Comparison · Pregnancy Smart

Raw egg alternatives during pregnancy

Assigned clinical reviewerMichael Yuzefovich· MD, FACOGDraft · pending clinical reviewUpdated September 18, 2026

How do the options compare?

Options are compared on ACOG or MotherToBaby endorsement, size and quality of pregnancy-specific studies, dosing predictability, time-to-effect, and side-effect profile: the same axes an obstetric clinician would use.

Option	Studied pregnancy dose	Guideline support	Notes
Pasteurized shell eggs or pasteurized egg product	Not a dosed product: a direct substitute for raw or undercooked eggs anywhere a recipe calls for them.	A peer-reviewed food-safety-in-pregnancy review (Canadian Family Physician) states that the use of pasteurized egg products is recommended when a recipe calls for raw eggs.	Covers homemade Caesar dressing, mousse, tiramisu, and similar recipes where the egg is not fully cooked.
Raw or undercooked eggs (no pasteurization)	Not applicable.	The same review states that pregnant women and the general population should avoid consuming raw and undercooked eggs, and recommends refrigerated storage and handwashing after contact with raw eggs. NIDDK's pregnancy eating guidance similarly lists undercooked eggs among the items to avoid.	This is the category pasteurized eggs or egg product are meant to replace, not a recommended option on its own.
Raw cookie dough or cake batter	Not applicable: a food to avoid rather than a dosed product.	NIDDK's pregnancy eating guidance lists raw cookie dough by name alongside undercooked eggs and unpasteurized soft cheeses as foods to avoid.	Swapping in pasteurized egg does not by itself address every raw-dough concern, so regard ready-to-eat dough or batter as its own item to skip rather than assuming pasteurized egg fixes it.

For recipes calling for eggs that are raw or undercooked when served, such as Caesar salad dressing and homemade ice cream, FDA advises using shell eggs that have been pasteurized to destroy Salmonella, or pasteurized egg products. 1
Scrambled eggs should not be runny, dishes containing eggs should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and cooked egg dishes need reheating to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. 1
Flour is a raw food that has not been processed to kill bacteria, and outbreaks tied to raw flour or flour-containing products like cake mixes and cookie dough have involved Salmonella and E. coli, so the dough is a hazard even without the egg. 2
The safe minimum for eggs is cooking until the yolk and white are firm, with egg dishes at 160 degrees Fahrenheit and leftovers and casseroles reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 3
Pregnant people are among the groups advised to see a doctor right away for any symptoms of food poisoning, and both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes are named among the bacteria responsible. 4

Which option makes sense?

A comparison can include options that should be avoided or considered only in specific circumstances. Please consult your healthcare provider about the findings and cautions that apply to you.

Disclosure: Pregnancy Smart makes pregnancy supplements, though not in this category. This comparison is a plain description of the pregnancy evidence, not a sales page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I eat cookie dough while pregnant?

Not the raw kind, and the egg is only half the reason. Flour is a raw agricultural product that has not been processed to kill bacteria, and it has caused Salmonella and E. coli outbreaks on its own. Edible dough products formulated without raw egg and with flour already heated are the workaround.

Are pasteurized eggs safe to eat raw during pregnancy?

Pasteurized shell eggs and cartoned pasteurized egg products are exactly what FDA points to for recipes served raw or undercooked, including Caesar dressing and homemade ice cream. Check the carton, since pasteurized shell eggs sit next to ordinary ones and look identical.

What can I use instead of raw egg in Caesar dressing?

Pasteurized egg or pasteurized egg product is the direct substitute and the texture is unchanged. Bottled dressings are made with pasteurized ingredients. If you are ordering out, ask the kitchen, because house-made Caesar is one of the most common raw-egg dishes on a menu.

I ate raw cookie dough while pregnant. What should I do?

Most exposures cause nothing at all. Watch for stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, or vomiting over the next few days. Pregnant people are advised to seek care right away for any food poisoning symptoms rather than waiting them out, so call your provider if any of that appears.

References

What You Need to Know About Egg Safety
FDA · https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-egg-safety
Flour Is a Raw Food and Other Safety Facts
FDA · https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/flour-raw-food-and-other-safety-facts
Safe Food Handling
FDA · https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/safe-food-handling
Symptoms & Causes of Food Poisoning, NIDDK
NIH · https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.