Pregnancy safety
Blue Cheese (Pasteurized) is only safe in pregnancy if it is prepared the right way
Only if cooked right through until steaming hot; pasteurised milk alone is not enough for a soft blue cheese.
Soft blue cheeses are less acidic and wetter than hard cheese, so Listeria can still grow in them after pasteurisation, and listeriosis in pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or severe newborn infection.
This is about food safety in pregnancy, not blood sugar — it applies whatever your readings look like. Confirm it with your midwife or doctor.
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk
Nutrition per 100g
Dairy & Dairy Alternatives › Cheese
Blue Cheese (Pasteurized) for Gestational Diabetes
Blue cheese is a type of cheese produced with cultures of the mold Penicillium, giving it its characteristic spots or veins of blue or green. It has a distinct, sharp, and salty flavor profile with a texture that can range from creamy to crumbly. Made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk, this version is pasteurized, which involves heating the milk to kill potential harmful bacteria. This process makes it a safer option for certain populations, including pregnant women, without significantly altering its bold taste and aroma.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
Prepare with careBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
2.3gIs Blue Cheese (Pasteurized) safe with gestational diabetes?
Pasteurized blue cheese is an excellent choice for managing gestational diabetes due to its negligible carbohydrate content, which prevents blood sugar spikes. Pasteurization on its own is not enough to make it safe in pregnancy, though: blue cheese is soft and moist enough for Listeria to grow in it afterwards, so it needs to be cooked right through until steaming hot. Its high calorie, saturated fat, and sodium content also necessitate strict portion control. While it supports blood sugar stability, overconsumption can negatively impact overall cardiovascular health and fluid balance, which are important considerations during pregnancy. It should be enjoyed as a flavor enhancer rather than a main component of a meal.
How does Blue Cheese (Pasteurized) affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
With a glycemic index of virtually zero, blue cheese has a minimal impact on blood glucose levels. The high concentration of protein and fat slows down the absorption of any co-ingested carbohydrates, promoting stable blood sugar. This effect is consistent whether the cheese is eaten cold or melted, as its fundamental composition does not change with heat. This makes it a reliable food for preventing post-meal glucose surges when used strategically within a balanced meal, helping to meet blood sugar targets effectively.
What is a safe portion of Blue Cheese (Pasteurized) for gestational diabetes?
A sensible portion for gestational diabetes is about one ounce melted into a hot dish: a small, matchbox-sized cube or about two tablespoons of crumbles, cooked until the cheese is steaming rather than scattered over a salad at the end. This amount is sufficient to impart a rich, savory flavor to your dish without contributing excessive saturated fat or sodium. Sticking to this portion size allows you to enjoy the benefits of this low-carb food while adhering to overall health guidelines for a healthy pregnancy, particularly regarding weight management and blood pressure control.
How should I combine Blue Cheese (Pasteurized) to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To create a balanced, blood-sugar-friendly meal, pair blue cheese with high-fiber foods. Crumble a small amount over a large salad with leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, and a source of lean protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas. Alternatively, use it in a dressing made with Greek yogurt and serve with raw vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, or bell peppers. These pairings add volume and fiber, further blunting any potential glucose response and creating a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal.
Last reviewed: August 31, 2026
Important Safety Information
Every pregnancy is different, and gestational diabetes is managed differently depending on your readings, your medication and how far along you are. The ratings and portions on this page are general information — not a diagnosis, a treatment plan or a medical device — and they cannot see your results.
- Low blood sugar:
- If you take insulin or diabetes medication, eating less carbohydrate than your team planned for can push your blood sugar too low. Treat a reading below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), or symptoms such as shaking, sweating, confusion or a racing heart, with fast-acting carbohydrate immediately and retest after 15 minutes. Never use this page as a reason to skip or shrink a meal you were told to eat.
- Carbohydrate and ketones:
- Cutting carbohydrate hard to force a number down is not safe in pregnancy — it can produce ketones. Published guidance sets a minimum of 175 g of carbohydrate per day in pregnancy. Readings that stay above target for several days need your care team, not a smaller portion.
- Medication and insulin:
- The portions here are generic and know nothing about your insulin doses, your metformin, or the steroids given to mature your baby's lungs — all of which change how a meal affects you. Never adjust a dose or a mealtime based on this page.
- Food safety in pregnancy:
- Blood sugar is not the only thing that makes a food suitable while you are pregnant. Some foods with excellent glycemic numbers still carry mercury, vitamin A, listeria or alcohol risks, and those are judged separately from the ratings shown here. Check your national pregnancy food-safety guidance before adding an unfamiliar food.
- What these ratings can and cannot tell you:
- Glycemic index values, impact ratings and maximum servings are population averages taken from published tables. Two people eating the same food can get very different readings, so your own meter is the only measurement that describes you. Nutrition figures are indicative per 100 g and vary with brand, ripeness and preparation.
Contact your care team the same day if: your readings stay above target for several days; you have a reading below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) or needed someone else's help to treat a low; you test positive for ketones; or your baby is moving less than usual. Seek emergency care for confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, or a low you cannot bring back up.
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Sources & Editorial Review
Content independently developed by Dalo Labs ApS, informed by the American Diabetes Association's Standards of Care in Diabetes, ACOG's gestational diabetes guidelines, and the IADPSG consensus criteria. Not endorsed by or affiliated with any referenced organization. · Last reviewed: August 2026
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