Can You Eat Homemade Mayonnaise 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.
Homemade mayonnaise is safe during pregnancy only if made with British Lion eggs. Otherwise avoid it, because it contains raw egg.
Why is homemade mayonnaise safe in pregnancy?
Homemade mayonnaise contains raw egg. The NHS says raw egg is safe in pregnancy only when it comes from hens in the British Lion or 'Laid in Britain' schemes, which vaccinate against salmonella. Homemade mayo made with Lion eggs is fine; made with any other eggs, it should be avoided.
You can also check the calorie content of homemade mayonnaise alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Shop-bought mayonnaise is always fine — it uses pasteurised egg.
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Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
Check Price →Pregnancy food guide
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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 homemade mayonnaise in the first trimester?
Yes — Lion-stamped homemade mayonnaise are safe at every stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of homemade mayonnaise OK during pregnancy?
There is no need to limit Lion-stamped homemade mayonnaise during pregnancy. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, choline and vitamin D.
I accidentally ate homemade mayonnaise while pregnant — what should I do?
If the eggs were Lion-stamped, there is nothing to worry about. If they weren't, the risk of salmonella from a single serving is still low — salmonella is unpleasant but very rarely harms the baby directly. Contact your GP or midwife if you develop sickness, diarrhoea or fever.
Is cooked homemade mayonnaise safe in pregnancy?
Yes — thoroughly cooked eggs (firm white and yolk) are safe in pregnancy regardless of where they come from.
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.