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.
Honey is safe to eat during pregnancy. The concern about honey causing botulism applies specifically to babies under 12 months old — infant digestive systems lack the acid environment that prevents Clostridium botulinum spores from germinating and producing toxin. Adult digestive systems, including those of pregnant women, handle honey safely. This is one of the most commonly confused food safety points in pregnancy. Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in hot drinks (note it loses some of its beneficial compounds when heated), drizzled over yogurt or porridge, spread on toast, or used in cooking and baking. Raw honey and pasteurised honey are both safe for pregnant adults. Honey does have a high sugar content, so moderation is sensible as with any sweetener — particularly if you are managing gestational diabetes or monitoring blood sugar.
What to be aware of
- Honey is safe for pregnant adults — the botulism risk applies only to babies under 12 months, not to you.
- Honey is high in sugar — use in moderation, especially if managing gestational diabetes.
- Raw and pasteurised honey are both safe for pregnant adults.
NHS guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/