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Can you eat store bought Caesar dressing when pregnant?

Eating healthy and avoiding harmful foods is especially important during pregnancy. Many pregnant women wonder if popular foods like Caesar dressing are safe or should be avoided. Here is a look at whether store bought Caesar dressing can be eaten safely during pregnancy.

The Main Concerns with Caesar Dressing

There are two main concerns with store bought Caesar dressing during pregnancy:

  • Raw eggs – Traditional Caesar dressing recipes call for raw or undercooked eggs. Raw and undercooked eggs may contain salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning and be especially dangerous during pregnancy.
  • Unpasteurized cheese – Some Caesar dressings contain unpasteurized cheese, such as parmesan or romano. Unpasteurized dairy products carry the risk of listeria, which can also be very harmful during pregnancy.

Many commercial Caesar dressings sold at grocery stores no longer contain raw eggs or unpasteurized dairy, making them safer. However, it is important to check the label and ingredients.

How to Choose a Safe Caesar Dressing

When choosing a store bought Caesar dressing while pregnant, look for the following:

  • No raw or undercooked eggs in the ingredients list
  • No unpasteurized cheese, such as parmesan, romano or feta
  • Pasteurized dairy products only
  • A label that specifically states the dressing is made without raw eggs

As long as the Caesar dressing meets these criteria, it should be safe to eat during pregnancy. Avoid any dressings that contain raw egg, even in small quantities.

Safe Brands of Caesar Dressing

Many major Caesar dressing brands are now made without raw eggs, making them pregnancy-safe. Some safe store bought options include:

  • Ken’s Steak House Lite Caesar Dressing
  • Brianna’s Caesar Dressing
  • Girard’s Caesar Dressing
  • Newman’s Own Caesar Dressing
  • Annie’s Naturals Organic Caesar Dressing
  • Kraft Caesar Vinaigrette Dressing

Always verify the ingredients and labels to be sure these dressings are made with pasteurized dairy and no raw eggs.

Nutrition Info for Caesar Dressing

In addition to food safety, nutrition is also important during pregnancy. Here is the nutrition information for a typical 2 tablespoon serving of store bought Caesar dressing:

Nutrient Amount
Calories 80
Total Fat 8g
Saturated Fat 1g
Sodium 150mg
Total Carbohydrates 1g
Protein 0g

The main nutrients to pay attention to are:

  • Fat: Caesar dressing gets most of its calories from fat. The American Pregnancy Association recommends pregnant women limit fat intake to 30-50 grams per day.
  • Sodium: Caesar dressings are relatively high in sodium. The recommended sodium intake during pregnancy is less than 2,300 mg per day.

When eating Caesar dressing, consume it in moderation and be mindful of your total daily fat and sodium intake from all foods.

Tips for Consuming Caesar Dressing While Pregnant

Here are some tips for safely consuming store bought Caesar dressing during pregnancy:

  • Check the label carefully each time for raw eggs or unpasteurized cheese.
  • Stick to 1-2 tablespoons per serving.
  • Use Caesar dressing to top salads made with lots of vegetables and lean protein.
  • Avoid dips and spreads made with Caesar dressing.
  • Opt for low-fat or light Caesar dressings when possible.
  • Balance higher fat, higher sodium Caesar dressing with other low fat, low sodium foods throughout the day.

Healthy Substitutes for Caesar Dressing

For an alternative to Caesar dressing, try one of these healthy homemade salad dressing ideas:

  • Greek yogurt dressing: Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
  • Tahini dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water.
  • Balsamic vinaigrette: Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard, and shallots.
  • Apple cider vinaigrette: Whisk apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, and Dijon.

Homemade dressings let you control the ingredients and skip concerns like raw eggs. Pair them with salads and sides for a healthy pregnancy diet.

The Bottom Line

Store bought Caesar dressing that is made with pasteurized eggs and dairy and no raw eggs is generally safe to eat during pregnancy. Check the label closely and consume in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. For the healthiest options, substitute homemade dressings without additives or preservatives.