Is it safe to eat mayonnaise during pregnancy?

Written by: Chief Nutritionist Vasanthi Senthilvel
21 years of experience | Newtrist Nutritionist Dietitian Dietician
Best Nutritionist in Bangalore with multiple awards for excellence in clinical nutrition, weight loss, holistic health and nutrition innovation.
Medically reviewed by: Dr Dr Prathiba G MBBS, DNB, FIRM, FMAS | Dr Sunil kumar N MBBS, MD, DM | Dr Vinay Prasad MBBS, MD, DM

Medical Disclaimer: Nutritional needs vary based on an individual’s profile. The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace personalised medical or nutrition care.

Yes, mayonnaise made with pasteurised eggs can be eaten during pregnancy when prepared and stored safely. Eggless mayonnaise is another option, provided its ingredients are suitable and storage instructions are followed. Avoid mayonnaise containing raw, unpasteurised eggs or preparations whose ingredients and handling you cannot confirm.

You do not need to rule out a favourite sandwich simply because it contains mayonnaise. Check what the mayonnaise is made with and how the whole dish has been prepared and stored.

Which mayonnaise can you eat during pregnancy?

Type of mayonnaise	What to check
Packaged mayonnaise containing eggs	Confirm that it uses pasteurised eggs or egg products. Follow the storage instructions and use-by date.
Eggless or vegetarian mayonnaise	Check the ingredients and allergens. Eggless does not mean dairy-free or remove the need for safe storage.
Homemade mayonnaise	If the recipe includes uncooked egg, use pasteurised eggs. Homemade mayonnaise is not automatically safer.
Restaurant mayonnaise or aioli	Ask whether it contains raw egg and whether that egg is pasteurised. Choose another accompaniment if staff cannot confirm.

Commercial mayonnaise commonly uses pasteurised eggs, but products and preparation methods vary. If the packaging is unclear, check with the manufacturer rather than assuming.

Risks of Mayonnaise During Pregnancy

The main food-safety concern is contamination, including from raw, unpasteurised eggs or unsuitable handling. Contaminated eggs can carry Salmonella and cause food poisoning. A small portion does not make contaminated mayonnaise safe.

Fat and sodium are separate nutrition considerations. Their amounts vary between products and should be considered within your overall diet; they do not make every mayonnaise product unsuitable for pregnancy.

Store mayonnaise and prepared dishes safely

Follow the label’s instructions before and after opening. Use a clean utensil and promptly return mayonnaise requiring refrigeration to the fridge.

For a sandwich or salad containing mayonnaise, consider the whole dish. Its vegetables, chicken, eggs, or other ingredients also need safe preparation and storage.

• Keep refrigerated food at 4°C or below.
• Discard perishable prepared food left at room temperature for more than two hours.
• When the temperature is above 32°C, shorten that limit to one hour.

These time limits apply to foods requiring refrigeration, not automatically to an unopened, shelf-stable jar.

How much mayonnaise can you have during pregnancy?

There is no single pregnancy-specific serving that suits everyone. Use mayonnaise as an accompaniment and check the label for its serving size, energy, fat, and sodium content.

For example, spread a thin layer on a sandwich rather than adding several spoonfuls without measuring. This is a practical portion suggestion, not a medical safety limit.

If you follow an individual nutrition plan, consider the complete meal and your care team’s advice. Avoid restricting a wide range of foods because of concerns about one ingredient.

Alternatives to mayonnaise

If you prefer a different dip or spread, whisk thick curd until smooth and add washed herbs or a little lemon juice. Choose curd made from pasteurised milk and keep it refrigerated.

Almond or cashew paste can also provide a creamy texture if you tolerate nuts. These alternatives offer variety but are not automatically lower in calories. Check ingredients and allergens in packaged substitutes.

For help with meals beyond dips and spreads, explore our pregnancy food chart.

FAQs

Make everyday pregnancy food choices easier

If questions about spreads, snacks, and meals are leaving you unsure what to eat, personalised guidance can help you plan around your preferences and pregnancy needs.

Consult Chief Nutritionist Vasanthi Senthilvel for personalised pregnancy nutrition. Guidance can consider your pregnancy stage, relevant health reports, food preferences, and daily routine, alongside your obstetric team’s advice.