Is Burrata Pasteurized—and Can You Eat It While Pregnant?

You may have fallen in love with this type of fresh mozzarella after discovering burrata boards—but unfortunately, not all cheeses are safe during pregnancy. Burrata is a soft cheese, so parents-to-be wonder if it’s on the long list of foods to avoid during pregnancy. This fresh cheese is usually served at room temperature, which can complicate the decision even more.

To know if burrata is safe during pregnancy, we first have to ask, is burrata pasteurized?

Is Burrata Cheese Pasteurized?

Yes, most types of burrata cheese found at the grocery store are pasteurized. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that burrata made in the United States be pasteurized.

Pasteurization is the process of heating the milk used to make cheese to a specific temperature that kills dangerous bacteria. Soft cheeses like burrata are at risk of being contaminated with listeria, a harmful bacteria that can be dangerous for pregnant women and their babies. Pasteurization kills listeria and other types of bacteria.

Can You Eat Burrata Cheese While Pregnant?

Yes, it’s safe to eat burrata made with pasteurized milk when pregnant. Burrata is made of mozzarella cheese with cream on the inside, so all burrata ingredients must be pasteurized for it to be safe. (And speaking of foods you didn’t know you could eat while pregnant, add shrimp to the safe list as well!)

Burrata that has not been made with pasteurized milk carries the risk of listeriosis, a rare and serious infection that is dangerous for pregnant women and their babies.

To keep burrata safe to eat, place it in the refrigerator as soon as you get home from the store. Be sure that your fridge temperature is below 40°F, and never eat perishable food that has been out at room temperature for more than two hours.

But Isn’t Burrata a Soft Cheese?

Good question! Yes, burrata is considered a soft cheese. You’ve likely heard that soft cheeses are not safe for pregnant women. As long as the soft cheese is pasteurized and stored properly, though, it’s safe to eat with a baby bump.

Don’t miss the full list of surprising foods that are safe to eat when pregnant.

What to Consider When Buying Burrata Cheese

Many recipes call for a delicious burrata, but while purchasing remember to check the label carefully to confirm that it has been made with pasteurized milk. Most types of burrata sold at the grocery store will display a label that says “made with pasteurized milk.” If you’re buying burrata from a local cheese shop or farmers market, it may be harder to determine if the cheese is safe for you. If you’re unsure, skip it.