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.
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 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 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