During pregnancy, attention to nutrition increases, and one of the most common doubts concerns cheese: which are safe and which should be avoided? Parmigiano Reggiano is among the foods that generate the most questions, precisely because it is a raw milk cheese. Let's see what science says.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Parmigiano Reggiano PDO is generally considered safe even during pregnancy, unlike many other raw milk cheeses. The reason is linked to its particular production process and its long, mandatory aging period.
Why Parmigiano Reggiano is an exception
The risk with raw milk cheeses mainly concerns Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can be dangerous during pregnancy. Parmigiano Reggiano, however, has characteristics that make it a special case:
- Minimum aging of 12 months: during this long process, the cheese's pH drops and the residual moisture decreases drastically, creating a hostile environment for the survival of pathogenic bacteria like Listeria.
- Low water content: a hard, aged cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano has a very low water activity (Aw), a key factor that prevents bacterial proliferation.
- Strict production specifications: Parmigiano Reggiano PDO is subject to constant checks throughout the entire supply chain, from milking to aging.
For these reasons, the most common food safety guidelines (including those referenced for pregnancy in many European countries) consider hard, aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, safe even if made with raw milk — unlike soft or fresh raw milk cheeses, which should be avoided.
Which cheeses to avoid during pregnancy
For context, here are the categories generally discouraged during pregnancy (when made with raw or unpasteurized milk):
- Soft-ripened cheeses (e.g., brie, camembert)
- Blue-veined cheeses (e.g., gorgonzola, roquefort)
- Unpasteurized fresh cheeses
Parmigiano Reggiano, along with other hard, long-aged cheeses (such as Grana Padano or aged Pecorino), does not fall into this at-risk category.
An extra benefit: nutrients useful in pregnancy
In addition to being safe, Parmigiano Reggiano offers nutrients that are particularly useful during this period:
- Calcium (about 1,150 mg per 100g): essential for the fetus's bone development and for maintaining the mother's bone health.
- Complete high-quality proteins (about 33g per 100g): support the growth of fetal tissues.
- Vitamin B12: important for the baby's nervous system development.
- Lactose-free: thanks to the long aging process, lactose is completely broken down by natural enzymes, making it suitable even for those who suffer from intolerance, a condition common in pregnancy.
How much Parmigiano Reggiano can you eat during pregnancy
As with any food, the rule of moderation applies: a portion of 20-30g per day, grated over a main course or as shavings in a salad, is generally considered a balanced amount, also keeping in mind the salt content (about 1.4g per 100g) which should be considered in your daily intake.
An important note
This information is for purely educational purposes and does not replace the advice of your doctor or gynecologist. Every pregnancy is different: it is always advisable to discuss the most suitable diet for your specific case with your trusted specialist.
Conclusion
Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, thanks to its minimum aging of 12 months and low water content, is generally considered one of the safest cheeses to consume during pregnancy, in addition to being a precious source of calcium and protein at a time when nutritional needs increase. Discover our different certified aging periods to choose the one best suited to your needs.