Other Foods & Snacks
Nuts, honey, spicy food, takeaways, and other common foods that don't fit a single category.
Some of the most commonly asked pregnancy food questions don't fit neatly into a single category — nuts and seeds, honey, spicy food, condiments, and takeaways all have their own guidance. Most are safe or have simple precautions, but a few specifics are worth knowing. Honey is safe for pregnant adults (unlike for babies under one). Shop-bought mayonnaise is pasteurised and safe; homemade versions with raw egg are a different story. Takeaways are generally fine with some food hygiene awareness — the key is ensuring meat is cooked through and food has not been sitting out.
Artificial Sweeteners Most artificial sweeteners are safe during pregnancy. Aspartame, sucralose, and stevia are approved for use in pregnancy. Saccharin is the one to avoid. Safe to eat Chocolate Chocolate is safe during pregnancy and can be enjoyed in moderation. Dark chocolate has a higher caffeine content than milk chocolate, so it is worth factoring into your daily 200mg caffeine limit. Safe to eat Cooking with Alcohol Cooking with alcohol is safe during pregnancy. The heat of cooking evaporates the alcohol content, leaving only flavour. A splash of wine in a sauce or beer in a stew poses no risk. Safe to eat Cottage Cheese Cottage cheese is safe during pregnancy. It is a pasteurised, low-fat source of protein and calcium and is often confused with soft cheeses to avoid — but it is entirely different. Safe to eat Herbs & Spices Culinary herbs and spices are safe during pregnancy in normal cooking amounts. The concerns that apply to some herbal supplements do not apply to the small quantities used in everyday cooking. Safe to eat Honey Honey is safe for pregnant adults to eat. The botulism risk associated with honey applies only to infants under 12 months, not to adults or pregnant women. Safe to eat Hummus Shop-bought hummus is safe during pregnancy. It is made from cooked chickpeas and is an excellent source of protein, fibre, and iron. Safe to eat Lentils & Legumes Lentils, beans, and other legumes are safe and highly recommended during pregnancy. They are among the best plant sources of folate, iron, and protein — nutrients that are in particularly high demand during pregnancy. Safe to eat Mayonnaise Shop-bought mayonnaise is safe during pregnancy as it is made with pasteurised eggs. Homemade mayonnaise made with raw eggs should be avoided. Safe to eat Nuts & Seeds Nuts and seeds are safe during pregnancy and are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, fibre, and key minerals including magnesium, zinc, and selenium. Safe to eat Oats & Porridge Oats and porridge are safe and highly beneficial during pregnancy. They are one of the best breakfast choices available, providing slow-release energy, fibre, iron, and folate. Safe to eat Olive Oil Olive oil is safe and beneficial throughout pregnancy. It is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants and is a nutritious cooking oil and dressing. Safe to eat Peanut Butter Peanut butter is safe during pregnancy. Unless you have a peanut allergy, there is no reason to avoid it — current guidance suggests eating peanuts during pregnancy may even reduce the risk of peanut allergy in your child. Safe to eat Soft Drinks & Fizzy Drinks Standard soft drinks and fizzy drinks are safe during pregnancy in moderation. The main consideration is caffeine in cola and some other drinks, which counts towards your 200mg daily limit. Safe to eat Sourdough Bread Sourdough bread is safe throughout pregnancy and is one of the more nutritious bread choices available. The fermentation process makes it easier to digest and improves mineral absorption. Safe to eat Spicy Food Spicy food is safe to eat throughout pregnancy. It does not harm the baby or trigger labour, though it can worsen heartburn and indigestion, which are common in pregnancy. Safe to eat Takeaways Takeaways can be eaten during pregnancy but require more thought than home cooking. The main concerns are food hygiene standards, certain high-risk ingredients, and foods that should be ordered well-done. Eat with caution Tinned & Canned Food Tinned and canned food is safe during pregnancy. The canning process uses high heat to sterilise contents, making tinned food well-cooked and safe. BPA concerns are largely addressed by modern packaging. Safe to eat Tofu & Soy Tofu and soy foods are safe and nutritious during pregnancy. Concerns about phytoestrogens in soy are not supported by evidence in humans at normal dietary intake levels. Safe to eat