Yes, you can usually eat black pudding when pregnant, as long as it is thoroughly cooked, fresh, and eaten hot, but it should only be an occasional food because it is quite high in fat and salt. Always check with your own midwife or doctor if you have anaemia, high blood pressure, or any complications in pregnancy before adding it regularly.

Quick Scoop

  • Safe in pregnancy if:
    • It is fully cooked all the way through (piping hot, not just warmed).
* It has been properly stored in the fridge and is in date.

* You avoid any slices that have been sitting out lukewarm on a buffet or deli counter.
  • Main benefits:
    • Very rich in iron, which helps prevent anaemia and supports baby’s oxygen supply and brain development.
* Provides protein, which helps build and repair tissues and supports your baby’s growth.
  • Main downsides:
    • Often high in saturated fat and calories, so best as an occasional treat rather than a daily food.
* Like other processed meats, it must be cooked thoroughly to reduce any risk from bacteria such as Listeria.

How to Eat It Safely

  • At home:
    1. Buy sealed, in-date black pudding from the fridge section.
    2. Keep it refrigerated and use within a few days of opening.
3. Fry, grill, or bake until the centre is steaming hot and no part is cool or undercooked.
  • In cafés, hotels, or buffets:
    • Ask for a freshly cooked slice or for it to be reheated until very hot, especially at breakfast buffets.
* Skip it if it looks like it has been sitting out for a long time or is just lukewarm.

Portion, Cravings, and Health Conditions

  • Sensible portion:
    • Enjoy a few slices once in a while rather than large, frequent servings to keep fat, salt, and calories in check.
  • If you have:
    • Anaemia: your doctor may be happy for you to include some black pudding as an extra iron source, alongside supplements if prescribed.
* High blood pressure, pre-eclampsia risk, or high cholesterol: you may be advised to limit salty, fatty processed meats like black pudding more strictly.

White Pudding and Similar Foods

  • White pudding (no blood, just fat, cereal, spices):
    • Also considered safe in pregnancy if thoroughly cooked and properly stored.
* Tends to be a bit lower in iron than black pudding but still high in fat and calories, so moderation is important.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.