Can you eat custard when pregnant?

Wondering if it's safe to tuck into custard apples or custard tart? Find out if it's safe to eat custard during pregnancy, plus precautions to take to keep yourself and your baby healthy.

The official advice on eating custard in pregnancy

Shop-bought custard

Pre-made or powdered custard from shops is generally made with pasteurised eggs, making it safe to eat. For extra reassurance, check the ingredients on the pack; these will often say if it's been made with pasteurised egg. If so, tuck in! It's fine to eat in pregnancy.

Homemade custard

Custard made at home or in restaurants is safe to eat if it's made with British Lion stamped eggs. If the eggs aren't British Lion stamped, it's important to make sure the custard is thoroughly cooked before eating it.

According to the NHS, eggs without the British Lion stamp can contain salmonella. This can cause food poisoning, especially while you're pregnant. It's unlikely to harm your baby, but can be very unpleasant. So if you're making custard with non-British Lion eggs, make sure it's thoroughly cooked.

Delicious custard recipes

Love custard? Why not try one of these great pregnancy-safe recipes?

• Traditional custard recipe
• Easy classic trifle
• Orange creme brulee
• Iced trifle slice
• Baked apples (amazing with custard recipe above)

We like The Whole 9 Months, a week-by-week pregnancy nutrition guide, packed full of recipes and medical advice. See more details here at Amazon.

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