Can You Eat Pepperoni When Pregnant?

No matter how hygienically prepared, eating pepperoni when pregnant warrants caution.

Reviewed by Jyoti Benjamin, MS, RD, CSO, FAND, CD Jyoti Benjamin Jyoti BenjaminMS, RD, CSO, FAND, CD MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Clinical dietitianExperience: 25 years
Written by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Edited by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Fact-checked by , MSc Aneesha Amonz MSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 2 years
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Eating Pepperoni During Pregnancy

Image: Shutterstock

Pepperoni is an Italian-American variation of salamiiA cured sausage typically made of pork. and is prepared with cured beef and pork seasoned with different spices. While relishing its spicy flavor isn’t a cause for concern in general, knowing about the safety of eating pepperoni during pregnancy is vital if you are pregnant.

Pepperoni can increase your risk of foodborne illness if consumed raw or undercooked. Since pregnant women have naturally lower immunity, knowing about the safety of pepperoni before adding it to your diet is necessary. Keep reading to know about the safety of pepperoni for pregnant women, including its side effects and safer alternatives.

In This Article

Is It Safe To Eat Pepperoni During Pregnancy?

Pepperoni is not a healthy food you should have during pregnancy.

Image: Shutterstock

If you are thinking, Can I eat pepperoni while pregnant? It’s important to note that pepperoni is not among the healthy food choices for pregnant women. It is high in fats, salts, and spices. But if you have a strong craving for it, you might take it in moderate amounts. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming cured meat during pregnancy.

The cured meat could be vulnerable to toxoplasmosisi, a parasitic condition that causes no or mild flu-like symptoms in most cases. However, it can pass the placenta and adversely affect the unborn baby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 300-4000 cases of toxoplasmosis occur each year.

Some of the possible risks of overeating pepperoni include indigestion, weight gain, ulcers, and water retention. You may eat the one that does not have nitrates and nitritesiPreservatives for processed foods that prevent the growth of microorganisms and increase the shelf life. or use shredded chicken or lean ground beef as toppings. However, it is best to look for healthy eating choices to maintain optimum fetal and maternal nutrition during pregnancy.

protip_icon Quick fact
Heating dishes containing pepperoni to an internal temperature above 165°F may make it suitable for consumption during pregnancy.

Possible Side Effects Of Pepperoni During Pregnancy

Think before you extensively add pepperoni to your prenatal diet. The ingredients and preservatives used in this processed meat could affect you and your fetal development.

  1. Pepperoni is a high-fat food that offers around 141 calories and 13g of fat in a one-ounce serving (2). They are mostly saturated fats that may result in unhealthy weight gain and other problems such as preeclampsiaiA condition in which the blood pressure of a pregnant woman suddenly increases after 20 weeks and leads to complications. , gestational diabetesiHigh blood sugar during pregnancy. , and heart disease.
  2. Cured and salted meats contain nitrite and nitrate They could react with meat components and produce nitrosamines, which are carcinogeniciLikely to cause cancer. (3).
  3. The spicy content of pepperoni is likely to cause heartburn.
Pepperoni could lead to heartburn in pregnancy

Image: Shutterstock

  1. One ounce of pepperoni contains around 443mg sodium (2). It increases the salt content in the body, and a study has found that high sodium intake during pregnancy can adversely affect fetal renaliRelated to the kidneys. functions (4). If you are worried about the side effects of taking pepperoni, you may try some alternatives.
protip_icon Did you know?
Pepperoni may contain several spices such as paprika, black pepper, mustard seeds, Cayenne pepper, and red pepper.

Safer Alternatives To Pepperoni

  • Go for pepperoni made of turkey as it contains fewer fats and saturated fats.
  • Read the label before you buy commercial pepperoni. Take the one that has no nitrates and nitrites.

    Take pepperoni that has no nitrates and nitrites

    Image: Shutterstock

  • Make your pizza with whole-grain tortillaiThin, unleavened flatbread made from maize or wheat flour. or pitaiYeast-leavened flatbread made from wheat flour. , and substitute pepperoni with lean meats such as grilled chicken breast and lean ground turkey.

According to obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Himali Maniar Patel, “Turkey pepperoni is often considered a healthier choice than traditional pork or beef pepperoni because it contains less fat. Nevertheless, it is still processed meat, undergoing curing, seasoning, and addition of preservatives like nitrates or nitrites. It is advisable for pregnant women to consume processed meats, including turkey pepperoni, in moderation and to ensure they are thoroughly cooked or heated to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, such as Listeria, which is particularly harmful during pregnancy.”

