Can You Eat Coriander 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 — coriander (cilantro) is safe during pregnancy. Wash fresh coriander thoroughly before eating to remove any soil, which can carry toxoplasmosis.
Why is coriander safe in pregnancy?
Fresh coriander is safe in pregnancy — as a culinary herb it's eaten in normal food amounts, which the NHS has no concern about. The only precaution is the same one that applies to all fresh produce: wash it well, because soil traces can carry the toxoplasmosis parasite. Dried coriander and coriander seeds are also fine. (Very concentrated herbal supplements are a different matter — stick to food amounts.)
You can also check the calorie content of coriander alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
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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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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 coriander in the first trimester?
Yes — washed Coriander is safe throughout pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of coriander OK during pregnancy?
There is no limit — Coriander is actively good for you during pregnancy.
I accidentally ate coriander while pregnant — what should I do?
Eating unwashed Coriander 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 coriander safe in pregnancy?
Yes — cooked Coriander 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.