Can You Eat Burrata When Pregnant? (Quick Answer!)

By KidSpaceStuff •  Updated: 04/19/24 •  9 min read
Motherhood

As a mother of several children, I’ve navigated the often tricky waters of what to eat and what to avoid during pregnancy.

One question that kept cropping up during my cravings was, “Can you eat burrata when pregnant?”

The creamy filling, the soft cheese texture, and the delightful taste of fresh burrata cheese make it a sought-after delicacy. But like many soft cheeses, concerns about pasteurized milk and harmful bacteria always lingered in the back of my mind.

With the love for this delicious Italian cheese and the wellbeing of my unborn baby in consideration, I set out to find the answers.

Can You Eat Burrata When Pregnant?

Burrata Caprese

Burrata is a delightful Italian cheese known for its creamy texture and delectable taste, commonly used in salads and pasta dishes or enjoyed on its own. As an expecting mother, you might wonder if it’s safe to eat burrata during pregnancy.

The answer to this question is: yes, you can eat burrata when pregnant, provided that it is made from pasteurized cow’s milk.

The primary concern with consuming soft cheeses during pregnancy is the risk of listeria bacteria, which can cause severe complications if passed on to your unborn child. However, burrata made from pasteurized milk significantly reduces this risk, as the pasteurization process kills most harmful bacteria, including listeria.

In the United States, most burrata cheese is pasteurized, making it safe for pregnant women. However, be cautious when traveling outside the country, as pasteurization standards may vary.

Burrata is a fresh cheese, meaning it undergoes a shorter aging process compared to other types of cheese. This characteristic also lowers the risk of contamination with listeria bacteria. The cheese consists of an outer shell of solid mozzarella filled with a mixture of fresh cream and stracciatella (shreds of mozzarella). It is this combination that gives burrata its unique creamy texture and exquisite flavor.

In summary, you can safely enjoy burrata cheese during pregnancy, provided it is made from pasteurized cow’s milk.

To further ensure your safety, make sure to store and handle the cheese properly, as it is a perishable item. Always check the label or ask for pasteurized options when purchasing burrata, especially when in a foreign country. Indulge in this delicious Italian treat without worry, and savor the creamy goodness of burrata cheese while pregnant.

Safety Concerns of Burrata During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is crucial for expectant mothers to be mindful of the foods they consume. One particular concern arises surrounding the consumption of burrata cheese.

The main safety issue associated with burrata during pregnancy is the potential for listeria infection. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Pregnant women are more susceptible to this infection due to their weakened immune systems.

Listeriosis can have severe consequences during pregnancy, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious health problems for the newborn baby. Foodborne illnesses like listeriosis are often caused by consuming unpasteurized dairy products, which can harbor harmful bacteria.

With that said, the risk of listeria infection can be significantly reduced if the burrata cheese you consume is made from pasteurized milk and cream. Pasteurization involves heating the milk to kill harmful bacteria, including listeria. Before indulging your craving for burrata cheese during pregnancy, always check the label to ensure that it is made with pasteurized ingredients.

Moreover, proper food handling and storage is vital to avoid potential food poisoning. Store your burrata in the refrigerator at the proper temperature, and consume it within a few days of opening to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.

In summary, pregnant women can safely enjoy burrata cheese, provided it is made with pasteurized ingredients, and the proper food handling and storage practices are followed. By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of listeria infection and other foodborne illnesses during your pregnancy.

Choosing Safe Cheeses While Pregnant

When you’re pregnant, it’s essential to be cautious about the foods you consume, including various types of cheese. In this section, we’ll discuss how to choose safe cheeses during pregnancy, focusing on the preference for hard cheeses over soft ones.

Hard Cheeses Over Soft Cheeses

As a rule of thumb, it’s good to prioritize hard cheeses over soft cheeses during pregnancy. The reason being that hard cheeses, such as cheddar, swiss, and mozzarella, are less likely to contain the harmful bacteria listeria, which can cause illnesses when present in food. Listeria can pose risks to both the expecting mother and the unborn child, and therefore, it’s important to take necessary precautions.

Soft cheeses, especially those with a white moldy rind or blue-veins, like brie, camembert, roquefort, gorgonzola, queso blanco, and queso fresco, should be avoided due to a higher risk of listeria contamination. However, there’s an exception for soft cheeses made from pasteurized ingredients, as the pasteurization process kills listeria, making them safe for consumption. For instance, mozzarella cheese can typically be consumed during pregnancy, thanks to the pasteurization process.

