Commercial Eggnog

Safety Status: Generally Safe

Store-bought, commercial eggnog is safe to consume during pregnancy, provided it is non-alcoholic.

According to guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), commercial eggnog is undergo commercial pasteurization. Pasteurization heats the milk, cream, and egg mixture to a high temperature (typically 161°F / 71.7°C for at least 15 seconds) to destroy foodborne pathogens, including Salmonella enteritidis and Listeria monocytogenes.

Because of this rigorous heat-treatment process, commercial eggnog does not carry the bacterial risks associated with raw eggs used in traditional homemade eggnog.

Nutritional Profile & Considerations

While safe from pathogens, commercial eggnog is a rich, calorie-dense beverage:

• Calcium & Protein: Made from milk and cream, it provides calcium essential for your baby’s bones and protein for tissue growth.
• High Sugar & Fat Content: Commercial eggnog is high in added sugars and saturated fats. If you are managing gestational diabetes or monitoring weight gain, consume it in moderation as a seasonal treat.
• Choline & Vitamin D: Contains trace amounts of choline from the pasteurized egg yolk, supporting fetal brain health.

Safe Selection and Kitchen Storage

To enjoy commercial eggnog safely:

• Confirm Pasteurization: Double-check the product label for the word “pasteurized.” Virtually all commercial dairy brands sold in major supermarkets are pasteurized.
• Verify Alcohol Content: Ensure you are purchasing regular non-alcoholic eggnog. Avoid pre-mixed alcoholic eggnogs sold in liquor sections, as alcohol is contraindicated during pregnancy.
• Keep Cold: Store commercial eggnog in your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).
• Consume Promptly: Drink opened commercial eggnog within 5 to 7 days, and discard any beverage that has passed its expiration date.