Is Mozzarella Pasteurized In Italy?

Last updated on July 22nd, 2024

Are you asking yourself “is mozzarella pasteurized in Italy?”

The short answer – it depends on the type of mozzarella. If it’s fresh mozzarella or Buffalo mozzarella, then no, the mozzarella is not pasteurized. If it’s fior di latte mozzarella or other packaged varieties, then yes, the mozzarella is usually pastured.

Living in Italy has taught me more than I could have ever wanted to know about cheese, especially mozzarella, which is close to a religion here. Having four children and going through four pregnancies in Italy opened my eyes to how cheese is made in Italy. I quickly learned from local cheese makers, grocery store delis and Italian friends the ins and outs of mozzarella and how it’s made.

Want to learn more? Read on for my full guide on which types of mozzarella is pasteurized in Italy and when you should and should not be eating it!

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What Is Mozzarella?

hands over a large basin of whey pulling out mozzarella to be formed by hand

Mozzarella is a type of cheese made from pasta sfilata, referring to the technique that is used to pull and shape the mozzarella. Mozzarella is a high moisture cheese, characterized by a soft texture with a chewy bite.

Mozzarella is a fresh white cheese made from either Italian water buffalo milk or just cow’s milk, best enjoyed within the first days of production. Cow’s milk mozzarella is usually made on a larger scale and packaged for a longer shelf life.

Buffalo mozzarella, however, is the better of the two in terms of texture and flavor. The best Buffalo mozzarella comes from Southern Italy in the provinces of Caserta and Salerno in Campania.

Learn More: For more specifics on mozzarella in Italy, read
Mozzarella Types and Shapes + a Mozzarella Imposter
What is Mozzarella di Bufala (Buffalo Mozzarella)?

Try It: Fresh mozzarella is a star ingredient in insalata caprese.

Fresh mozzarella is technically not cooked at a high enough temperature to be considered pasteurized in Italy.

Most long-term fior di latte packaged varieties are made with pasteurized milk, such as shredded mozzarella for pizza but the quality is going to be inferior compared to fresh mozzarella.

Is Buffalo Mozzarella Pasteurized in Italy?

side view of various plastic containers holding bags of mozzarella with signs written in large writing the types of mozzarella being sold

Buffalo mozzarella is not pasteurized in Italy. It’s made from fresh Italian water buffalo milk which is heated gently and doesn’t reach the legal temperature to be considered pasteurized.

Eating Fresh Mozzarella While Pregnant

hand holding a piece of pizza wrapped in parchment paper — I ate a lot of pizza by the slice in Italy when pregnant without worrying about the mozzarella because it’s cooked

When traveling throughout Italy while pregnant, be aware that many types of mozzarella are made from unpasteurized milk and should not be consumed if pregnant. Unpasteurized cheese can be dangerous for pregnant women but if the mozzarella has been cooked, you don’t have to worry.

Consider these dishes are are made with cooked mozzarella while pregnant in Italy:

Pizza
Fried zucchini flowers
Mozzarella in carrozza (fried mozzarella sandwich)
Arancini with mozzarella

top view of hands holding two golden rice balls with granite stone in the background — Arancini are another food to enjoy while pregnant, even those made with mozzarella

Even though much of the mozzarella that you can find in Italian grocery stores are made from pasteurized milk, it’s a good idea to stay away from them, especially if they are fresh. You cannot be sure and I would always play it safe.

I have carried out four pregnancies in Italy and never missed mozzarella in the months I was pregnant. Italy has so many wonderful ingredients and dishes that are so healthy and tasty for pregnant women to eat instead.

Pregnant Travelers: Coming to Italy while pregnant? Read
Eating in Italy While Pregnant – From a Mamma of Four in Italy
Eating in Tuscany While Pregnant – From a Mamma of Four in Florence
10 Foods I Ate in Italy While Pregnant
10 Foods You May Want to Avoid in Italy While Pregnant
My Favorite Snacks to Eat in Italy While Pregnant

Is Mozzarella Pasteurized In Italy FAQ

Can you eat fresh mozzarella when pregnant in Italy?

Pregnant women should stay away from uncooked mozzarella in Italy because oftentimes, especially with fresh and buffalo mozzarella, the milk is not pasteurized, meaning that harmful bacteria could still be lingering in the dairy.

Does Italy have pasteurized cheese?

Yes, Italy has plenty of pasteurized cheese but you should double check with the grocery store, restaurant, or producer before consuming. Parmiggiano, Grana Padano, pecorino, asiago, provolone, scamorza, tomino and robiola are usually made with pasteurized milk. The only exception to these is if the cheese is made with latte crudo or raw milk. For example, pecorino di latte crudo is unpasteurized pecorino cheese.