Can You Eat Lunchables While Pregnant? Read Before Taking a Bite!

Being pregnant comes with so many rules. The obvious is the avoidance of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products but even some foods can pose a great danger to your baby. From uncooked to undercooked you need to know all there is about your new diet and what is deemed to carry risks to your unborn. So can you eat Lunchables while pregnant?

Can You Eat Lunchables While Pregnant? Safe Or Not?

While Lunchables may be a convenient option for a quick lunch or snack, they are not the healthiest choice. The high levels of sodium and preservatives may not be good for your health, especially during pregnancy.

Can I eat Lunchables while pregnant? Lunchables are a great selection of cheese crackers and either ham or turkey eating them could run the risk of contracting Listeria.

Eating any cold deli meats can potentially hold this risk which is why expectant moms are advised against deli meats. In extreme cases, Listeria can cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Eating Lunchables without deli meats is thought to be safe.

So, Is Lunchables Safe To Eat While Pregnant?

Food cravings are weird. You not only fancy a food item you need it. Cue the endless chocolate and cheese sandwiches or pickles and sugar becomes the new norm but what about the adorable childhood staple?

The popular question in the mom community, can pregnant women eat Lunchables?

Lunchables are easy for wholesome snacks after all, right? Is it safer to put these on the back burner until after your baby is born? What can be harmful in a couple of cheese crackers and deli?

What Is A Lunchable?

Before unpicking all you need to know about eating Lunchables during pregnancy let’s look at the product itself.

Lunchables themselves are a popular option for moms everywhere. They are a handy option for lunch and come in kid size snack packs making them a novelty staple in many American homes.

Over the years the manufacturers have released many variants of this kid size snack from crackers, ham, and cheese to mini hot dogs and even pizza style wraps.

I can remember the excitement of being handed a Lunchable pack when I was a child and the same applies when I hand one to my daughter. This is proof that these grocery favorites are still extremely popular. With their nutritional value being better than a quick bag of chips or chocolate, it is no wonder many pregnant women are questioning, “Can I eat lunchables while pregnant?”

Can Pregnant Women Eat Lunchables?

Your new normal whilst being pregnant is thinking twice before reaching into the pantry for a snack. Questions race your brain, is this safe? Is this pasteurized? When pregnant even a simple task like getting a snack can be daunting.

We have all been there out and about on a shopping trip buying cute new little outfits then from nowhere the hunger monster rears. Like a savage you rummage through your handbag to find no pregnancy safe snacks. As you turn to the shelves in the store you quickly notice how many quick go to snacks are off limits for you and your bump.

Now, let’s answer the big question: can you eat Lunchables while pregnant? The short answer is yes, you can. However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.

First, as I mentioned earlier, Lunchables are not the healthiest choice. While they may be convenient, they are not the best option for providing the nutrients your growing baby needs. It’s important to make sure you are eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Second, you should be cautious about the amount of sodium you consume during pregnancy. Consuming too much sodium can increase your risk of high blood pressure, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby. If you do choose to eat Lunchables, be mindful of your sodium intake and try to balance it out with other low-sodium foods.

Keep in mind, Lunchables, in particular, are very handy to munch on the go but with the added processed deli meats included it can add risk to your pregnancy without you realizing it.

Deli meats are advised to be avoided during pregnancy. This is because they pose a significant risk of holding Listeria bacteria.

Now YOU tell me, can you eat Lunchables while pregnant?

What Is Listeria?

Listeria is a food borne bacteria that can attack your gut causing a serious infection. Generally, those who are fit and healthy can fight against this bacteria but if you’re pregnant then contracting Listeria can be dangerous for your unborn baby.

If left untreated then it can get into your bloodstream and hence directly to your baby so it’s super important to eat with caution. Taking a risk on foods like deli meats are not worth the 5 minute delight if it means putting your baby at risk.

Symptoms of Listeria poisoning may vary with many people putting it down to a typical tummy bug but if you suspect you have been subjected to Listeria bacteria whilst pregnant you could suffer from the following:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Lack of appetite
Fever
Irritable

Contact your doctor immediately for the best action to take, it is probably something of nothing but if left it can cause miscarriage or even stillbirth so it’s really not worth running the risk.

Safe or Not?

To put it bluntly, any type of snack or food that contains cold deli or processed meats runs the risk of Listeria so it’s sad to say if the lunchable you are craving has the cute little turkey or ham squares it’s best not to eat it.

If you have an anchoring for one there are ways to curb the craving. The safest lunchables on offer would be those without meat. So go ahead and fill your boots with the pizza or nacho variety.

