Is Pepperoni Safe to Eat While Pregnant?
On This Page
Itching to DoorDash your fave pizza but wondering if that pie is safe for pregnancy? Here’s what you need to know about eating pepperoni during pregnancy.
Is pepperoni safe to eat while pregnant?
Yes, as long as it’s cooked piping hot!
Cold, ready‑to‑eat pepperoni (sliced sticks, deli‑counter slices, charcuterie boards) should be avoided or reheated to 165°F (74°C) (aka “steaming hot”) right before eating. That’s because deli meats (including fermented/dry sausages) can carry Listeria, which causes severe food poisoning in pregnancy.
During early pregnancy, listeriosis has been linked to miscarriage. Later on, it can lead to preterm birth or newborn infection. The overall risk exists throughout pregnancy, so safe‑food handling matters in every trimester.
Why cold pepperoni is risky
Listeria can contaminate ready‑to‑eat meats (think: deli‑sliced meats, hot dogs, and fermented/dry sausages). That’s why the CDC advises people who are pregnant to avoid these foods or reheat to 165°F (steaming hot) just before eating.
Cured meats have a toxoplasmosis connection. The National Health Service in the U.K. notes cold-cured meats like salami and pepperoni are not cooked and may contain parasites that cause toxoplasmosis—unless cooked thoroughly. (In the U.S., the CDC echoes this advice to thoroughly cook meats to prevent toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.) also advises thoroughly cooking meats to prevent toxoplasmosis.
But isn’t pepperoni “cooked”?
Some pepperoni is fermented and cured (not heat‑cooked). Even when a product is “ready‑to‑eat,” pregnancy guidance still recommends heating deli/sausage meats to 165°F (steaming hot) because Listeria can grow during storage and slicing.
What about on pizza?
Pepperoni on a freshly baked pizza served piping hot is generally fine—the heating step is what makes it safer. The key is that the topping should be steaming hot at serving, and leftovers should be reheated to 165°F.
How often can I have pepperoni?
Though thoroughly heating pepperoni will nix the big risks to pregnant folks, keep in mind that it packs some nutritional no-nos. Pepperoni is high in sodium and saturated fat, both of which should be enjoyed in moderation (especially if you have high blood pressure). U.S. Dietary Guidelines advise adults (including pregnant ones) to limit sodium to no more than 2,300 mg per day and to limit saturated fat.
How to Safely Eat Pepperoni During Pregnancy
- Craving pizza? Enjoy it hot out of the oven (toppings steaming). If you’re reheating leftovers, reheat to 165°F.
- Choose cooked options (e.g., pepperoni baked on toast or in a hot sandwich) rather than cold slices. Avoid relying on shelf‑stable/dry sausage sticks cold; if you choose them, heat to 165°F first.
- Watch the sodium! Most Americans exceed sodium limits. Balance higher‑sodium foods, like pepperoni, with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and unsalted foods.
- Follow the two-hour rule. When in doubt (buffets, potlucks, long‑sitting spreads) follow the USDA’s two‑hour rule and skip foods that have been sitting out for two hours or longer (or longer than an hour if the temperature is 90°F or above)
More on Healthy Eating During Pregnancy:
- Real Talk on Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
- Is Brie Safe in Pregnancy?
- Can I Have Caffeine During Pregnancy
- The Nutrients You Need While Pregnant
***
REFERENCES
CDC: Investigation Update: Listeria Outbreak (Meats Sliced at Delis)
CDC: How Listeria Spread: Deli Foods and Prepared Meats
FDA: Listeria (Food Safety for Moms‑to‑Be)
NHS: Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy
CDC: About Toxoplasmosis
CDC: About Sodium and Health
USDA: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Danger Zone (40°F–140°F)
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Safe Handling of Take‑Out Foods