Who Can't Eat Feta Cheese? A Guide to Dietary Restrictions

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, pregnant women are 10 times more likely to get a Listeria infection, which is why they and others with compromised immune systems often can't eat feta cheese if it's unpasteurized. This soft cheese, a staple in many cuisines, requires careful consideration for certain dietary and health conditions.

Quick Summary

Feta cheese should be avoided by pregnant or immunocompromised individuals, those with a dairy allergy, and people on specific medications. High sodium content also poses a risk for some.

Key Points

Pregnant women: Avoid unpasteurized feta due to Listeria risk; choose only pasteurized, well-handled options.
Immunocompromised individuals: Steer clear of unpasteurized soft cheeses like feta to prevent serious foodborne illness.
High blood pressure: The high sodium content in feta requires limitation or avoidance for individuals with hypertension or kidney disease.
Dairy allergy: A true milk protein allergy requires complete avoidance of all dairy products, including feta cheese.
Lactose intolerance: Despite being lower in lactose, highly sensitive individuals may experience symptoms and should consider lactose-free alternatives.
MAOI medication: Feta's tyramine content can be dangerous for those on monoamine oxidase inhibitors, leading to blood pressure spikes.

High-Risk Groups Who Can't Eat Feta Cheese

While feta is a popular and nutritious cheese for many, specific health conditions and life stages require caution or complete avoidance. This is primarily due to the risk of foodborne bacteria in unpasteurized versions, high sodium content, or underlying allergies and sensitivities.

Pregnant and Immunocompromised Individuals

One of the most critical reasons to avoid certain feta cheese is the risk of Listeria monocytogenes. This bacteria can cause listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness that is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

For pregnant women: Unpasteurized, soft cheeses, including certain types of feta, can harbor Listeria. The infection can lead to severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or illness in the newborn. While pasteurized feta is generally considered safer, some health experts still advise caution due to the risk of cross-contamination during processing. Always check labels for the word "pasteurized" and ensure the product is fresh and properly handled.
For immunocompromised individuals: Patients undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, or those with weakened immune systems should also avoid unpasteurized and mold-ripened soft cheeses, as they are at a higher risk of contracting listeriosis. These individuals should always consult their healthcare provider for specific dietary guidance.

People with Dairy Allergies

A true dairy allergy is an immune system response to the proteins found in milk. Since feta is traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk (and sometimes cow's milk), anyone with a confirmed dairy allergy must avoid it entirely. Symptoms of a dairy allergy can range from mild hives and digestive issues to a severe, life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

Individuals with Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue, not an allergic reaction, caused by a deficiency in the lactase enzyme. While feta cheese is lower in lactose compared to many other fresh cheeses due to the fermentation and aging process, it is not lactose-free. Those with a high sensitivity to lactose may still experience symptoms like bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Lactose-free versions of feta are available for those who wish to enjoy the flavor without the discomfort.

Health Conditions Requiring Limited or Avoided Feta

Beyond bacterial and allergic concerns, the nutritional profile of feta cheese can be problematic for some individuals with specific health issues.

High Blood Pressure, Kidney Disease, and Heart Disease

Feta is cured and stored in a salty brine, which gives it its signature flavor but also results in a high sodium content. A single ounce can contain over 300 mg of sodium, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily intake. Individuals with conditions affected by high sodium intake, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney disease, or heart disease, should limit or avoid feta cheese. Rinsing the cheese can reduce some of the surface salt, but it will not eliminate the issue entirely.

Those Taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Feta cheese, like other aged and fermented foods, contains tyramine, an amino acid. In most people, tyramine is broken down by the enzyme monoamine oxidase. However, people taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a class of medications used to treat depression and Parkinson's disease, cannot break down tyramine effectively. This can lead to a dangerous spike in blood pressure, severe headaches, and heart palpitations. As such, individuals on MAOIs must avoid feta and other high-tyramine foods.

Comparison of Feta Safety Factors


Factor	High-Risk Groups	Considerations for General Population	Safe Alternatives (for restrictions)
Pasteurization	Mandatory for pregnant, elderly, and immunocompromised	Most commercial feta in the US is pasteurized, but always check	Thoroughly cooked feta; hard cheeses like parmesan
Sodium Content	Limit or avoid if you have hypertension, kidney, or heart issues	Consume in moderation; rinse cheese to reduce surface salt	Fresh mozzarella, low-sodium cottage cheese, ricotta
Lactose Content	Avoid if severely lactose intolerant	Small servings are usually tolerated due to low lactose	Lactose-free feta, vegan cheese alternatives
Tyramine	Strict avoidance for those on MAOI medication	Generally not an issue; monitor for headache sensitivity	Cottage cheese, cream cheese
Allergens (Dairy)	Absolute avoidance for dairy allergies	No issue unless you have a specific dairy allergy	Vegan feta made from nuts or tofu

How to Safely Enjoy Feta (if possible)

Read the Label: Always confirm that the feta is made with pasteurized milk, especially for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
Control Portion Sizes: A single ounce is a typical serving. The high sodium content means a little goes a long way.
Rinse Before Eating: If you're concerned about sodium, a quick rinse under cold water can remove some of the excess surface salt.
Cook Thoroughly: For higher-risk groups, cooking feta until it is steaming hot can further reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
Use Alternatives: If you have dietary restrictions, many plant-based or lactose-free feta alternatives are now widely available.

For most people, commercially available, pasteurized feta cheese is a delicious and safe part of a balanced diet. However, knowing your personal health needs is crucial to making informed food choices. For a general overview of dairy's nutritional contributions, see this guide from U.S. Dairy.

Conclusion

While feta is a flavorful staple, it is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant and immunocompromised individuals must be vigilant about consuming only pasteurized varieties due to the risk of Listeria. Those with a dairy allergy must avoid feta entirely, while individuals with lactose intolerance may need to seek out lower-lactose or lactose-free options. Furthermore, its high sodium content necessitates moderation for individuals with high blood pressure, and its tyramine content makes it a risk for those on MAOI medication. By understanding these key restrictions and precautions, you can ensure safe and informed dietary choices concerning feta cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pregnant women can eat feta cheese, but only if it is made from pasteurized milk. Unpasteurized feta carries a risk of Listeria contamination, which is dangerous for the unborn baby. Always check the product label for the word 'pasteurized'.

Feta cheese is lower in lactose than many other dairy products due to its fermentation and aging process, but it is not lactose-free. People with a mild intolerance may be able to consume it in small amounts, while those with a severe intolerance may need to avoid it or use a lactose-free variety.

Feta is stored in a salty brine, giving it a high sodium content. A high-sodium diet can worsen high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. Individuals with hypertension should limit their intake or rinse the cheese to reduce some of the surface salt.

No, individuals with compromised immune systems (such as cancer patients or the elderly) should generally avoid unpasteurized soft cheeses like feta. They are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses like listeriosis.

Yes, feta is a fermented cheese and contains tyramine. Individuals taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should avoid feta to prevent potentially dangerous blood pressure increases.

The primary risk of eating unpasteurized feta is contamination with harmful bacteria, particularly Listeria monocytogenes. This can cause listeriosis, a severe infection that is especially dangerous for high-risk populations like pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.

Yes, there are several plant-based alternatives to feta on the market. These are often made from nuts (like almonds or cashews) or tofu and are suitable for those with dairy allergies or who follow a vegan diet.