Can You Eat Bacon During Pregnancy?

 Lyndsay Hall Profile Photo
By Lyndsay Hall | Updated on Sep 11, 2023
Image for article Can You Eat Bacon During Pregnancy?

So long as it’s well cooked, you can continue to enjoy bacon in a variety of delicious ways throughout your pregnancy.

If you’re someone who typically consumes bacon on a regular basis, the main advice is to see if you can find nitrite/nitrate-free options at your grocery store. Nitrites and nitrates are preservatives added to a number of meat-based products, and there is some negative research about their impact on health. Quantity and frequency of consumption does matter, so try to limit how often you are eating these additives. For example, try and keep this popular breakfast protein to a weekend treat or once or twice during the week.

Being mindful of your red meat intake overall, including pork, isn’t a bad idea. So if you’re able to find chicken- or turkey-based bacon that’s also nitrite/nitrate-free, that would be an even bigger win.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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Lyndsay Hall
Updated on Sep 11, 2023

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Can You Eat Bacon During Pregnancy?

 Lyndsay Hall Profile Photo
By Lyndsay Hall | Updated on Sep 11, 2023
Image for article Can You Eat Bacon During Pregnancy?

So long as it’s well cooked, you can continue to enjoy bacon in a variety of delicious ways throughout your pregnancy.

If you’re someone who typically consumes bacon on a regular basis, the main advice is to see if you can find nitrite/nitrate-free options at your grocery store. Nitrites and nitrates are preservatives added to a number of meat-based products, and there is some negative research about their impact on health. Quantity and frequency of consumption does matter, so try to limit how often you are eating these additives. For example, try and keep this popular breakfast protein to a weekend treat or once or twice during the week.

Being mindful of your red meat intake overall, including pork, isn’t a bad idea. So if you’re able to find chicken- or turkey-based bacon that’s also nitrite/nitrate-free, that would be an even bigger win.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


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