Can you eat mayonnaise while pregnant?
SafeYes, the jarred mayonnaise sold in US grocery stores is safe: it is made with pasteurized eggs. Only homemade or artisanal mayo made with raw eggs needs to wait.
Why
The Salmonella concern with mayonnaise comes from raw eggs, and commercial brands use pasteurized eggs plus an acidic recipe that keeps bacteria in check. Homemade mayo, aioli or hollandaise made with raw unpasteurized eggs is the version to skip, per US food safety guidance for pregnancy.
Safer alternatives
- Any commercial jarred mayo
- Mustard
- Greek yogurt based dressings
Sources
- FDA (foodsafety.gov) https://www.foodsafety.gov/people-at-risk/pregnant-women
- NHS https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
Every verdict follows our sourcing methodology: official health guidelines only, most cautious position when they differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is restaurant aioli safe during pregnancy?
Ask how it is made. Many restaurants use commercial mayo as the base, which is safe; a from-scratch aioli with raw egg yolk is the one to skip.
Can I eat premade deli salads like potato or chicken salad?
The mayo is not the issue, Listeria is: the CDC advises pregnant women to skip premade deli-counter salads. Homemade versions with jarred mayo, eaten fresh, are safe.
Does mayonnaise need to be pasteurized to be safe?
Commercial mayo in the US is made with pasteurized eggs by default, so the jar you buy at the store is fine. The word to look out for is raw egg in homemade versions.
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Get instant verdicts on any foodpregAI is informational only and is not medical advice. Always check with your doctor or midwife about anything specific to your pregnancy.