Is Apple Cider Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Yes, pasteurized apple cider is safe during pregnancy. The vast majority of commercial apple ciders are pasteurized and pregnancy safe, but always check the label to avoid unpasteurized varieties.
Apple cider can be a nutritious beverage during pregnancy when pasteurized. Unpasteurized or raw apple cider poses a risk of bacterial contamination including E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause serious complications during pregnancy. Most grocery store brands are pasteurized and safe to enjoy.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Pasteurized apple cider from major grocery store brands like Trader Joe's, Mott's, or store brands
- • Labels that clearly state 'pasteurized' on the packaging
- • Refrigerated cider from the juice aisle rather than farm stands without pasteurization labels
- • 100% apple juice or cider without added artificial sweeteners
- • No limit on pasteurized apple cider, though moderate consumption is recommended due to natural sugar content
✗ What to Avoid
- • Unpasteurized or raw apple cider, often sold at farmers markets or orchards
- • Fresh pressed cider without a pasteurization label
- • Hard cider or alcoholic apple cider (contains alcohol)
- • Cider with sodium benzoate if you're also consuming vitamin C supplements (may form benzene)
- • Excessive consumption of ciders with added sugars or high fructose corn syrup
Most Common Ingredients in Apple Cider Products
We analyzed 224 apple cider products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Apple Cider
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 224 apple cider products we analyzed.
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene when combined with vitamin C.
Found in 3 of 224 products (1%)
sodium benzoate added to preserve
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate added to preserve is a common food preservative in processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses.
Found in 3 of 224 products (1%)
sodium benzoate added to preserve freshness
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate added to preserve freshness is a common food preservative in processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses.
Found in 3 of 224 products (1%)
aspartame
CAUTION
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener commonly found in diet sodas, sugar free foods, and tabletop sweeteners. Has been linked in animal studies to placental dysfunction, reduced birth weight, and oxidative stress, with limited human data suggesting possible developmental concerns.
Found in 2 of 224 products (1%)
fructose
CAUTION
Fructose is a simple sugar found naturally in fruits and added to many processed foods and beverages as high fructose corn syrup. May program offspring for metabolic dysfunction when consumed in excess during pregnancy, with animal studies showing effects on insulin resistance, blood pressure, and neurodevelopment.
Found in 1 of 224 products (0%)
seaweed extract
CAUTION
Seaweed extract is an edible marine algae consumed as food or supplement, rich in iodine and minerals. May cause neonatal thyroid dysfunction from excessive iodine exposure and some products contain concerning levels of inorganic arsenic.
Found in 1 of 224 products (0%)
sodium benzoate added to maintain freshness
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate added to maintain freshness is a common food preservative in processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses.
Found in 1 of 224 products (0%)
Apple Cider Products We've Analyzed
We graded 224 apple cider products for pregnancy safety. 203 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Apple Cider Products
We found 203 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Honey Crisp Apple Cider | Trader Joe'S |
| A | Apple Cider | — |
| A | Ryan'S, Opal Blend Melange, Apple Cider | Ryan Orchards |
| A | Apple Cider | Ryan'S |
| A | Pumpkin Pie Flavored Apple Cider Drink, Pumpkin Pie | — |
Your Questions Answered
Can pregnant women drink apple cider?
Yes, pregnant women can safely drink pasteurized apple cider. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria that could pose risks during pregnancy. Most commercial apple ciders sold in grocery stores are pasteurized. Always check the label to confirm, and avoid unpasteurized cider from farmers markets or orchards unless it specifically states it has been pasteurized.
What are the risks of unpasteurized apple cider during pregnancy?
Unpasteurized apple cider can harbor dangerous bacteria including E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes. These pathogens can cause foodborne illness that is particularly dangerous during pregnancy, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, or serious infection in the newborn. The FDA recommends pregnant women avoid all unpasteurized juices and ciders.
Is apple cider vinegar safe during pregnancy?
Pasteurized apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe during pregnancy in small culinary amounts, such as in salad dressings or recipes. However, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar should be avoided due to bacterial contamination risks. There is limited research on consuming large amounts of apple cider vinegar during pregnancy, so it's best to use it in moderation and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
What's the difference between apple cider and apple juice during pregnancy?
Both pasteurized apple cider and apple juice are safe during pregnancy. Apple cider is typically less filtered and may have a cloudier appearance with more apple flavor, while apple juice is usually clearer and more processed. The key safety factor for both is pasteurization, not the type. Check labels on either product to ensure they are pasteurized before consuming during pregnancy.
Can I drink hot apple cider while pregnant?
Yes, hot apple cider is safe during pregnancy as long as it's made from pasteurized cider. Heating the cider does not replace pasteurization, so start with a pasteurized product. Many seasonal hot cider drinks at coffee shops or restaurants use pasteurized cider, but it's always a good idea to ask. Homemade hot cider using store bought pasteurized cider is a safe and comforting choice.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
People Also Checked
References
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