Eating lunchables while pregnant comes with the safety risk only if you consume the non meat option. There are times when you will have a mouthful and then remember the risk but it’s okay. Consuming meat on the off chance doesn’t mean you are already contaminated. Providing the meat itself was well packaged, and stored correctly you can make the choice for yourself whether it’s worth running the risk.

Personally, my favorite mom hack is recreating these little delights from home. Using crackers and cheese I add in my own hot cooked meat of choice. Not only is this safer as I know the meat is cooked but it’s downright delicious and cost effective.

Deli Meat Myth

Whilst we are advised to avoid deli meats included in snacks like lunchables it’s not all doom and gloom if you are desperate to tuck into the nostalgic cheese and ham crackers.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, the likelihood of you contracting Listeria from deli meats is unlikely. It’s estimated that around 2500 can contract the infection per year which means it lies in the rare category. Manufacturers are now more aware during food packaging how to prevent the risk to consumers meaning having the odd snack can be thought to be safe.

We are told to avoid deli meat because the truth is still in the number and running the risk of eating deli meats whilst pregnant can end in devastating results.

Lunchables Alternative Snacks

If you prefer to err on the side of caution there are plenty of alternative snacks you can eat during pregnancy. We now live in a world where foods are easily accessible so snacking during pregnancy doesn’t have to be hard.

Apple and cheese board – great fiber content in this one.
Fresh fruits – Fruits are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Eggs – boiled, scrambled, or poached, eggs can boost your vitamin D. Eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats that can help you stay full and satisfied throughout the day.
Nuts – Nuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber that can help keep you full and satisfied.
Hummus with veggies – Hummus is a good source of protein and healthy fats, while veggies provide fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

Trail mix – making your own or shop bought is perfect for a snack on the go. Including seeds, nuts, and dried fruits can boost Magnesium, to help bones and teeth.

Greek yogurt – Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium, which are important for the growth and development of your baby.
Whole-grain crackers with cheese – Whole-grain crackers provide fiber and complex carbohydrates, while cheese provides protein and calcium.
Smoothies – Smoothies made with fresh fruits, veggies, and Greek yogurt can help you stay hydrated and provide essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.

If you’re looking for a more nutritious alternative to Lunchables, there are plenty of options available. You can try making your own version at home using whole grain crackers, low-sodium deli meats, and natural cheeses.

You can also opt for a salad with grilled chicken or fish, or a sandwich made with whole grain bread and fresh vegetables.

Another great option is to meal prep your lunches for the week. This way, you can ensure you are getting a balanced meal that provides all the nutrients your baby needs.

You can make a large batch of quinoa or brown rice, and add in different vegetables and proteins throughout the week for variety. There are many more snacks you can add to your pregnancy diet that will benefit you and your baby.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy Diet

Eating a nutritious diet during pregnancy is important for both you and your baby. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy pregnancy diet:

1. Eat a variety of good foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

2. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It is advised to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

3. Limit your intake of processed and fried foods, as well as foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat.

4. Avoid eating lunchables or other processed snacks with added preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors.

5. Be mindful of your daily sodium intake and opt for low-sodium options whenever possible.

6. If you do choose to eat Lunchables, try to balance it out with other nutritious foods throughout the day.

Related FAQs

Can eating Lunchables harm my unborn baby?

– While Lunchables may not be the healthiest option for pregnant women, eating them in moderation is unlikely to cause harm to the baby. However, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and consume a variety of healthy foods to ensure the baby’s proper growth and development.

Can consuming too much sodium in Lunchables harm the baby during pregnancy?

– Consuming too much sodium during pregnancy can cause several health problems such as high blood pressure, which can negatively affect the baby’s development.

Are there any nutritional benefits to eating Lunchables during pregnancy?

– Lunchables are not the most nutritious option for pregnant women. However, some varieties may contain protein and calcium, which are important for fetal growth and development. It is recommended to choose Lunchables with whole-grain crackers and low-fat cheese.

Wrapping Up

So can you eat lunchables while pregnant? Rounding up all of our findings I think it’s safe to say that you may consume lunchables in moderation provided you are cautious.

Ensure that all contents of the package are sealed, stored in the refrigerator, and consumed within 3 days. The link to deli meats and Listeria is known yet rare so it is your opinion whether you wish to run the risk. There are many other healthy safe alternatives to choose from.

If you are concerned, seeking advice about potential Listeria infection symptoms should be immediate to minimize further complications.