Can You Eat Unpasteurised Juice 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.
Freshly squeezed juice you make at home from washed fruit is fine, but unpasteurised bottled juices are best avoided in pregnancy due to the bacteria risk.
Why is unpasteurised juice a concern in pregnancy?
Unpasteurised juice hasn't been heat-treated, so bacteria like E. coli and salmonella from the fruit's surface can survive into the bottle. In pregnancy it's best to choose pasteurised juice (most supermarket juice), or make your own at home from thoroughly washed fruit and drink it fresh.
You can also check the calorie content of unpasteurised juice alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
The pasteurised equivalent is completely safe. If only unpasteurised milk is available, the NHS says boiling it first makes it safe.
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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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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 unpasteurised juice in the first trimester?
Yes — the advice to avoid unpasteurised juice applies throughout pregnancy.
Is a small amount of unpasteurised juice OK during pregnancy?
The NHS advises avoiding unpasteurised juice entirely during pregnancy rather than limiting it.
I accidentally ate unpasteurised juice while pregnant — what should I do?
The risk from a single serving is low. Watch for stomach upset or flu-like symptoms over the following days and weeks, and contact your midwife or GP if you feel unwell.
Is cooked unpasteurised juice safe in pregnancy?
Yes — boiling or thoroughly heating unpasteurised juice kills the bacteria of concern, making it safe.
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.