Abstract <p>Phthalates, synthetic plasticizers commonly used in food packaging, pose health risks through dietary exposure. Cheese, a high-fat food frequently packaged in plastic, is a potential source of phthalate intake. Despite increasing local consumption, data on phthalate exposure through cheese in Saudi Arabia remain scarce.&#xa0;To assess phthalate exposure from locally produced cheese and identify predictive factors, including knowledge, plastic use practices, and sociodemographic characteristics among Saudi adults.&#xa0;A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, among a convenience sample of 386 adult participants. Phthalates were analyzed in 6 different types of cheese by indirect gas chromatography, at baseline and after 2&#xa0;months. Participants completed a validated online questionnaire assessing cheese consumption, phthalate knowledge, and plastic use practices. Logistic regression and linear models were applied to identify predictors of phthalate exposure.&#xa0;Knowledge scores were not significantly associated with phthalate exposure, whereas participants reporting better plastic use and storage practices exhibited significantly lower exposure at baseline (<i>p</i> = 0.041). Multivariate analysis revealed gender (female) and age (30–49&#xa0;years) as significant predictors of higher exposure. Practice scores were negatively associated with phthalate levels at both time points (<i>p</i> = 0.018 at baseline; <i>p</i> = 0.003 after 2&#xa0;months).&#xa0;Although knowledge of phthalates is important, the present findings indicate that actual plastic use and storage practices are more strongly associated with phthalate exposure levels than knowledge alone. Public health interventions should emphasize safe food handling and storage practices to mitigate risk.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>