Have you ever sat down at your favorite Italian restaurant and suddenly wondered, “Wait, can pregnant women eat vodka sauce?”
Although its smooth, creamy texture and rich, robust flavor are appetizing, does it mean it’s okay for expecting moms to indulge in it? It contains vodka, yes, but does that make it a no-go during pregnancy?
We’ll discuss it right here in this article.
Does vodka sauce have alcohol?
Yes, vodka sauce contains alcohol. Just as the name suggests, it’s prepared with vodka as one of the main ingredients, along with tomato paste and cream.
When it is cooked, a good amount of the alcohol from the vodka evaporates, leaving very little to no amounts of alcohol in it.
Usually, the vodka is basically added to make up for the flavor, but not necessarily to make the dish alcoholic.
Can you eat sauces with alcohol when pregnant?
When it comes to foods containing alcohol including alcohol-based sauces, the answer is not always straightforward because a lot of experts have different views on alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
But there’s still a good news. In fact, studies show that when a sauce contains about 1 to 2% of alcohol volume, the amount per serving is very tiny, just about 2ml.
And as a result, it is safe for a pregnant woman to consume small amounts of it. However, it is always important to pay attention to the alcohol content and the method of cooking which can usually be found on the label.
If alcohol is more than 5%, it’s good to look for other alternatives. With vodka sauce specifically, the alcohol content is pretty low, usually below 4%, making it safe for pregnant women to eat.
While it’s safe to consume, do not eat binge on it. If you notice any unusual symptoms after having it, reach out to doctor as soon as possible.
Side effects of over-consuming vodka sauce
Here are some potential side effects if used excessively:
- Premature birth
- Miscarriage
- Low birthweight
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
These are potential side effects of alcohol consumption in pregnancy. Since vodka contains a small amount of it, eating too much can increase your chances of getting them. That’s why you should reduce your intake as much as possible.
Can you eat jarred vodka sauce when pregnant?
Yes, you can eat jarred vodka sauce when pregnant. Most jarred vodka have a lower alcohol content which should neither cause harm to your baby nor you.
It’s always better to consume occasionally, rather than taking it everyday. Additionally, you should eat very small amounts as too much of it can be risky.
Is bertolli vodka sauce safe during pregnancy?
Go ahead and eat your Bertolli vodka during pregnancy. It’s safe too. Like most other brands of vodka sauce, this sauce contains very small amounts of alcohol, even lesser than most brands.
Can I eat penne alla vodka while pregnant
Yes, you can eat penne alla vodka while pregnant, but consume in strict moderation. The alcohol content is just as low as Bertolli Vodka and shouldn’t cause any problem. But do not overeat or eat regularly.
What are some tips to heed to when using vodka?
Here are some good tips to follow when you need to use vodka sauce;
- Cooking time: When cooking vodka sauce at home, make sure you cook it thoroughly. Prolonged cooking allows the alcohol to evaporate.
- Moderation: Be mindful of your portions. Even though the alcohol is usually cooked off, it’s still not a good idea to overdo.
- Store-bought or homemade: Ones bought from the store usually have less alcohol. But if you’re making it at home, then you can customize it, controlling the amount of vodka to use.
- Alternative sauces: If you are still unsure, there are plenty alternative sauces which are pretty much safer and tasty. Try tomato or alfredo sauce let’s see!
While you follow these tips, pay attention to how your body reacts. Inform your OB-GYN about any be unusual symptom.
Can you eat vodka sauce when breastfeeding?
Sure, you can consume vodka sauce while breastfeeding too. The alcohol content is very low and should not get into breast milk when you take the right amount.
What sauces should pregnant women avoid?
Here are some of the sauces that pregnant women should avoid:
Sauces with raw or undercooked eggs
- Hollandaise
- Mayonnaise
- Caesar
Sauces high in sodium and sugar
- soy sauce
- barbecue sauce
- Sweet relish
Final verdict
Once pregnant women eat very small amount of vodka sauce, there’s nothing to worry about. This sauce doesn’t have much alcohol so it’s not going to impact your health nor your baby’s.
Try as much as you can to refrain from pregnancy cravings like pica, that’ll make you overeat vodka sauce. If you uncontrollably find yourself eating too much, reach out to your doctor immediately.
