Evidence-based guide to goat cheese safety. Pasteurization check, source comparison, and how it differs from other soft cheeses.
According to FDA guidelines, goat cheese made from pasteurized milk is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Most US store-bought goat cheese is pasteurized. Avoid unpasteurized artisanal or imported goat cheese — check the label for 'pasteurized milk.'
Written by Ash K · Last updated: June 2026 · Sources cited below
Goat cheese made from pasteurized milk is considered safe during pregnancy per FDA guidelines. Goat cheese made from unpasteurized (raw) milk should be avoided — it carries the same Listeria risk as any unpasteurized soft cheese.
The safety depends entirely on pasteurization status, not on the fact that it's goat milk. Check the label.
Key Takeaway: Pasteurized goat cheese (chèvre) = considered safe during pregnancy. Unpasteurized/raw milk goat cheese = avoid. Most commercial goat cheese from major US brands is pasteurized. Artisanal, farm-made, and farmers market goat cheese is more likely unpasteurized — always ask or check the label.
| Type | Usually pasteurized? | Safe during pregnancy? |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial chèvre (log/crumbles) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Goat brie/camembert | ⚠️ Varies | Check label |
| Farm/artisanal goat cheese | ⚠️ Often no | Ask vendor |
| Aged/hard goat cheese (aged 60+ days) | N/A — safe either way | ✅ Yes |
| Goat milk feta | ⚠️ Varies | Check label |
Pasteurization heats milk to 161°F (72°C) for 15 seconds, killing Listeria and other pathogenic bacteria. Without pasteurization, any bacteria present in the raw milk survives into the finished cheese.
Soft goat cheese (chèvre) has high moisture content — an ideal environment for Listeria growth. Hard aged goat cheese has low moisture, making it inhospitable to Listeria regardless of pasteurization.
Note: The same rule applies to all soft cheeses during pregnancy — goat, cow, sheep. The animal source doesn't change the Listeria risk. Pasteurization status does. For a complete guide, see our soft cheese during pregnancy page.
Goat Cheese — Source Safety (per FDA Guidelines)
| Nutrient | Per 1 oz goat cheese | Pregnancy benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 5g | Fetal tissue growth |
| Calcium | 40mg | Bone development |
| Phosphorus | 73mg | Bone mineralization |
| Vitamin A | 83 IU | Fetal development |
| Calories | 75 | Moderate |
Goat cheese is lower in lactose than cow's milk cheese — often tolerated by people with mild lactose sensitivity. If cow's milk dairy causes discomfort, pasteurized goat cheese may be a tolerable calcium and protein source during pregnancy.
Tip: When eating out, ask: "Is the goat cheese pasteurized?" Most US restaurants use pasteurized dairy. Be more cautious at specialty/artisanal restaurants, cheese-focused establishments, and farmers markets where raw milk cheese is more common.
Bottom Line: Pasteurized goat cheese is considered safe during pregnancy. Unpasteurized goat cheese should be avoided. Check the label — if it says "made from pasteurized milk," you're fine. If it doesn't specify, ask. Aged/hard goat cheese is considered safe regardless of pasteurization.
Can you eat goat cheese while pregnant?
Pasteurized goat cheese is considered safe per FDA guidelines. Unpasteurized goat cheese should be avoided due to Listeria risk. Check the label or ask the vendor.
Is chèvre safe during pregnancy?
Commercial chèvre from major brands is almost always pasteurized and considered safe. Artisanal/farm chèvre may be unpasteurized — verify before consuming.
What about goat cheese on pizza?
Goat cheese heated on pizza reaches temperatures well above Listeria-killing thresholds. Heated goat cheese is considered safe regardless of original pasteurization status.
Cheese Safety During Pregnancy — Quick Reference
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your health.