Is Sour Cream Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Yes, sour cream is safe during pregnancy when pasteurized. Most commercial sour cream sold in grocery stores is made from pasteurized milk and cream, making it a safe choice for pregnant women.
Sour cream falls under the dairy category, where the main concern is avoiding raw (unpasteurized) products that can harbor harmful bacteria like Listeria. The good news is that virtually all sour cream from major grocery stores is pasteurized. With 254 A grade and 234 B+ grade products in our database, the vast majority of sour cream options are pregnancy safe.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Pasteurized sour cream from major grocery store brands like Daisy, Great Value, or Good Culture
- • Check the label confirms 'pasteurized' milk or cream as an ingredient
- • Refrigerated products stored at proper temperature (below 40°F)
- • Products well within their expiration date
- • No limit on consumption when pasteurized - enjoy as part of a balanced diet
✗ What to Avoid
- • Unpasteurized or raw milk sour cream (rare but sometimes found at farmers markets)
- • Homemade sour cream unless you're certain pasteurized ingredients were used
- • Products left unrefrigerated or past expiration date
- • Sour cream with visible mold or off odors
- • Flavored varieties containing artificial colors like Red 40 (check ingredient labels)
Most Common Ingredients in Sour Cream Products
We analyzed 519 sour cream products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Sour Cream
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 519 sour cream products we analyzed.
artificial color
CAUTION
Artificial color is synthetic dyes added to foods and beverages. May affect neurobehavioral development in offspring based on animal studies.
Found in 22 of 519 products (4%)
red 40
CAUTION
Red 40 is a synthetic red food coloring. May affect neurobehavioral development based on animal studies at high doses.
Found in 3 of 519 products (1%)
sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate is a common food preservative in processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses.
Found in 2 of 519 products (0%)
grated horseradish roots
AVOID
Grated horseradish roots is a pungent root vegetable used as a condiment. Contains compounds that may cause digestive irritation and has shown developmental toxicity in animals.
Found in 1 of 519 products (0%)
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 519 products (0%)
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 1 of 519 products (0%)
sodium metabisulfite and sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium metabisulfite and sodium benzoate is a common food preservative in processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses.
Found in 1 of 519 products (0%)
Sour Cream Products We've Analyzed
We graded 519 sour cream products for pregnancy safety. 254 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Sour Cream Products
We found 254 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Sour Cream | Daisy |
| A | 100% Lactose Free Sour Cream | — |
| A | Sour Cream | — |
| A | Great Value, Sour Cream | — |
| A | Sour Cream | Good Culture |
Your Questions Answered
Can pregnant women eat sour cream?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat sour cream as long as it's pasteurized, which includes virtually all commercial brands sold in grocery stores. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria like Listeria that could pose risks during pregnancy. Simply check that the label indicates pasteurized milk or cream, and store it properly refrigerated.
What are the risks of sour cream during pregnancy?
The primary risk with any dairy product during pregnancy is Listeria contamination from unpasteurized products. However, this risk is extremely low with commercial sour cream since it's almost always pasteurized. Other minor concerns include high saturated fat content if consumed in excess, and some flavored varieties may contain artificial colors. Stick to plain, pasteurized sour cream and you'll be fine.
Is sour cream safe when pregnant?
Yes, pasteurized sour cream is perfectly safe during pregnancy. The CDC and health organizations confirm that pasteurized dairy products pose no risk to pregnant women. Most sour cream at grocery stores is made from pasteurized cream and milk. Just verify the label says pasteurized, keep it refrigerated, and consume before the expiration date.
What is the nutritional value of sour cream during pregnancy?
Sour cream provides calcium, protein, and probiotics that can benefit pregnancy. A two tablespoon serving contains about 60 calories, 5 grams of fat, and small amounts of vitamin A and calcium. While not a nutritional powerhouse, it's a safe way to add flavor and creaminess to meals. For a lighter option, reduced fat versions are also safe during pregnancy.
Can I eat sour cream dips and dressings while pregnant?
Yes, commercially prepared sour cream dips and dressings are generally safe during pregnancy since they use pasteurized ingredients. However, check the ingredient list for any additives you prefer to avoid, such as artificial colors. Homemade dips are also safe as long as you use pasteurized sour cream and practice proper food safety by refrigerating promptly.
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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- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-022-00418-9
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31679476/
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- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749119305111
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- https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/groups/Royal_Hospital_for_Women/Mothersafe/documents/CosmeticsinPregnancyandBreastfeeding.pdf
- https://www.brown.edu/news/2024-11-11/personal care pfas
- https://www.cspi.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/resource/food dyes rainbow of risks.pdf
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