Can you eat reuben sandwich while pregnant?
Check firstYes, a Reuben is safe during pregnancy when the corned beef or pastrami inside is steaming hot. A classic deli Reuben with steamed meat and a grilled finish gets there, so only send back one that is cold or lukewarm in the middle.
Why
The meat is the part of a Reuben that matters. Sliced corned beef and pastrami are ready-to-eat deli meats. The CDC and FDA advise heating deli meats to 165 F, or until steaming hot, during pregnancy because Listeria can keep growing in the fridge and an infection can reach the baby. A deli that steams the meat before building the sandwich meets that bar, and a good grill finishes the job. The rest of the sandwich is easy: Swiss is a hard cheese made from pasteurized milk, sauerkraut from a can or jar is pasteurized and gets hot on the griddle, and bottled Russian or Thousand Island dressing is a shelf-stable product.
Safer alternatives
- A deli Reuben made with corned beef steamed to order
- Hot pastrami on rye, served straight off the steamer
- A grilled Swiss and sauerkraut melt on rye, no meat
Sources
- CDC https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/prevention/index.html
- FDA https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/ready-eat-foods-food-safety-moms-be
Every verdict follows our sourcing methodology: official health guidelines only, most cautious position when they differ.
Last reviewed by the pregAI editorial team.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a Reuben at home with packaged corned beef?
Yes. Heat the slices in a skillet or microwave until steaming, about 165 F, then build and grill the sandwich as usual. Heating the meat first matters, because a thick stack of cold slices can stay cool in the center even when the bread is toasted.
Is the sauerkraut and Swiss cheese on a Reuben safe while pregnant?
Yes. Canned or jarred sauerkraut is pasteurized and heats through on the griddle, and Swiss is a hard cheese made from pasteurized milk. The meat is the only part that needs your attention.
Is a pre-made cold Reuben from a grab-and-go case safe?
Not straight from the case, because the cold corned beef inside is exactly the kind of deli meat the CDC and FDA say to heat first. Warm it in a panini press or oven until the meat is steaming, or order a hot sandwich instead.
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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.