Pregnancy food guidance, in plain English

Hard Cheese

Hard cheeses — including Cheddar, Parmesan, and Stilton — are safe during pregnancy, even if made from unpasteurised milk.

Safe to eat
Hard Cheese

The NHS confirms that hard cheeses are safe to eat throughout pregnancy, including those made from unpasteurised (raw) milk. Hard cheeses have a low moisture content, which makes it much harder for Listeria bacteria to survive. Safe hard cheeses include Cheddar, Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, Parmesan, Gruyère, Manchego, Pecorino Romano, and Stilton. Note that Stilton is a hard blue cheese and is considered safe by the NHS — unlike softer blue cheeses such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort, which should be avoided. If you are unsure whether a cheese is hard or soft, a firm texture and low moisture are the key indicators.

What to be aware of

  • Hard cheeses are safe even if made from unpasteurised milk.
  • Stilton (a hard blue cheese) is safe.
  • Avoid soft mould-ripened cheeses — see the individual pages for Brie, Camembert, or Gorgonzola.
  • If in doubt about a specific cheese, ask your midwife or GP.

NHS guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/

Pregnancy-safe recipes

These recipes are designed with pregnancy safety in mind.

Macaroni cheese

Macaroni cheese

A comforting, filling pasta bake made with plenty of Cheddar and Parmesan.

Ingredients

  • 300g macaroni
  • 50g butter
  • 50g plain flour
  • 600ml whole milk
  • 150g mature Cheddar, grated
  • 50g Parmesan, grated
  • 1 tsp English mustard
  • Salt, pepper, and a little grated nutmeg

Method

  1. Cook macaroni according to packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in most of the cheese, mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  5. Mix in the macaroni and transfer to a baking dish.
  6. Top with remaining cheese and bake at 200°C for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Welsh rarebit

Welsh rarebit

The classic British cheese on toast, elevated — rich, savoury, and completely safe during pregnancy.

Ingredients

  • 2 thick slices white or sourdough bread
  • 100g mature Cheddar, grated
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp plain flour
  • 3 tbsp whole milk
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp English mustard
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan, stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Add milk and stir until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in Cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Toast the bread on one side under the grill.
  6. Spread the cheese mixture thickly on the untoasted side.
  7. Grill for 3–4 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  8. Serve immediately.