Next, we answer some common queries raised by our readers about pepperoni and pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I eat cold pepperoni during pregnancy?

Cold pepperoni is safe to eat only if the label says the product is ready to eat. The risk of bacteria is reduced when it is frozen (5). But the risk of getting toxoplasmosis or listeriosisiA disease caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes which may enter the body when consuming contaminated food. from cold meats can’t be completely ruled out. Therefore, you may consider eating hot and adequately cooked pepperoni to ensure optimum food safety.

2. Can I eat raw pepperoni when pregnant?

Raw pepperoni poses the risk of toxoplasmosis that is usually associated with raw meat. Toxoplasmosis could increase the risk of preterm labor, stillbirth, and miscarriage and cause congenital disabilities in babies (6).

3. Does pepperoni contain listeria?

Pepperoni is a cold cured meat and holds less chance of carrying listeria bacteria as freezing kills the parasite.

4. Is uncured pepperoni safe during pregnancy?

Uncured meats are cured with natural products such as celery powder rather than nitrates. There is no evidence to say that uncured meat is safer than cured one.

5. Can I have Hormel pepperoni when pregnant?

Hormel pepperoni contains nitrite preservatives, high saturated fats, added sugars, and high sodium content. Therefore, it is good to avoid it for your overall health.

Pepperoni is prepared from beef or pork and contains high amounts of fats, spices, and salt. Further, improper handling, storage, or cooking of pepperoni can lead to food infections. Hence, eating pepperoni when pregnant is not recommended since it may negatively affect the fetus. Instead, you could pick healthier alternatives, such as lean meats or pepperoni made from turkey. Be careful to avoid commercial pepperoni that is rich in nitrites and nitrates. Finally, discuss the safety of consuming pepperoni when pregnant with your healthcare provider or nutritionist.

Infographic: How Does Pepperoni Affect Pregnancy?

One of the first things that come to mind when we think of a pizza is pepperoni. But, as it is made of raw meat, it is not advised for expecting mothers. So let’s take a look at the infographic below to learn about the potential adverse effects of pepperoni and alternatives you may consider.

possible side effects of Eating pepperoni in pregnancy (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Pepperoni should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy to avoid foodborne infections from consuming raw or undercooked pepperoni.
  • Overeating pepperoni may lead to indigestion, weight gain, ulcers, and water retention.
  • Pepperoni contains high levels of nitrite and nitrate, which are carcinogenic due to its high-fat content.
  • The spice in pepperoni may cause heartburn, and overconsumption of salt during pregnancy could harm fetal renal functions.
  • A safer alternative for pepperoni during pregnancy is to choose those made of turkey and other lean meats.
Pepperoni When Pregnant_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Food prep for pregnancy; Northwell Health; 2018
    https://www.northwell.edu/news/food-prep-for-pregnancy
  2. Pepperoni beef and pork sliced; Basic Report 174575; USDA
    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174575/nutrients
  3. Caiping Mao et al.; High-salt diets during pregnancy affected fetal and offspring renal renin–angiotensin system; J Endocrinol (2015)
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4406098/
  4. Foods to avoid in pregnancy; NHS (2017)
    https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
  5. Erin Digitale; NIH study supports screening pregnant women for toxoplasmosis; Stanford Medicine (2012)
    https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2012/04/13/nih-study-supports-screening-pregnant-women-for-toxoplasmosis/
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Jyoti Benjamin
Jyoti BenjaminMS, RD, CSO, FAND, CD
Jyoti Benjamin has 25 years of experience as a clinical dietitian and currently works in Seattle. She focuses on teaching people the value of good nutrition and helping them lead healthy lives by natural means.Benjamin has a masters in Foods and Nutrition, and has been a longtime member and Fellow of AND (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) and the International Confederation of Dietetic Association.

Read full bio of Jyoti Benjamin
  • Dr. Himali Maniar Patel
    Dr. Himali Maniar PatelMBBS, DGO Dr. Himali M Patel is an Ahmedabad, India based gynecologist with 13 years of experience. She currently practices at Nisha Women's Hospital and IVF Centre. Dr. Patel did her graduation in Medicine at Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune and holds a diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
    Dr. Himali M Patel is an Ahmedabad, India based gynecologist with 13 years of experience. She currently practices at Nisha Women's Hospital and IVF Centre. Dr. Patel did her graduation in Medicine at Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune and holds a diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Rebecca Malachi
Rebecca MalachiBSc
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi
Aneesha Amonz
Aneesha AmonzMSc
Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz