Can You Eat Broccoli When Pregnant?
Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Updated September 2026
Nutritional data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and Public Health England. Always consult a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.
Yes — broccoli is safe during pregnancy. Wash it thoroughly before eating to remove any soil, which can carry toxoplasmosis.
Why is broccoli safe in pregnancy?
Broccoli is a healthy pregnancy food. The only precaution is thorough washing: soil traces on fruit, vegetables and salads can carry the toxoplasmosis parasite, so the NHS advises washing all produce before eating it while pregnant. Pre-washed bagged versions can be eaten straight from the bag as long as they're stored chilled and eaten by the use-by date.
You can also check the calorie content of broccoli alongside its safety information. Dog owners should check if broccoli is safe for dogs before sharing, and cat owners can check whether cats can eat broccoli.
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Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
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Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.
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Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
More pregnancy essentials
Baby-safe food thermometer
Useful for pregnancy cooking checks and later for baby food.
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Common questions
Can I eat broccoli in the first trimester?
Yes — washed broccoli is safe throughout pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of broccoli OK during pregnancy?
There is no limit — broccoli is actively good for you during pregnancy.
I accidentally ate broccoli while pregnant — what should I do?
Eating unwashed broccoli once is very unlikely to cause a problem — the precaution is about reducing a small risk. Watch for flu-like symptoms and speak to your midwife if concerned.
Is cooked broccoli safe in pregnancy?
Yes — cooked broccoli is safe, and cooking also removes the soil-borne parasite risk.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
The information on 247foodcheck.com is compiled from official public guidance (NHS, Food Standards Agency, USDA/FDA FoodKeeper) and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your midwife, GP, health visitor or other qualified professional. When in doubt, throw it out — and if you feel unwell after eating something, contact NHS 111 or your doctor.