Is Pizza Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Yes, pizza is generally safe during pregnancy when fully cooked and served hot. With 744 A grade options available, most pizzas are pregnancy friendly just watch out for certain toppings like unpasteurized cheese or undercooked deli meats.
Pizza is a convenient and satisfying meal during pregnancy, but topping choices matter. The main concerns are listeria from soft unpasteurized cheeses and nitrates from processed meats like pepperoni. When pizza is cooked to proper temperatures and made with pasteurized cheese, it's perfectly safe to enjoy throughout pregnancy.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Fully cooked pizza served steaming hot (165°F or higher kills listeria)
- • Mozzarella and other cheeses made from pasteurized milk (standard at most pizzerias and all major brands)
- • Freshly baked pizza from reputable restaurants or frozen pizzas cooked according to package directions
- • Vegetable toppings like mushrooms, peppers, onions, and olives for added nutrition
- • Homemade pizza where you control ingredient quality and cooking temperature
- • Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet no strict limit when made safely
✗ What to Avoid
- • Cold or room temperature pizza that has been sitting out (reheat until steaming)
- • Pizzas with unpasteurized soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella from specialty shops without pasteurization labels
- • Undercooked or raw toppings, especially if adding fresh ingredients after baking
- • Excessive processed meat toppings containing sodium nitrite (pepperoni, sausage, bacon) which may affect fetal oxygen delivery
- • Pizzas with blue cheese, gorgonzola, or feta unless confirmed pasteurized and cooked
- • Buffet or self serve pizza that may have been sitting under heat lamps for extended periods
Most Common Ingredients in Pizza Products
We analyzed 1,806 pizza products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Pizza
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 1,806 pizza products we analyzed.
sodium nitrite
CAUTION
Sodium nitrite is a preservative used to cure meats. May cause fetal hypoxia and has been associated with neural tube defects at high exposures.
Found in 354 of 1,806 products (20%)
sodium aluminum phosphate
CAUTION
Sodium aluminum phosphate is a common metal found in food, cookware, antiperspirants, antacids, and vaccine adjuvants. Has been associated with reduced fetal growth, neural tube defects, and congenital heart defects at elevated exposure levels.
Found in 193 of 1,806 products (11%)
sage
CAUTION
Sage is a culinary herb used in cooking and teas. Contains thujone which may trigger uterine contractions and increase miscarriage risk.
Found in 35 of 1,806 products (2%)
fennel
CAUTION
Fennel is an herb used for digestive support. Contains estragole which has genotoxic concerns and may affect hormone levels.
Found in 27 of 1,806 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 19 of 1,806 products (1%)
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 19 of 1,806 products (1%)
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 19 of 1,806 products (1%)
feta cheese pasteurized milk
CAUTION
Feta cheese pasteurized milk is a soft brined cheese used in Mediterranean cuisine. Carries listeria risk if unpasteurized which can cause miscarriage and stillbirth.
Found in 18 of 1,806 products (1%)
Pizza Products We've Analyzed
We graded 1,806 pizza products for pregnancy safety. 744 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Pizza Products
We found 744 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Whole Costco Cheese Pizza | Costco |
| A | Mini Pizza Bagels | Feel Good Foods |
| A | Cheese Pizza | Kirkland Signature |
| A | Roasted Garlic & Pesto Pizza With Deep Fried Crust | Trader Joe'S |
| A | Pizza | Rao'S Homemade |
Your Questions Answered
Can pregnant women eat pizza?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat pizza when it's fully cooked and served hot. The heat from baking kills harmful bacteria like listeria that could pose risks during pregnancy. Most commercial pizzas use pasteurized mozzarella cheese, which is safe. Just be mindful of toppings stick to well cooked meats and avoid unpasteurized soft cheeses. Pizza can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet when enjoyed in moderation.
What are the risks of pizza during pregnancy?
The main risks come from specific toppings rather than pizza itself. Unpasteurized soft cheeses can harbor listeria, which may cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Processed meats like pepperoni contain sodium nitrite, a preservative linked to reduced fetal oxygen delivery at high exposures. Cold pizza that's been sitting out can also grow bacteria. However, these risks are easily managed by eating freshly cooked, hot pizza with pasteurized cheese.
Is it safe to eat pizza while pregnant?
Yes, it's safe to eat pizza while pregnant as long as it's thoroughly cooked and served hot. The baking process kills bacteria that could be harmful during pregnancy. Most restaurant and frozen pizzas use pasteurized cheese, making them safe choices. If you're craving pizza, go ahead and enjoy it just make sure it's piping hot when you eat it, and choose your toppings wisely by avoiding unpasteurized cheeses and limiting heavily processed meats.
Can you eat mozzarella on pizza when pregnant?
Yes, mozzarella on pizza is safe during pregnancy. The mozzarella used by major pizza chains, frozen pizza brands, and most restaurants is made from pasteurized milk. When baked on pizza, it's heated to temperatures that kill any potential bacteria. Fresh mozzarella from specialty stores should be checked for pasteurization, but standard shredded or sliced mozzarella is perfectly safe. The cooking process provides an extra layer of protection.
Can you eat pepperoni pizza when pregnant?
Yes, you can eat pepperoni pizza during pregnancy, though moderation is wise. Pepperoni contains sodium nitrite, a preservative that may affect fetal oxygen levels at high exposures. When cooked on pizza, pepperoni reaches safe temperatures. Occasional pepperoni pizza is fine, but if you eat pizza frequently, consider alternating with vegetable toppings or plain cheese. Many A grade pregnancy safe pizzas include pepperoni options from brands like Home Run Inn that use uncured varieties.
What are the best pizza toppings during pregnancy?
The best pizza toppings during pregnancy are vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, and olives they add nutrients without safety concerns. Cooked chicken, grilled shrimp, and well done ground beef are safe protein options. Pasteurized cheeses including mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan are all good choices. For a nutritious pizza, load up on veggies and pair with a side salad. Avoid raw or undercooked toppings and limit processed meats high in sodium nitrite.
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://chemm.hhs.gov/countermeasure_sodium nitrite.htm
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/zeb.2012.0746
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1392223/
- https://oehha.ca.gov/sites/default/files/media/downloads/crnr/sodnithid.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2916857/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-27345-x
- https://www.americordblood.com/articles/nitrates and pregancy
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/tera.1420180311
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8824361/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3607976/
- https://www.fishersci.ca/shop/products/sodium nitrite-98-thermo scientific-1/p-7024287
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/201444s000lbl.pdf
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10305619/
- https://www.pharmacompass.com/chemistry chemical name/sodium nitrite
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/203923s001lbl.pdf
- https://go.drugbank.com/salts/DBSALT002657
- https://www.myactivehealth.com/hwcontent/content/multum/d07762a1.html
- https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/food and nitrates
- https://www.pharmaffiliates.com/en/7632-00-0-sodium nitrite pa2701381.html
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39674018/
