GUIDE
Cream Cheese During Pregnancy
Published on ·Updated on
YES — cream cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Commercial cream cheese is made from pasteurized milk and poses no listeria risk. Enjoy it on bagels, in recipes, and in desserts.
Be prepared from day one
The Short Answer
Cream cheese is safe during pregnancy. All commercially produced cream cheese in the United States is made from pasteurized milk, which eliminates the listeria risk that makes some dairy products unsafe during pregnancy. This includes Philadelphia, store brands, organic varieties, and flavored cream cheese.
You can enjoy cream cheese on bagels, in recipes, in cheesecake, as frosting, and in dips without concern. The only exception would be artisan cream cheese specifically made from raw (unpasteurized) milk, which is very uncommon.
For a complete overview, see our complete food safety guide.
Safe Cream Cheese Options
- Regular cream cheese — all major brands use pasteurized milk
- Light and reduced-fat cream cheese — same pasteurization standards
- Flavored cream cheese — chive, strawberry, and other varieties are all safe
- Cream cheese in baked goods — cheesecake, pastries, and frostings
- Cream cheese spreads and dips — when commercially made and properly refrigerated
- Neufchatel cheese — the lower-fat alternative is also made from pasteurized milk
All major commercial cream cheese brands use pasteurized milk.
What to Avoid
- Artisan cream cheese from raw milk — rare, but check labels at farmers' markets
- Cream cheese left at room temperature for more than 2 hours — discard if expired or improperly stored
- Homemade cream cheese from unpasteurized milk — only a concern if you make your own from raw milk
These guidelines are based on ACOG and FDA recommendations.
Why This Matters During Pregnancy
The concern with dairy products during pregnancy centers on Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can be present in unpasteurized dairy. Pasteurization — heating milk to a specific temperature for a set time — kills listeria and other harmful bacteria.
Cream cheese sometimes gets unfairly lumped in with the "avoid soft cheese" advice, but this advice is specifically about soft ripened cheeses (like brie and camembert) and fresh cheeses (like queso fresco) that may be made from unpasteurized milk. Cream cheese is manufactured differently — it's an acid-set cheese made from pasteurized milk, and its production process makes it inherently safe.
The pH of cream cheese (around 4.4-4.9) also makes it less hospitable to bacterial growth than some other dairy products, providing an additional layer of safety.
For more information on which cheeses are safe and which require caution, see our guides on feta cheese and soft cheeses during pregnancy. For a deeper understanding of listeria risk, read our listeria and pregnancy guide.
Tips for Safe Eating
While cream cheese itself is safe, standard food safety practices still apply. Keep cream cheese refrigerated at 40°F or below. Don't leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Check expiration dates and discard if the cheese develops mold, an off smell, or unusual texture.
Cream cheese is a good source of vitamin A and provides some calcium and protein, though in smaller amounts than hard cheeses. It pairs well with whole grain bagels, fruit, and vegetables for a balanced snack.
For baking, cream cheese is perfectly safe in all cooked and uncooked preparations — cheesecake (whether baked or no-bake), frostings, dips, and sauces are all fine.
For more on building a nutritious pregnancy diet, see our best foods for pregnancy guide and pregnancy meal plan. For other dairy questions, check our soft cheese guide.
Related Guides
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Advice about eating fish for pregnant people
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Nutrition during pregnancy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Foods to avoid during pregnancy
- March of Dimes — Foods to avoid or limit during pregnancy
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Philadelphia cream cheese safe during pregnancy?
- Yes. Philadelphia and all other major commercial cream cheese brands (store brands included) are made from pasteurized milk and are safe during pregnancy. This applies to regular, light, and flavored varieties.
- Can I eat cream cheese frosting while pregnant?
- Yes. Cream cheese frosting is safe during pregnancy. The cream cheese used is pasteurized, and the sugar content actually helps inhibit bacterial growth. Store-bought and homemade cream cheese frosting are both fine.
- Is cream cheese a soft cheese I should avoid?
- No. While cream cheese has a soft texture, it's not in the same risk category as soft ripened cheeses like brie or camembert. Cream cheese is made from pasteurized milk through a process that makes it safe. The 'avoid soft cheese' advice refers specifically to soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.
- Can I eat cream cheese that's been left out?
- Cream cheese should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. While the pasteurization makes the initial product safe, bacteria can grow on any dairy product left in the 'danger zone' (40°F-140°F) for extended periods. Refrigerate promptly after use.
