PREGNANCY

Your A-Z of pregnancy food and drink safety

Last modified on Friday 12 June 2020

Wondering if it's safe to drink alcohol in pregnancy? How about eating soft cheese, seafood and pâté? Here's the official advice on whether it's safe to have your favourite foods and drinks in pregnancy, from coffee to yoghurt.

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We've looked into the foods and drinks mums-to-be ask about most, delved into the NHS guidance and consulted official sources, to bring you this at-a-glance guide to whether your favourite foods and drinks are safe in pregnancy.

Click on the name of any food or drink to learn more about why it is or isn't safe, and discover tasty recipes and other handy safety tips.

These are general guidelines for women with a healthy pregnancy. If you have any allergies, follow a special diet, or are experiencing pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, talk to your midwife or GP for further advice.

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Alcohol

Alcohol is not safe to drink during pregnancy. Even small amounts may harm your baby.

Alcohol-free beer and wine

Alcohol-free beer and wine may be safe to drink in pregnancy. Always check the label to make sure the drink contains 0.0% ABV.

Babybel

Babybel is safe to eat during pregnancy.

Bacon

Bacon is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked.

Baked beans

Baked beans are safe to eat in pregnancy.

Baked camembert

Baked camembert is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's steaming hot.

Bananas

Bananas are safe to eat while you're pregnant.

Black pudding

Black pudding is safe to eat in pregnancy, but it's best to cook it first.

Blue cheese

Soft blue cheeses are not safe to eat in pregnancy, unless they're fully cooked. However, hard blue cheeses are safe to eat in pregnancy.

Boursin

Boursin cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy.

Brie

Brie is not safe to eat in pregnancy, unless it's fully cooked.

Caesar salad

Caesar salad is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with shop-bought mayonnaise or British Lion eggs. Make sure any chicken has been fully cooked, too.

Calamari

Calamari and squid are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked.

Camembert

Camembert is not safe to eat in pregnancy, unless it's fully cooked.

Carbonara

Shop-bought carbonara sauce and ready meals are safe to eat in pregnancy. Homemade or restaurant carbonara is only safe to eat in pregnancy if it's made with British Lion eggs. If it's not made with British Lion eggs, it's safe to eat if the eggs are thoroughly cooked through.

Cashew nuts

Cashew nuts are safe to eat in pregnancy.

Caviar

Caviar may be safe to eat in pregnancy, though you might prefer to avoid it to be on the safe side.

Cheesecake

Cheesecake is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised cheese.

Chinese food

Chinese food is generally safe to eat in pregnancy. Just make sure any meat or seafood is fully cooked.

Chocolate

Chocolate is safe to eat in pregnancy. However, it does contain caffeine, so limit the amount you eat.

Chorizo

Chorizo is safe to eat in pregnancy if it's fully cooked. Be cautious with uncooked chorizo, though.

Clotted cream

Clotted cream is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.

Cockles

Cockles are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked and come from clean water.

Coffee

Small amounts of coffee are safe to drink in pregnancy. However, it does contain caffeine, so limit the amount you drink.

Coke and Diet Coke

Coke and Diet Coke are safe to drink while you're pregnant. However, both contain caffeine, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw made with shop-bought mayonnaise is safe to eat in pregnancy. Coleslaw made with homemade mayonnaise is only safe to eat if it's made with British Lion eggs.

Corned beef

Pre-packed corned beef is safe to eat in pregnancy. Homemade corned beef is safe to eat in pregnancy as long as it's fully cooked.

Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.

Crab

Crab is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked. However, limit brown crab meat to no more than two portions per week.

Crab sticks

Crab sticks are safe to eat in pregnancy.

Cranberries

Cranberries are safe to eat during pregnancy. Cranberry juice is safe to drink too.

Cream

Fresh cream is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's pasteurised.

Cream cheese

Cream cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.

Crème brûlée

Crème brûlée is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked.

Crème fraîche

Crème fraîche is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.

Custard

Custard is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked and/or made with British Lion eggs or pasteurised eggs.

Dairylea

All Dairylea products are safe to eat in pregnancy.

Duck

Shop-bought duck is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked. Wild (hunted) duck is not safe to eat in pregnancy.

Eggs

Eggs with a red British Lion stamp are safe to eat in pregnancy, even runny or raw. Eggs without a British Lion stamp (including duck and quail eggs) are only safe to eat if fully cooked.

