Is Eggs Benedict Safe During Pregnancy? What to Know
At a Glance:
Concern: Eggs Benedict often contains poached eggs with runny yolks and hollandaise sauce made from raw eggs, both of which can carry Salmonella.
Risk Level: Not recommended unless the eggs and hollandaise sauce are made with pasteurized eggs and cooked to a safe temperature.
Safe Practices: Ask about ingredients when dining out, opt for pasteurized egg products, and cook eggs until yolks are firm when preparing at home.
Eggs Benedict is a brunch favorite—a toasted English muffin layered with Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and creamy hollandaise sauce. But if you’re pregnant, you might be wondering whether this dish is still on the menu. The answer depends on how it’s made. This post explores the risks of runny eggs and raw sauces in pregnancy and provides tips for enjoying a safer version of this classic dish.
Understanding the Concerns
There are two main ingredients in Eggs Benedict that raise concern during pregnancy:
1. Poached Eggs with Runny Yolks
Traditional Eggs Benedict is made with poached eggs, where the yolk is often soft or runny. Undercooked eggs may contain Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness.
2. Hollandaise Sauce Made from Raw Eggs
Classic hollandaise sauce is made by whisking raw egg yolks with lemon juice and melted butter. Unless the eggs are pasteurized, this sauce also carries a risk of Salmonella.
Assessing the Risks
⚠️ Salmonella Infection Risks in Pregnancy:
While salmonella typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms (like diarrhea, fever, and vomiting), pregnant individuals may experience more severe illness. Though it’s unlikely to harm the baby directly, dehydration and high fever can lead to complications.
✅ Pasteurized Eggs = Lower Risk:
Pasteurized eggs have been heat-treated to kill bacteria without cooking the egg itself. When used in poached eggs or hollandaise, they significantly reduce the risk of Salmonella.
Making Safe Choices
Here’s how to enjoy Eggs Benedict safely during pregnancy:
✅ Use Pasteurized Eggs
Look for pasteurized whole eggs or liquid egg products, which are clearly labeled. These are widely available at most grocery stores.
✅ Cook Eggs Thoroughly
When preparing poached or soft-boiled eggs, ensure the yolks are firm, not runny. Fully cooked eggs are safe to eat during pregnancy.
✅ Use Cooked or Pasteurized Hollandaise
You can either:
Use a store-bought pasteurized hollandaise sauce.
Make your own using pasteurized eggs and heat the sauce to at least 160°F (71°C) during preparation.
✅ Ask When Dining Out
If you’re ordering Eggs Benedict at a restaurant, ask if the eggs and hollandaise are made from pasteurized eggs and cooked thoroughly. If they can’t confirm, choose a different dish to be safe.
A Pregnancy-Safe Recipe
Safe-at-Home Eggs Benedict (with Pasteurized Eggs)
Ingredients:
2 pasteurized eggs
1 English muffin, split and toasted
2 slices cooked turkey bacon or ham
1/2 cup pasteurized hollandaise sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook turkey bacon or ham slices in a skillet until browned. Set aside.
Bring water to a gentle simmer and poach eggs until yolks are firm, about 5–6 minutes.
Warm hollandaise sauce in a saucepan to at least 160°F (71°C) if homemade.
Assemble the toasted English muffins with turkey bacon, poached egg, and warm hollandaise sauce.
Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Conclusion: Eggs Benedict Can Be Pregnancy-Safe—With Adjustments
Eggs Benedict doesn’t have to be off-limits during pregnancy—but it does require extra caution. Undercooked eggs and raw hollandaise sauce pose a risk of Salmonella, but you can reduce that risk by using pasteurized eggs and ensuring everything is fully cooked. Whether you’re making it at home or ordering out, a few thoughtful adjustments can help you safely enjoy this brunch classic.
As always, speak with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure about a specific ingredient or dish. With the right precautions, you can still treat yourself during pregnancy—deliciously and safely.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance during pregnancy.
Sources:
FDA Dairy and Eggs - Food Safety for Moms to Be:
https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/dairy-and-eggs-food-safety-moms-be
Mother to Baby Fact Sheets - Salmonella:
