What a thrilling journey pregnancy is, whether it’s your first time expecting or you’re bringing another new life into this world. But for all the excitement it brings, pregnancy brings even more stress and uncertainty.
Now, everything you put in your body or even get near is put under the microscope. The last thing you want is to do anything that could negatively impact your little one. This becomes especially difficult around the holiday season.
One question we get asked all the time is can you eat smoked turkey while pregnant? Or, can you eat turkey while pregnant in any form? Turkey is a protein source constantly looked at with concern. But the good news is you can take a deep breath and relax.
Most of the myths surrounding smoked turkey for pregnant women are just that - myths. Sure, there’s real reason to be worried about bacteria, contaminants, or excessive additives. But when you choose the right turkey and prepare it properly, you have little to worry about.
That is to say, you can enjoy this holiday staple with peace of mind when you order whole smoked turkey for sale from Mahogany Smoked Meats. We’ve been slow-smoking meats to perfection since 1922 and always put our customer's wellbeing first and foremost.
The best part is we do all the hard work so you can simply warm up the bird and enjoy it. So whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or just want to put together a spread, spoil yourself and your loved ones at Mahogany Smoked Meats today.
Can You Eat Smoked Turkey While Pregnant?
We totally understand the hesitancy and caution surrounding foods you once loved while you’re expecting. Everything changes once you realize you’re going to be a mom.
So can you eat smoked turkey while pregnant? While we believe you can, there are quite a few caveats to keep in mind. Because the stakes are so high this is something we want to discuss in greater detail. Let’s take a closer look at the main concerns of eating turkey during pregnancy.
What are the Concerns With Eating Smoked Turkey While Pregnant?
The biggest worry when it comes to eating smoked turkey (or any smoked meat, for that matter) during pregnancy is foodborne illness. More specifically, Listeria monocytogenes.
This bacteria can lead to listeriosis, a rare but incredibly dangerous infection for pregnant women. The issue is it can cross the placenta and potentially lead to complications such as premature birth, miscarriage, or severe illness in newborns.
We don’t say this to scare you - rather, we want to make you fully aware of the risks with eating smoked turkey while pregnant. The truth is this concern can be eliminated altogether with proper food safety practices. Ultimately, it all comes down to processing and storage:
- Cold-Smoked vs Hot-Smoked: Cold-smoked turkey is not cooked at high enough temperatures to eliminate bacteria, it still needs to be fully cooked once you get it home. On the other hand, hot-smoked turkey has been thoroughly cooked to the safe internal temperature and is ready to enjoy after warming at home. The distinction is important.
- Storage and Handling Risks: Improper refrigeration or cross-contamination in delis or processing facilities can allow bacteria to grow on pre-packaged smoked meats. This is true of eating leftover smoked turkey that’s past its prime, too.
- Preservatives and Nitrates: Some smoked turkeys contain chemical additives like nitrates, which some studies suggest could pose risks during pregnancy. We don’t have concrete proof, but even a link between the two is reason to be concerned.
So there are clearly concerns about eating smoked turkey during pregnancy, but are any of them actually valid?
Do These Worries Hold Any Weight?
We’re not going to downplay the risks. They’re real. But as with most things related to pregnancy safety, these concerns are dramatically overstated. We get it, because pregnancy is not something you ever want to take any chances on.
That being said, listeria is increasingly rare in modern food processing thanks to advancements in food safety regulations. Properly stored, commercially produced smoked turkey is highly unlikely to contain dangerous bacteria.
You can all but eliminate the stress of eating smoked turkey while pregnant by choosing a hot-smoked turkey, which is very different from typical deli meats that sit in coolers and carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination.
Plus, you can always err on the side of caution and cook the turkey yourself to 165°F to kill any potential bacteria while also killing any remaining doubts you have.
Just be clear, this is going to dry out the turkey and compromise taste and texture - at that point, you might as well just stick with something else altogether. So, can you eat turkey while pregnant?
So, Can You Eat Turkey While Pregnant?
The short answer is yes. Ultimately, the risks associated with smoked turkey are very low when sourced from a reputable supplier and handled correctly. As a matter of fact, you might even consider eating more smoked turkey during pregnancy once you’re aware of the benefits…
Why Smoked Turkey May Even Be Good For Your Pregnancy
Everything changes when you realize you’re pregnant, including your dietary needs. Smoked turkey actually brings a lot of potential to help expecting women enjoy more successful pregnancies, including:
- Rich in Protein: This lean protein source supports fetal development and maternal muscle health. Remember, you’re eating for two now - you need more protein!
- Packed with Key Nutrients: Smoked turkey is loaded in iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which support a healthy pregnancy.
- Lower in Fat than Many Other Meats: This leaner protein option still provides flavor without too much fat compared to red meats like beef or pork.
- Satisfies Cravings Without Excess Calories: If you haven’t already faced carvings, brace yourself! They’re coming. While there’s nothing wrong with pigging out every once in a while during your pregnancy, smoked turkey is always a better alternative than processed or fried foods.
The key is choosing the right kind of smoked turkey and consuming it safely. We’ll share tips in a moment to help you enjoy delicious, nutrient-dense turkey while expecting. But since we’re talking about food safety and pregnancy, let’s highlight a few other concerning foods first.
Are There Other Foods You Might Want to Avoid During Pregnancy?
You probably know the basic rules for pregnancy - no alcohol, no smoking, stay out of tanning beds, etc. What else is off-limits when you’re pregnant, though? Can you eat beef sticks while pregnant? What about smoked bacon? Here’s what you should steer clear of:
- Unpasteurized Dairy Products: Soft cheeses like brie and feta can harbor Listeria.
- Raw or Undercooked Meat and Seafood: Sushi, raw shellfish, and rare meats can expose you to harmful bacteria and parasites.
- Deli Meats (Unless Heated Thoroughly): Cold cuts can be a Listeria risk unless reheated to 165°F before eating.
- High-Mercury Fish: Tuna, swordfish, and king mackerel are notorious for carrying high levels of mercury, which is proven to be harmful to fetal development.
When in doubt, stick to cooked, high-quality, and well-sourced meats and foods to nourish both you and your baby safely. Remember, your obstetrician (OB) is only a call away if you ever have questions about what you can and cannot eat.
How to Safely Enjoy Smoked Turkey During Your Pregnancy
Being pregnant doesn’t have to mean starving yourself of your favorite foods. There is room for smoked turkey on the menu while you’re expecting - you just need to remember three things:
- The turkey you buy matters.
- Proper heating cannot be overlooked.
- Enjoying in moderation is everything.
We’ll share some tips on enjoying smoked turkey during pregnancy safely below so you can enjoy peace of mind while treating yourself to this tasty holiday staple.
Choosing the Right Smoked Turkey
Remember that cold-smoked turkey is not fully cooked - it has only been smoked at low temperatures to add flavor. You need to plan on fully cooking it once you get home, or better yet, avoid it altogether in favor of a hot-smoked turkey.
These varieties have been cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, taking a lot of the guesswork and effort out of preparation. Check the label for terms like “fully cooked” or “warm and enjoy.”
This is what we offer here at Mahogany Smoked Meats, so you don’t have to wonder what you’re buying. We source the best birds and then slow-smoke them to perfection using an age-old practice in deep mahogany log pits. This imparts a truly one-of-a-kind flavor.
It also means you don’t have to do any work aside from warming the turkey when you’re ready to enjoy it, or perhaps whipping up your favorite smoked turkey sides. Speaking of heating, let’s show you how to prepare your turkey below.
The Importance of Proper Heating
Understanding how long to reheat a smoked turkey can eliminate all your worries about smoked turkey while pregnant. If you order your turkey from us, it’s as simple as pre-heating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, covering the turkey, and warming for 10 minutes per pound.
So for a 9-pound turkey you’d need to give it a good 90 minutes. It’s always worth using a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
But what if you choose to take matters into your own hands and prepare your own smoked turkey? Credit to you, because this is quite the process and we know we’d rather spend the day relaxing and catching up with loved ones during holiday gatherings. But, here’s how to do it:
- Thaw the turkey completely in the refrigerator. Never thaw at room temperature as this can lead to bacterial growth.
- Brine or season the turkey as desired, ensuring the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Preheat your smoker to 225-250°F using a safe wood source like apple, cherry, or hickory.
- Smoke until the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F using a reliable meat thermometer.
- Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving and serving.
You can generally expect the process to take 6-8 hours this way, so why not make life easier for yourself with our perfectly pre-smoked turkeys? Order today and discover the difference a century of tradition can make!
Our blog has more tips on how long to rest turkey after smoking, how to get crispy turkey skin, and even how to season a smoked turkey if you need more guidance.
Safe Ways to Incorporate Smoked Turkey in Your Diet
One of the biggest misconceptions for smoked turkey actually has nothing to do with pregnancy - it’s that this delectable meal is only for the holidays! We love enjoying smoked turkey year round, for special occasions and everyday dinners alike. Here are some ways to enjoy it:
- Smoked Turkey Sandwich (Heated & Served Warm): Pile slices of warm smoked turkey onto a whole-grain bun with fresh veggies for a balanced meal.
- Smoked Turkey & Avocado Salad: Add chopped smoked turkey to a fresh green salad with avocados, nuts, and a citrus vinaigrette for a nutrient-packed lunch.
- Pregnancy-Safe Smoked Turkey Wrap: Use a whole-wheat tortilla, warmed smoked turkey, hummus, and leafy greens for a filling, on-the-go option.
- Smoked Turkey Scramble: Mix diced smoked turkey with scrambled eggs, spinach, and cheese for a high-protein breakfast.
- Hearty Smoked Turkey Soup: Add shredded smoked turkey to a pot of vegetable soup for a warm, comforting, and nutritious meal.
Remember that if you're going to enjoy leftovers you need to watch out for the signs of spoilage. So, how long is smoked turkey good for typically? 3-4 days in the fridge is a good rule of thumb, but since the stakes are higher while you’re expecting, always err on the side of caution.
Alternatives to Smoked Turkey for Pregnant Women
The key takeaway from this guide is that eating smoked turkey while pregnant is perfectly safe when you source the right turkey and ensure it’s warmed to a safe internal temperature. But if you want to explore other options, try these classic choices:
Roasted Turkey
A classic and foolproof alternative that brings all the benefits of turkey without the concerns associated with smoked or cured meats. It’s fully cooked and easy to prepare.
Plus, roasted turkey is known for retaining more moisture and tenderness, especially when seasoned well. Try seasoning it with smoked paprika, mesquite seasoning, or a splash of liquid smoke during cooking. This is the next best thing to smoked turkey.
Grilled Chicken
This protein powerhouse is lean, easy to cook, highly versatile, and safe for pregnant women. You can still enjoy that charred, slightly smoky flavor by cooking it on the grill or a stovetop griddle, too!
There are so many great ways to enjoy it, as is with a side of rice or in salads, wraps, sandwiches, stir-fries - the list goes on and on. Just be sure to use low-sodium marinades and fresh herbs to keep the flavors bold without unnecessary additives.
Oven-Roasted or Baked Salmon
While not all fish is pregnancy-safe, salmon is an excellent choice that delivers omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein if you’re looking to switch up your protein sources.
You’re getting heart-healthy fats that support baby’s brain development in a rich, buttery texture similar to smoked meats. It can easily be seasoned with smoked spices for added depth, too. You need to stick with low-mercury fish options and ensure the salmon is fully cooked, though.
Roasted or Baked Tofu
Want a vegetarian or plant-based option for moms-to-be? Look no further than tofu. This protein-rich alternative absorbs smoky, savory flavors beautifully.
It’s really healthy, too, loaded with iron, calcium, and plant-based protein for a well-rounded meal. This versatile food can be marinated, baked, or grilled to mimic turkey’s texture. It works really well in stir-fries, sandwiches, and grain bowls.
But you came here to learn if smoked turkey while pregnant is safe, and at this point, you know it definitely can be. So while these alternatives are great for keeping things fresh and fun throughout your pregnancy, there’s no need to deprive yourself of smoked turkey!
Wrapping Up Our Guide to Eating Smoked Turkey While Pregnant
So can you eat smoked turkey while pregnant? As we wrap things up, remember that the stigma surrounding smoked turkey during pregnancy is not necessarily rooted in fact.
Sure, there are concerns with foodborne illness - but these can be all but eliminated with the right approach to sourcing and preparing the smoked turkey. We hope this guide has left you with clarity on what your next steps should be.
From smoked turkey to turkey jerky and even smoked sausage for sale, we’ve got something for everyone here at Mahogany Smoked Meats. We take all the heavy lifting and guesswork out of prep, so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the best meal you’ve had in recent memory.
Spoil yourself and your family or guests with worry-free indulgence today. Make mealtime easy with pre-smoked, pre-seasoned turkey at Mahogany Smoked Meats!