Elderflower

Elderflower tea, cordial and lemonade are safe to drink in moderation during pregnancy. Elderflower wine is not safe to drink while you're pregnant. It's also safest to avoid taking elderflower supplements.

Energy drinks

Some energy drinks may be safe to drink in pregnancy, but check the pack for warnings. And limit the number you drink, because they contain caffeine.

Ferrero Rocher

Ferrero Rocher is safe to eat during pregnancy. However it's made with chocolate, which contains caffeine, so it's best to enjoy in moderation.

Feta cheese

Pasteurised feta cheese (no white rind) is safe to eat in pregnancy. Unpasteurised feta with a white rind is not safe to eat in pregnancy unless fully cooked.

Fish

Most types of fish are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked, smoked, or have been previously frozen. Limit oily fish to no more than two portions per week. Swordfish, shark and marlin are not safe to eat in pregnancy.

Garlic

Shop-bought garlic is safe to eat in pregnancy, however it's safest to avoid wild garlic. Talk to your midwife before taking garlic supplements.

Goats' cheese

Pasteurised goats' cheese (no white rind) is safe to eat in pregnancy. Unpasteurised goats' cheese with a white rind is not safe to eat in pregnancy unless fully cooked.

Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola cheese is not safe to eat in pregnancy unless it's thoroughly cooked.

Grapes

Grapes are safe to eat in pregnancy.

Green tea

Green tea is safe to drink in pregnancy, however it does contain caffeine, so enjoy in moderation.

Guacamole

Guacamole is safe to eat while you're pregnant.

Guinness

Guinness is not safe to drink in pregnancy. Even small amounts of alcohol can harm your baby.

Haggis

Haggis is only safe to eat in pregnancy if it's made without liver, and thoroughly cooked. Traditional haggis made with liver is not safe to eat in pregnancy.

Halloumi

Halloumi is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made from pasteurised milk.

Ham

Regular pre-packed ham is safe to eat in pregnancy. If making ham at home, ensure it's fully cooked.

Hollandaise sauce

Hollandaise sauce is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it has been made with pasteurised or British Lion eggs.

Honey

Honey is safe to eat in pregnancy.

Horlicks

Horlicks is safe to drink while you're pregnant.

Hot dogs

Hot dogs are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked.

Hummus

Hummus is safe to eat in pregnancy.

Ice cream

Ice cream is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk and eggs.

Jelly

Jelly is safe to eat during pregnancy.

Kebabs

Kebabs are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as the meat is fully cooked. If you're getting a takeaway, opt for a restaurant with good hygiene standards.

Kidney beans

Kidney beans are safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as they've been cooked.

Lamb

Lamb is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked.

Lasagne

Lasagne is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as any meat fillings are fully cooked. If you're making white sauce, be sure to use pasteurised milk, butter and cheese. And leave out the wine!

Liquorice

Be cautious about eating liquorice during pregnancy. Liquorice root is not safe to eat while you're pregnant.

Liver

Liver is not safe to eat in pregnancy. This includes products made from liver, such as liver sausage and cod liver oil.

Lobster

Lobster is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked.

Lucozade

Lucozade is safe to drink in pregnancy, however Lucozade Energy contains caffeine, so limit the amount you drink. Lucozade Sport is caffeine free.

Mango

Mango is safe to eat while you're pregnant.

Marmite

Marmite is safe to eat during pregnancy.

Mascarpone

Mascarpone is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.

Mayonnaise

Shop-bought mayonnaise is safe to eat in pregnancy. Homemade mayonnaise is only safe to eat if it's made with British Lion stamped eggs.

McDonald's milkshakes

McDonald's milkshakes are probably safe to eat in pregnancy. If you're worried, check with your midwife.

McFlurries

McFlurries are probably safe to eat in pregnancy. If you're worried, check with your midwife.

Meringue

Shop-bought meringues are safe to eat in pregnancy. Homemade meringues are also safe, as long as they're made with British Lion eggs and/or thoroughly cooked.

Milk

Cow's milk is safe to drink during pregnancy, as long as it's been pasteurised. Plant-based milks are fine to drink in pregnancy, too.

Mince pies

Mince pies are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they don't contain any alcohol.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are generally safe to eat in pregnancy, though some types of mushroom need to be cooked first. All mushrooms need to be thoroughly washed before eating.

Mussels

Mussels are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked.

Nuts

Nuts are safe to eat in pregnancy.

Olives

Olives are safe to eat in pregnancy.