To ensure you’re making safe cheese choices while pregnant, always check labels for information on pasteurization, and opt for hard cheeses over soft ones when possible. By being diligent in your cheese selection, you can continue to enjoy your favorite dishes while prioritizing the health and well-being of both you and your baby.

Nutritional Benefits of Burrata

Burrata is not only a delicious cheese but also offers various nutritional benefits to your diet. In this section, we will discuss the caloric and nutrient contents of burrata and how they can contribute to a healthy diet during pregnancy.

Caloric and Nutrient Contents

Burrata is mainly composed of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. One serving of burrata (about 100 grams) typically contains:

Here are some essential nutrients found in burrata that can benefit you during pregnancy:

  1. Protein: Burrata is a good source of protein which is crucial for the growth and development of your baby. The protein in burrata can help with tissue repair and building muscle while supporting your immune system as well.
  2. Calcium: This cheese provides a decent amount of calcium, an essential mineral for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. During pregnancy, calcium is vital for both you and your baby’s bone health.
  3. Vitamins: Burrata contains small amounts of vitamins A, B2, and D. Vitamin A is essential for eye development, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) contributes to energy metabolism, and vitamin D helps in calcium absorption.
  4. Fat: Although burrata is high in fat, it mainly consists of healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are essential for your baby’s brain development and the proper functioning of cells throughout your body.

In conclusion, burrata can be a nutritious and tasty addition to your pregnancy salad diet if consumed in moderation. Its protein, calcium, vitamins, and healthy fat content can provide essential nutrients needed during pregnancy. However, always make sure to choose burrata made from pasteurized milk to ensure safety for both you and your baby.

Safe Practices

Check the Label

When it comes to eating burrata during pregnancy, it is crucial to read the label on the cheese packaging. Ensure that the burrata is made from pasteurized milk as this process effectively kills harmful bacteria such as listeria. The label should provide clear information about the pasteurization process. Stick to burrata made from pasteurized milk in order to maintain your safety and that of your unborn child during pregnancy.

Proper Storage and Handling

To further ensure food safety, it’s essential to take appropriate measures for proper storage and handling of burrata cheese:

  1. Refrigeration: When purchasing burrata, it is important to keep it cold. Once you bring it home, place the cheese in the refrigerator as soon as possible, preferably between 35°F and 40°F (2°C and 4°C), to prevent bacterial growth.
  2. Packaging: Store the cheese in its original packaging or in a tightly sealed container or plastic wrap. It helps maintain the freshness and quality of the product.
  3. Cross-contamination: To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, always use clean utensils and cutting boards when handling burrata. Avoid placing the cheese directly on surfaces that have come into contact with other raw or uncooked foods, especially meat and seafood.

By following these simple yet essential safety practices, you can safely indulge in the creamy and delicious taste of burrata without putting yourself or your baby at risk during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is burrata safe during pregnancy?

Burrata is typically safe to eat during pregnancy, as it is made from pasteurized cow’s milk. The pasteurization process helps reduce the risk of listeria bacteria, which can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. However, it is always a good idea to check the packaging to ensure that the burrata is made from pasteurized milk.

Are there specific trimesters to avoid burrata?

There are no specific trimesters during which you should avoid consuming burrata. As long as it is made from pasteurized milk, it is safe to eat throughout your pregnancy. That said, every pregnancy is unique, and if you have any concerns or questions, it is best to consult your healthcare provider.

What cheeses should be avoided during pregnancy?

Soft cheeses with a white rind, such as Brie or Camembert, as well as blue-veined cheeses, must be avoided during pregnancy. These cheeses have a higher risk of containing listeria bacteria, which can be harmful to your baby. It is important to choose pasteurized cheese and avoid raw or undercooked meats, poultry, and fish. Remember to always check the label before consumption.

Can you eat feta when pregnant?

Yes, you can eat feta cheese during pregnancy, as long as it is made from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization helps eliminate harmful bacteria, including listeria. Feta made from unpasteurized milk should be avoided. Always check the packaging or consult with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.

Are you wondering how to make salad with burrata? Check out the video below!

Final Thoughts

So, can you eat burrata cheese when pregnant? The answer is yes, as long as it comers from pasteurized milk.

When it comes to burrata cheese, the primary concern is ensuring it’s made from pasteurized milk to safeguard against potential harmful bacteria.

While enjoying the luscious cream inside and the soft texture of fresh burrata, remember that choosing pasteurized varieties and storing it properly ensures both you and your baby can enjoy this Italian delight without worries. Stay informed, always check labels when buying burrata, and trust in the age-old wisdom that prioritizes safety first.