta cheesecakes are generally safe because they are cooked at high temperatures. However, be cautious with no-bake cheesecakes, as they may contain unpasteurised Ricotta.
Ricotta on toast (safe if pasteurised)
Ricotta spread on toast is safe if it’s made from pasteurised milk. If you’re unsure, you can toast the bread with the Ricotta on top to ensure it’s heated.
Ricotta in salads (only if pasteurised)
If adding Ricotta to salads, make sure it is pasteurised and fresh. Uncooked, unpasteurised Ricotta is risky.
Ricotta pancakes or baked goods (safe)
Ricotta used in pancakes, muffins or cakes is safe since the cooking process eliminates bacteria.
What to avoid when eating Ricotta during pregnancy
While pasteurised Ricotta is generally safe, there are a few things to watch out for:
1. Unpasteurised Ricotta
As mentioned earlier, unpasteurised Ricotta poses a risk of listeriosis. Always check labels and ask if you’re unsure.
2. Expired or improperly stored Ricotta
Soft cheeses spoil faster than hard cheeses. Eating old or improperly stored Ricotta increases the risk of foodborne illness.
3. Ricotta mixed with high-risk foods
Be mindful of dishes that contain Ricotta alongside other risky ingredients, such as:
- Raw eggs (in some no-bake desserts)
- Unwashed vegetables (which may carry bacteria)
- Deli meats (which can also contain Listeria)
Can you eat Ricotta when pregnant if you have lactose intolerance?
Ricotta is lower in lactose than regular milk but still contains some. If you have mild lactose intolerance, you may tolerate small amounts. However, if you are highly sensitive, consider lactose-free Ricotta or alternatives like:
- Cottage cheese (also soft but available in lactose-free versions)
- Firm cheeses like Cheddar or Swiss, which contain very little lactose
Frequently asked questions
1. Is Ricotta safer than other soft cheeses during pregnancy?
Yes, because Ricotta is usually made from pasteurised milk, it is safer than soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese, which can harbour Listeria.
2. Can I eat Ricotta from a restaurant?
Most restaurants use pasteurised Ricotta, but it’s always best to ask to be sure. If in doubt, choose a cooked dish.
3. What about homemade Ricotta?
If you make Ricotta at home, ensure you use pasteurised milk. If you’re making it from raw milk, it’s not safe during pregnancy.
4. Can I eat Ricotta during all trimesters?
Yes, as long as it’s pasteurised, Ricotta is safe in all stages of pregnancy.
Featured recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheesecake
Here’s a delicious and pregnancy-safe baked Ricotta cheesecake recipe! Since it’s fully cooked, it eliminates any risk from unpasteurised cheese.
Ingredients
- 500g Ricotta (pasteurised)
- 200g cream cheese (pasteurised)
- 150g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 100ml heavy cream (pasteurised)
- 200g digestive biscuits (crushed)
- 75g melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease a 20cm (8-inch) springform pan.
- Make the crust: Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter. Press into the pan’s base. Chill for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: Beat Ricotta, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Stir in vanilla, lemon zest, and juice.
- Sift in cornstarch and mix until combined. Add heavy cream and blend until smooth.
- Bake: Pour filling over the crust. Bake for 50–60 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the centre.
- Cool: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for 10 minutes. Cool completely before refrigerating for 4 hours.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled, topped with fresh berries or honey.
This creamy, lemony cheesecake is a perfect treat while pregnant—safe, satisfying, and easy to make!
Final thoughts
Ricotta is a delicious and nutritious cheese that can be safely enjoyed during pregnancy—as long as it is made from pasteurised milk. Cooked Ricotta dishes are even safer, as high temperatures kill bacteria.
By checking labels, storing Ricotta properly, and choosing pasteurised varieties, you can enjoy this creamy cheese without worry. If you’re ever uncertain, cooking Ricotta to a high temperature ensures safety.
Would you like more tips on pregnancy-safe cheeses? Let us know in the comments!
References
Safety in Pregnancy
All the advice relating to what cheeses you can eat during pregnancy in this article is based on the recommendations by health authorities in Australia, the UK and the USA. If you are unsure about what you can or cannot eat, please consult your doctor.
Australia – FSANZ, United Kingdom – NHS and United Sates of America – FDA
Nutritional content
The nutritional content of cheese in our table comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository and cheese manufacturers. We realise that there can be variations between different brands and producers. Hence, the numbers we have used are averages.
Fat
Our fat RDI data comes from Cleveland Clinic’s Healthy Fat Intake resource.
Type of fat in cheese as per Harvard T.H. Chan’s The Nutrition Source.
Protein
Our protein RDI data comes from Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publishing.
Sabine is the creative force behind Cheese Scientist. She is a sustainable living advocate, a climate change protestor and is pro-choice. And, most relevantly, she is also a lactose intolerant cheese lover.