Oysters

Oysters are only safe to eat during pregnancy if they have been fully cooked.

Panna cotta

Panna cotta is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised cream or milk.

Parma ham and prosciutto

Parma ham and prosciutto are safe to eat in pregnancy if they're fully cooked. Be cautious with uncooked Parma ham and prosciutto, though.

Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy.

Pâté

Pâté is not safe to eat in pregnancy. This includes vegetarian pâté, as well as pâté made with meat or fish.

Peanuts

Peanuts and peanut butter are safe to eat in pregnancy.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is safe to drink while you're pregnant. The NHS sometimes recommends it as a remedy for morning sickness.

Pepperoni and Peperami

Pepperoni is safe to eat in pregnancy if it's fully cooked, but be cautious with uncooked pepperoni. Peperami is safe to eat in pregnancy.

Pesto

Pesto is safe to eat in pregnancy.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy.

Pineapple

Pineapple is safe to eat in pregnancy.

Pizza

Pizza is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as any meat toppings are fully cooked. If you're using a soft blue cheese, mould-ripened soft cheese or unpasteurised soft cheese like brie, camembert or gorgonzola, make sure it has been cooked until steaming hot.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is safe to eat during pregnancy.

Pork

Pork is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked.

Prawns

Prawns are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked.

Pre-packed salad

Pre-packed salad is safe to eat in pregnancy.

Profiteroles

Profiteroles are safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as they're made with pasteurised cream.

Protein shakes

Be cautious about drinking protein shakes during pregnancy. It's best to get the protein you need from a balanced diet.

Quiche

Quiche is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked and/or made with British Lion eggs.

Raisins

Raisins are safe to eat while you're pregnant.

Rare steak

Rare and medium-rare steak is not safe to eat in pregnancy.

Raspberries

Raspberries are safe to eat in pregnancy. Raspberry fruit teas are fine to drink, too. However, be cautious about drinking raspberry leaf tea.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is safe to eat in moderation while you're pregnant.

Ribena

Ribena is safe to drink while you're pregnant.

Rice and rice pudding

Rice is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it's been cooked. Rice pudding is fine too, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.

Ricotta

Ricotta cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.

Salad cream

Shop-bought salad cream is safe to eat in pregnancy. Homemade salad cream is only safe to eat in pregnancy if it's made with British Lion eggs.

Salami

Salami is safe to eat in pregnancy if it's fully cooked. Be cautious with uncooked salami, though.

Salmon steaks

Salmon steaks are safe to eat in pregnancy, but stick to a maximum of two portions of oily fish per week.

Saveloy

Saveloy is safe to eat during pregnancy, providing it has been fully cooked.

Scallops

Scallops are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're fully cooked.

Scampi

Scampi is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's thoroughly cooked.

Shandy

Shandy is not safe to drink during pregnancy. Even small amounts of alcohol can harm your baby.

Smoked salmon

Smoked salmon is safe to eat in pregnancy, but stick to a maximum of two portions of oily fish per week.

Sorbet

Sorbet is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it doesn't contain any alcohol.

Sour cream

Sour cream is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.

Spicy food

Spicy food is safe to eat in pregnancy.

Spinach

Spinach is safe to eat while you're pregnant.

Steak

Steak is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked (well done).

Stilton

Stilton cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy.

Sushi

Some types of sushi are safe to eat in pregnancy, but not sushi made with raw shellfish. Sushi made with raw fish is only safe to eat if it's been previously frozen.

Taramasalata

Taramasalata may be safe to eat in pregnancy, though you might prefer to avoid it to be on the safe side.

Tartar sauce

Shop-bought tartar sauce is safe to eat during pregnancy. Homemade tartar sauce is generally safe too, providing it has been made with British Lion eggs.

Tea

Tea is safe to drink in pregnancy (including black tea, fruit tea and herbal tea), but you should limit the amount you drink.

Tuna

Tuna is safe to eat in pregnancy, but limit it to no more than two steaks or four medium cans per week.

Venison

Shop-bought venison is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it's fully cooked. Wild venison and venison liver are not safe to eat.

Wensleydale

Wensleydale cheese is safe to eat in pregnancy.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as it's made with pasteurised milk.

The Whole 9 Months is a week-by-week guide to nutrition during pregnancy, with lots of delicious recipes to try. See more details here at Amazon.

Looking for more pregnancy diet info? Check out our articles below, or swap tips with other mums-to-be in our forum.

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