Can You Eat Cotija Cheese During Pregnancy? – Find Out If It’s Safe or Not!

No, Cotija Cheese is not safe during pregnancy and should be avoided. It may contain listeria, increasing the risk of miscarriage. Consuming Cotija Cheese can lead to infection. Instead, choose pasteurized cheese for a healthier pregnancy.

Key reasons to avoid eating cotija cheese while pregnant:

Contamination: May contain Listeria, posing a serious infection risk to unborn babies.
Unpasteurized Milk: Often made with unpasteurized milk, increasing bacterial infection risk.
High Sodium: Contains high salt levels, which can contribute to increased blood pressure.
Allergens: Can trigger allergies in those sensitive to cow’s milk proteins.
Calcium Imbalance: Excessive intake may disturb calcium balance, affecting bone health.

Safety Tip: If you’re wondering if a food is safe to eat while pregnant, it’s best to consult with an OB-GYN or registered dietician who specializes in pregnancy. “Most foods are safe to consume during pregnancy and it’s smart to enjoy a variety of foods to get the most nutrients,” says Largeman-Roth.

Risk Profile and Potential Concerns of Cotija Cheese Consumption for Pregnant Women

While Cotija Cheese provides protein and calcium, it carries risks such as bacterial contamination and high sodium content.

What’s more, it can increase the risk of listeriosis due to unpasteurized milk.

Cotija Cheese contains some beneficial nutrients, but also carries risks that can impact pregnancy health. Below is a breakdown of its key components:

Nutrient / Component	Amount per 100g
Protein	24g
Calcium	700mg
Fat	29g
Phosphorus	500mg
Sodium ⚠️	900mg
Cholesterol	95mg
Vitamin A	300mcg
Listeria Risk ⚠️	Present

What Happens If You Accidentally Eat Cotija Cheese?

If you’ve accidentally eaten cotija cheese, take these steps:

Stay Calm: Most cheeses are pasteurized in the U.S., reducing risk. Don’t panic but be aware of your body.
Check Symptoms: Watch for signs like fever, nausea, or diarrhea. These could indicate listeriosis.
Consult Doctor: If symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider for guidance and possible testing.
Monitor Baby: Keep an eye on fetal movements. Any decrease should be reported to your doctor promptly.
Review Diet: Ensure future cheeses are pasteurized. This helps maintain safety during the rest of your pregnancy.

Safe Alternatives to Cotija Cheese During Pregnancy

Cotija Cheese is a popular ingredient known for its rich taste, offering distinct flavors and crumbly texture. However, consuming raw Cotija Cheese during pregnancy can pose serious risks, as discussed earlier. If you’re craving Cotija Cheese but need a safe alternative, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious options that provide similar satisfaction without health concerns.

Pregnancy-Friendly Alternatives

Here are some nutrient-rich alternatives that offer similar textures and satisfying flavors— without the risks of raw Cotija Cheese:

Safe Alternative	Why It’s Better?	Best Way to Eat It
Feta Cheese (made from pasteurized milk)	Lower bacteria risk, pasteurized	Sprinkle over salads or pasta
Ricotta Cheese	Pasteurized, creamy texture	Spread on toast or mix in dips
Paneer	High in protein, fully cooked	Add to curries or grill it
Cottage Cheese	Rich in protein, low bacteria risk	Mix with fruits or in salads
Parmesan Cheese	Hard cheese, lower bacteria risk	Grate over pasta or soups

If you’re craving Cotija Cheese but need to avoid it due to pregnancy risks, opt for Feta Cheese, Ricotta Cheese, or Parmesan Cheese. These options provide a safer way to enjoy the flavors and texture of Cotija Cheese while ensuring a pregnancy-safe choice.

Choose the one that best suits your needs, and enjoy a balanced diet for you and your baby!

Learn about other food items, whether they are safe or not:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I eat Cotija Cheese during the first trimester of pregnancy?

No, it’s not safe to eat Cotija Cheese during pregnancy. It is often made from unpasteurized milk, which can carry Listeria bacteria. Listeria can cause serious infections, especially harmful during the first trimester. Always choose pasteurized options to ensure safety.

2. Can I eat Cotija Cheese during the second trimester of pregnancy?

No, avoid Cotija Cheese during the second trimester. This cheese type is frequently unpasteurized and poses a risk of Listeria infection. Listeria can lead to complications like preterm labor. Choose pasteurized cheeses to protect your health and your baby’s development.

3. Can I eat Cotija Cheese during the third trimester of pregnancy?

No, you shouldn’t eat Cotija Cheese in the third trimester. Unpasteurized cheeses like Cotija can contain harmful bacteria. Listeria infections can result in serious pregnancy complications, including stillbirth. Opt for pasteurized cheese varieties to ensure a safe diet for you and your baby.

4. What are some common myths about Cotija Cheese and pregnancy?

A common myth is that all cheeses are safe for pregnant women. However, Cotija Cheese is usually unpasteurized, making it risky due to potential Listeria contamination. Another misconception is that heating Cotija makes it safe, but it’s best to avoid it altogether unless you’re certain it’s pasteurized.

5. Is Cotija Cheese healthy for pregnancy?

While Cotija Cheese is rich in calcium and protein, it’s not safe during pregnancy due to the risk of Listeria from unpasteurized milk. Pregnant women should choose pasteurized cheese options that provide similar nutrients without the infection risk. Always check labels or consult a healthcare provider for safe choices.

6. What types of Cotija Cheese are safe during pregnancy?

Only Cotija Cheese made from pasteurized milk is safe during pregnancy. However, it’s rare to find pasteurized versions of Cotija. To avoid risk, pregnant women should opt for other pasteurized cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella, which are safer alternatives and widely available.

7. Can you eat cooked Cotija Cheese while pregnant?

Cooking Cotija Cheese might kill some bacteria, but it’s still not recommended during pregnancy. The risk from unpasteurized cheese is significant, and cooking might not eliminate all bacteria. Stick to pasteurized cheeses instead, and consult with your healthcare provider for safe cheese options.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This website contains general information about conception, pregnancy, pregnancy products and parenting. The information is not complete or comprehensive. You should not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. Nothing contained on this web site should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Should you have any healthcare related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly.