Can you eat rhubarb while pregnant?
SafeYes, cooked rhubarb is safe. Wash the stalks well before cooking, since rhubarb grows close to the ground and soil can carry toxoplasmosis.
Why
Rhubarb is a stalk vegetable with no pregnancy-specific risk attached to it, and it is almost always eaten stewed or baked, which kills anything on the surface. The precaution that does apply is the one NHS pregnancy guidance gives for all garden produce: wash off every trace of soil, because soil can carry the toxoplasmosis parasite. Only the stalks go in the pot; the big leaves are not eaten in any cooking, pregnant or not. Rhubarb crumble, rhubarb compote and rhubarb jam are all fine.
Safer alternatives
- Stewed rhubarb with pasteurized Greek yogurt such as Fage or Chobani
- Rhubarb crumble made with shop-bought custard (Bird's or Ambrosia)
- Bonne Maman rhubarb compote or jam
- Stewed gooseberries or cooked plums for the same sharp flavor
Sources
- NHS https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/have-a-healthy-diet/
- FDA https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/fruits-veggies-and-juices-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
Is rhubarb crumble safe during pregnancy?
Yes. The fruit is cooked through under the topping, and the crumble itself is baked flour, butter and sugar. Serve it with shop-bought custard or cream rather than a raw-egg custard sauce.
Can I eat rhubarb from the garden?
Yes, as long as you wash the stalks thoroughly. Garden rhubarb comes out of the ground with soil at the base, and soil can carry toxoplasmosis, so scrub the stalks and trim the bottom before cooking. Wash your hands after handling it too.
Can I eat raw rhubarb while pregnant?
There is no safety rule against it once the stalk is washed, though raw rhubarb is sharp enough that most recipes cook it. If you want it raw in a salad or a smoothie, rinse it well and slice it thin. Cooking is the easier option and it tastes better.
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