Is Ice cream safe during pregnancy?
Store-bought ice cream made with pasteurized dairy is fine. Avoid ice cream made with raw milk and recalled products.
PregnancyGenerally safe
BreastfeedingGenerally safe
EvidenceModerate
What the sources say
CDC advises choosing pasteurized ice cream and avoiding raw-milk versions in pregnancy. Listeria can survive freezing, and ice cream products have been linked to Listeria outbreaks (CDC, 2023), so skip recalled items. Listeria can survive freezing temperatures (CDC). Homemade ice cream made with raw eggs is a separate concern.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
gelato, frozen custard, sherbet, milkshake, ice cream bar
Sources
- CDC: Preventing Listeria Infection
- CDC: Investigation Update: Listeria Outbreak, Ice Cream (August 2023)
- CDC: CDC warns of Listeria outbreak linked to 'Soft Serve On The Go' ice cream cups
- CDC: Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.