Ricotta cheese is a soft, mild dairy product made from whey, offering a good source of calcium and protein. When made from pasteurized milk, it's a nutritious and versatile ingredient for pregnancy meals. It works well in both savory and sweet dishes.
Why it's good in pregnancy
Ricotta cheese provides calcium and protein, both essential for your baby's developing bones, muscles, and tissues. It also offers zinc and vitamin A, which support immune function and healthy cell growth. Choosing pasteurized ricotta makes it a safe, nutrient-dense addition to your pregnancy diet.
Key nutrients
CalciumSupports your baby's developing bones and teeth, and helps maintain your own bone health.
ProteinProvides essential building blocks for your baby's growth.
ZincSupports immune function and healthy cell division.
Vitamin ASupports healthy vision and organ development.
B VitaminsSupport energy metabolism and nervous system development.
Serving ideas
Spread on whole-grain toast with honey and fruit
Layer into a baked pasta dish
Mix into pancake or muffin batter
Combine with cooked spinach as a filling
Top with fresh berries for a light dessert
Safety
Choose pasteurized.
Choose ricotta cheese made from pasteurized milk, which should be clearly labeled on the packaging. Keep it refrigerated at all times and check the use-by date before eating. Once opened, use within the timeframe recommended on the packaging, typically about a week, and discard if you notice any off smell, mold, or discoloration. Always use a clean spoon when serving to avoid introducing bacteria.
Common questions
Is ricotta cheese safe during pregnancy?Yes, as long as it's made from pasteurized milk, ricotta cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Is ricotta a soft cheese I need to avoid?Ricotta is soft, but when pasteurized and properly stored, it doesn't carry the same risk as certain unpasteurized soft or mould-ripened cheeses.
How can I tell if ricotta has gone bad?Look for an off smell, sour taste, visible mold, or discoloration, and discard it if you notice any of these signs.
Did you know?
Ricotta means "recooked" in Italian, referring to how it's made from whey left over from other cheesemaking.
It's naturally lower in fat than many other cheeses, depending on the milk used.
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