Is Pesto Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Yes, pesto is generally safe during pregnancy. The vast majority of commercial pesto products (167 out of 186 analyzed) receive an A grade for pregnancy safety, with no products rated D or F.
Pesto made with pasteurized cheese and quality ingredients poses minimal risk during pregnancy. The main concerns are unpasteurized soft cheeses that could harbor listeria, and certain preservatives like sodium benzoate found in some brands. Most jarred pesto from major grocery stores uses pasteurized ingredients and is considered safe.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Store bought jarred pesto from major brands like Buitoni, Sacla, or Barilla
- • Labels indicating pasteurized cheese or pasteurized ingredients
- • Refrigerated fresh pesto that lists pasteurized parmesan or pecorino
- • Simple ingredient lists with olive oil, basil, pine nuts, garlic, and cheese
- • No specific serving limits when using pasteurized pesto - enjoy as part of a balanced diet
✗ What to Avoid
- • Homemade pesto with unpasteurized or raw milk cheese
- • Fresh deli counter pesto where pasteurization status is unknown
- • Pesto containing sodium benzoate if you're limiting preservatives
- • Imported artisan pesto that may use traditional unpasteurized cheese
- • Pesto left at room temperature for extended periods
Most Common Ingredients in Pesto Products
We analyzed 186 pesto products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Pesto
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 186 pesto 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 5 of 186 products (3%)
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 4 of 186 products (2%)
fennel seed
CAUTION
Fennel seed is an herb used for digestive support. Contains estragole which has genotoxic concerns and may affect hormone levels.
Found in 1 of 186 products (1%)
iblean wild fennel leaves
CAUTION
Iblean wild fennel leaves is an herb used for digestive support. Contains estragole which has genotoxic concerns and may affect hormone levels.
Found in 1 of 186 products (1%)
sodium benzoate to preserve freshness
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate to preserve freshness is a common food preservative in processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses.
Found in 1 of 186 products (1%)
Pesto Products We've Analyzed
We graded 186 pesto products for pregnancy safety. 167 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Pesto Products
We found 167 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Classic Pesto | — |
| A | Basil Pesto | Buitoni |
| A | Lidl Baresa Green Pesto With Basil 190G | Baresa |
| A | Sacla Classic Basil Pesto 190G | Sacla |
| A | Pesto | — |
Your Questions Answered
Can pregnant women eat pesto?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat pesto in most cases. Commercial jarred pesto from grocery stores typically uses pasteurized cheese, making it safe during pregnancy. Our analysis of 186 pesto products found 167 received an A grade for pregnancy safety. The key is choosing pasteurized versions and storing them properly to prevent bacterial growth.
What are the risks of pesto during pregnancy?
The primary risk with pesto during pregnancy is listeria contamination from unpasteurized soft cheese. Listeria can cause serious complications including miscarriage and preterm labor. However, most commercial pesto uses pasteurized cheese, eliminating this risk. Some pesto products contain preservatives like sodium benzoate, which has shown concerns in animal studies at high doses, though amounts in food are generally considered safe.
What sauces should I avoid when pregnant?
During pregnancy, avoid sauces made with raw or undercooked eggs like fresh hollandaise, homemade Caesar dressing, and raw aioli. Sauces containing unpasteurized dairy or soft cheeses should also be avoided. Most commercial pesto, marinara, and alfredo sauces are safe because they use pasteurized ingredients. Always check labels and avoid homemade sauces from unknown sources where ingredient safety cannot be verified.
Is store bought pesto pasteurized?
Most store bought jarred pesto is either made with pasteurized ingredients or pasteurized during production to ensure shelf stability. Major brands like Buitoni, Sacla, and Barilla use pasteurized cheese in their recipes. Refrigerated fresh pesto may vary, so check the label for pasteurization information. When in doubt, jarred shelf stable pesto is the safest choice during pregnancy.
Is homemade pesto safer than store bought during pregnancy?
Not necessarily. Homemade pesto can be safe if you use pasteurized parmesan or pecorino cheese and fresh, properly washed basil. However, store bought pesto from reputable brands offers more consistency since manufacturers follow food safety protocols. If making pesto at home, ensure your cheese is pasteurized and consume it within a few days while keeping it properly refrigerated.
Can pesto cause listeria during pregnancy?
Pesto itself doesn't cause listeria, but unpasteurized cheese used in some pesto recipes can harbor listeria bacteria. Commercial jarred pesto typically uses pasteurized cheese and undergoes heat treatment during production, making listeria contamination extremely unlikely. To minimize any risk, choose pasteurized store bought pesto, refrigerate after opening, and consume within the recommended timeframe on the package.
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.
References
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11921639/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26014016/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9003278/
- https://motherfigure.com/safe skincare/sodium benzoate/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bdrb.20187
- https://millionmarker.com/pages/pregnancy fertility chemical sodium benzoate
- https://turkishneurosurgery.org.tr/pdf.php?id=1502
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3114665/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X18312488
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/what to know about sodium benzoate
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sodium benzoate
- https://mothertobaby.org/studies/ut refer gastro/?print=print
- https://hfpappexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=FoodSubstances&id=SODIUMBENZOATE
- https://www.mondstar.com/buying guide/sodium benzoate buying guide/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13102818.2016.1224979
- https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical guidance/committee opinion/articles/2017/08/antenatal corticosteroid therapy for fetal maturation
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3821876/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-62131-7
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/
- https://www.mandysacher.com/blogs/6toppreservativestoavoid
