Raw Egg Foods in Pregnancy: Meringue, Hollandaise, Caesar and Tiramisu

The short answer: Avoid homemade or fresh-made foods that contain raw or lightly cooked eggs. The FDA's advice for moms-to-be lists Caesar salad dressing, Béarnaise sauce, hollandaise sauce, aioli, homemade mayonnaise, homemade ice cream, mousse, meringue, and tiramisu. FDA also notes that commercial mayonnaise, dressings, and sauces contain pasteurized eggs that are safe to eat.

Why do raw eggs matter in pregnancy?

Raw eggs can carry Salmonella. The FDA's egg safety page lists pregnant women among the people at greater risk for severe illness. CDC's chart lists raw or undercooked (runny) eggs, and foods that contain them, as riskier choices.

Can you eat lemon meringue pie while pregnant?

Meringue is on FDA's raw-egg list. A store-bought pie is often made with already-cooked or pasteurized ingredients, and FDA suggests using store-bought versions of these foods. For homemade meringue, use pasteurized eggs. Lemon meringue pie has its own food page.

Is hollandaise sauce safe when pregnant?

Fresh-made hollandaise and Béarnaise are on FDA's avoid list because the yolks are only lightly cooked. Ask whether a restaurant uses pasteurized eggs, or make it at home with pasteurized eggs, which FDA recommends for recipes that call for raw or undercooked eggs.

Can I have Caesar salad dressing while pregnant?

Bottled Caesar dressing is fine; FDA says commercial dressings use pasteurized eggs. Homemade or tableside Caesar dressing made with raw yolks is the one to skip. See Caesar dressing.

Is tiramisu safe during pregnancy?

Traditional tiramisu uses raw eggs in the cream, and FDA lists it by name. Choose a store-bought version or a recipe made with pasteurized eggs. Tiramisu also typically contains coffee and sometimes alcohol, which are separate questions; see our caffeine guide.

What about mousse, homemade ice cream and aioli?

All three are on FDA's list when homemade with raw eggs. CDC lists pasteurized eggs in foods that will not be cooked to a safe temperature, such as mousse and salad dressing as the safer choice. Our mayonnaise and aioli guide and ice cream guide go deeper.

Common questions

Are cooked egg dishes OK?

Yes. CDC says eggs cooked until yolks and whites are firm, and egg dishes cooked to 160°F (165°F if they contain meat or poultry), are safer. See our eggs guide.

What about eggnog?

FDA lists eggnog that is not thoroughly cooked. See eggnog.

Sources: FDA dairy and eggs for moms-to-be, FDA what you need to know about egg safety, and CDC safer food choices for pregnant women. This guide is educational and does not replace prenatal care.