Is Eggnog Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Yes, with caution. Store bought pasteurized eggnog is safe during pregnancy. Avoid homemade eggnog made with raw eggs, as it poses a risk of Salmonella infection.
The main concern with eggnog during pregnancy is the risk of Salmonella from raw or undercooked eggs. Commercial eggnog sold in grocery stores is pasteurized, which kills harmful bacteria and makes it safe to drink. Homemade eggnog recipes often call for raw eggs, which should be avoided. Additionally, some commercial eggnogs contain high fructose corn syrup and other additives worth limiting during pregnancy.
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✓ What's Safe
- • Store bought eggnog labeled 'pasteurized' from major grocery brands
- • Check the label confirms pasteurized milk and eggs were used
- • Organic options like Organic Valley tend to have cleaner ingredient lists
- • Plant based or vegan eggnog alternatives made without raw eggs
- • Limit to 1-2 servings per week due to high sugar and calorie content
- • If making homemade, use pasteurized liquid eggs sold in cartons
✗ What to Avoid
- • Homemade eggnog made with raw or undercooked eggs
- • Eggnog from restaurants or parties where pasteurization is uncertain
- • Spiked or alcoholic eggnog containing rum, bourbon, or other spirits
- • Products with high fructose corn syrup as a main ingredient
- • Unpasteurized eggnog from farmers markets or specialty shops
Most Common Ingredients in Eggnog Products
We analyzed 218 eggnog products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Eggnog
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 218 eggnog products we analyzed.
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 79 of 218 products (36%)
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 13 of 218 products (6%)
red 40
CAUTION
Red 40 is a synthetic red food coloring. May affect neurobehavioral development based on animal studies at high doses.
Found in 5 of 218 products (2%)
annatto high fructose corn syrup
CAUTION
Annatto high fructose corn 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 218 products (0%)
egg nog base high fructose corn syrup
CAUTION
Egg nog base high fructose corn 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 218 products (0%)
eggnog base high fructose corn syrup
CAUTION
Eggnog base high fructose corn 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 218 products (0%)
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 218 products (0%)
hydrogenated soybean oil
CAUTION
Hydrogenated soybean oil is processed oils containing artificial trans fats. Is associated with preeclampsia and may interfere with fetal brain development.
Found in 1 of 218 products (0%)
Eggnog Products We've Analyzed
We graded 218 eggnog products for pregnancy safety. 8 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Eggnog Products
We found 8 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Organic Eggnog | — |
| A | Eggnog | — |
| A | Reduced Fat Eggnog | Organic Valley |
| A | Holiday Nog | — |
| A | Artesania, Toasted Almond Egg Nought | — |
Your Questions Answered
Can pregnant women drink eggnog?
Yes, pregnant women can safely drink store bought pasteurized eggnog. The pasteurization process kills Salmonella and other harmful bacteria that could be present in raw eggs. Always check the label to confirm the product is pasteurized. Avoid homemade eggnog unless it's made with pasteurized liquid eggs or cooked to 160°F.
What are the risks of eggnog during pregnancy?
The primary risk is Salmonella infection from raw or undercooked eggs, which can cause severe food poisoning and potentially harm the pregnancy. Salmonella symptoms include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, the infection can lead to dehydration and complications. This risk is eliminated when drinking pasteurized commercial eggnog.
Is all eggnog pasteurized?
Almost all eggnog sold in grocery stores is pasteurized, but you should always check the label to confirm. Look for the word 'pasteurized' on the carton or bottle. Homemade eggnog and eggnog served at parties or restaurants may not be pasteurized. If you're unsure about the source, it's best to skip it or ask how it was prepared.
How can I make pregnancy friendly eggnog at home?
To make safe homemade eggnog during pregnancy, use pasteurized liquid eggs sold in cartons instead of raw shell eggs. Alternatively, you can cook a traditional recipe to 160°F using a candy thermometer to kill any bacteria. Another option is to use a cooked custard base. Always refrigerate homemade eggnog promptly and consume within a few days.
Is store bought eggnog safe during pregnancy?
Yes, store bought eggnog is generally safe during pregnancy because it's made with pasteurized eggs and milk. Major brands like Hood, Borden, and Organic Valley all use pasteurization. However, check ingredient lists if you want to avoid additives like high fructose corn syrup. Organic and plant based options often have simpler ingredient lists.
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
- https://thrivemarket.com/blog/heres a-convincing reason to avoid high fructose corn syrup during pregnancy
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1203063/full
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