Is Custard Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Yes, custard is generally safe during pregnancy when made with pasteurized eggs and milk. Most store bought and commercially prepared custards use pasteurized ingredients and are safe to enjoy.
Custard can be a nutritious treat during pregnancy, providing calcium and protein from dairy and eggs. The main concern is ensuring the custard is made with pasteurized ingredients to avoid listeria and salmonella risks. Most commercial custards are safe, but homemade or restaurant versions may use raw or undercooked eggs.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Store bought custard from major brands (these use pasteurized ingredients)
- • Labels stating 'made with pasteurized eggs' or 'pasteurized milk'
- • Custard that has been fully cooked to at least 160°F (71°C)
- • Shelf stable custard powder mixes like Bird's Instant Custard
- • Refrigerated custards from reputable grocery stores
- • No limit on consumption when made with pasteurized ingredients
✗ What to Avoid
- • Homemade custard made with raw or undercooked eggs
- • Restaurant desserts with custard unless you can confirm pasteurization
- • Custard based desserts like tiramisu that may contain raw eggs
- • Unpasteurized or 'farm fresh' egg custards
- • Custard that has been left at room temperature for extended periods
- • Soft serve frozen custard from machines that may not be properly cleaned
Most Common Ingredients in Custard Products
We analyzed 37 custard products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Custard
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 37 custard products we analyzed.
polysorbate 80
CAUTION
Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier used in foods and medications. May alter offspring gut microbiota and immune function based on animal studies.
Found in 2 of 37 products (5%)
blue 1
CAUTION
Blue 1 is a synthetic blue food coloring. Has limited human pregnancy data with possible neurobehavioral effects in animal studies.
Found in 1 of 37 products (3%)
fructose and glucose syrup
CAUTION
Fructose and glucose syrup 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 37 products (3%)
high fructose corn syrup
CAUTION
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener derived from corn starch and widely used in processed foods and beverages. Has been associated with placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction, and metabolic programming of offspring in animal studies, and with gestational diabetes and preeclampsia in epidemiological studies of humans.
Found in 1 of 37 products (3%)
red 40
CAUTION
Red 40 is a synthetic red food coloring. May affect neurobehavioral development based on animal studies at high doses.
Found in 1 of 37 products (3%)
yellow 5
CAUTION
Yellow 5 is a synthetic yellow food coloring. Has shown embryotoxic effects in recent animal studies at high doses.
Found in 1 of 37 products (3%)
Custard Products We've Analyzed
We graded 37 custard products for pregnancy safety. 14 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Custard Products
We found 14 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Natilla Sugar Cane Custard, Natilla | — |
| A | Home Style Caramel Custard | — |
| A | Snoqualmie, Custard, Honey Cinnamon | — |
| A | Snoqualmie, All Natural Custard, Almond Poppy Seed | — |
| A | Snoqualmie, All Natural Custard, Blueberry Cardamom Crisp | — |
Your Questions Answered
Can pregnant women eat custard?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat custard when it's made with pasteurized eggs and milk. Most commercially prepared custards, including store bought brands and custard powder mixes, use pasteurized ingredients and are safe to consume. The key is ensuring the eggs are fully cooked or pasteurized to eliminate any risk of salmonella. When in doubt, check the label or ask about preparation methods.
What are the risks of custard during pregnancy?
The primary risk of custard during pregnancy comes from unpasteurized or undercooked eggs, which can carry salmonella bacteria. Salmonella infection during pregnancy can cause severe dehydration, and in rare cases, may lead to complications. Additionally, some custards contain additives like artificial colors (Yellow 5, Red 40) or high fructose corn syrup that are best consumed in moderation. Choosing custards with simple, natural ingredients minimizes these concerns.
What desserts should I avoid when pregnant?
During pregnancy, avoid desserts containing raw or undercooked eggs such as homemade mousse, tiramisu, and uncooked meringues. Desserts flavored with licorice root should also be limited as glycyrrhizin may affect fetal brain development in large amounts. Soft serve ice cream and frozen custard from machines that aren't properly maintained can harbor bacteria. Stick to fully cooked desserts and commercially prepared treats made with pasteurized ingredients.
Can we eat custard in the first trimester?
Yes, you can enjoy custard during the first trimester as long as it's made with pasteurized eggs and milk. Custard can actually be beneficial early in pregnancy, providing calcium and protein to support your nutritional needs. It may also be a comforting option if you're experiencing morning sickness, as it's easy to digest. Just ensure you're choosing pasteurized, commercially prepared options or cooking homemade custard thoroughly.
What types of custard are safe during pregnancy?
Safe custard options during pregnancy include store bought refrigerated custards, custard powder mixes (like Bird's), canned or jarred custards, and any custard clearly labeled as made with pasteurized ingredients. Baked custards and crème brûlée from restaurants are typically safe since they're cooked at high temperatures. Frozen custard from reputable ice cream shops is also generally safe. Avoid any custard where you cannot verify the eggs were pasteurized or fully cooked.
Can you eat raw custard while pregnant?
No, you should not eat raw custard while pregnant. Raw custard contains uncooked eggs which may carry salmonella bacteria, posing a risk to both mother and baby. Always ensure custard is either made from pasteurized eggs or cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C). If you're craving custard, opt for store bought versions or custard powder mixes that use pasteurized ingredients and are safe without additional cooking.
Is custard healthy for pregnancy?
Custard can be a healthy treat during pregnancy when consumed in moderation. It provides calcium for bone development, protein for fetal growth, and vitamins from eggs and milk. However, custard is also high in sugar and calories, so it shouldn't replace more nutritious foods. Choose custards with simpler ingredient lists and avoid those with artificial colors or high fructose corn syrup. A serving a few times per week as part of a balanced diet is perfectly reasonable.
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.
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References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37979881/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17961976/
- https://truthsnitch.com/2017/11/28/polysorbate-80-vaccines safe/
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- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3960626/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9096282/
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- https://www.chop.edu/vaccine education center/vaccine safety/vaccine ingredients/polysorbate-80
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- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/scientific guideline/draft information package leaflet regarding polysorbates used excipients medicinal products human use_en.pdf
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- https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/172.840
