Can You Eat Taylor Ham When Pregnant?

Taylor ham also known as pork roll is a processed meat product with a uniquely salty, smoky flavor that is beloved in New Jersey and parts of the Northeast. This deli meat features heavily in classic Jersey breakfast sandwiches, often paired with egg and cheese on a bagel or roll. But is this flavorful processed meat safe to eat during pregnancy? Let’s dig into the details on Taylor ham and pregnancy.

What is Taylor Ham?

To begin, what exactly is Taylor ham? John Taylor came up with this uniquely New Jersey dish in 1856. He came up with a way to finely grind and shape a mixture of pork shoulder and other cuts, pepper, sugar, and coriander, and spices.

This processed pork product was originally called “Taylor’s Prepared Ham” but later renamed “pork roll” to meet government labeling standards since it doesn’t technically qualify as ham. Today it’s still often referred to by its original moniker Taylor ham.

This deli meat can be sliced thin or thick and is griddled or pan-fried until lightly crispy around the edges. The high salt content of Taylor ham gives it a signature flavor that has made it a staple in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.

Nutrition Profile of Taylor Ham

Now let’s examine the nutrition facts of Taylor ham, since certain nutrients are more important during pregnancy:

• High in sodium – A 2-ounce serving contains about 820 mg sodium, which is 36% of the daily limit recommended during pregnancy. The high salt content contributes to the signature flavor.

• Fat – Roughly 9 grams of fat per 2-ounce serving, much of it unsaturated fat. But processed meats may also contain saturated fats and cholesterol.

• Protein – 10 grams of protein per serving, making it a good source. Pregnant women need extra protein for baby growth.

• Nitrates and nitrites: These are preservatives that are found in a lot of processed meats. They can make compounds in the body that can cause cancer. But Taylor ham is typically nitrate-free.

• Iron – 2 mg of iron per serving is helpful during pregnancy to prevent anemia.

So in moderation, Taylor ham can provide beneficial protein and iron. But the high sodium content should be considered.

Is Taylor Ham Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?

Which brings us to the key question – should you avoid Taylor ham completely while pregnant or is occasional consumption okay?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), processed meats like Taylor ham are safe to eat during pregnancy as long as they are reheated to steaming hot. This kills off any potential listeria bacteria that could cause pregnancy complications.

Some specific pregnancy-related pros and cons of eating Taylor ham include:

Pros:

• Reheated to order until steaming, killing bacteria
• Provides protein and iron for pregnancy needs
• Typically lower in nitrates than other cured meats

Cons:

• High sodium content
• Could contain irritating spices for pregnancy heartburn
• Heating may not kill all listeria risk

The high sodium levels are the biggest dietary concern. Consuming too much sodium during pregnancy can contribute to swelling, high blood pressure, and other complications.

To balance out the sodium, drink plenty of water and choose lower-sodium foods for the rest of your meals if you indulge in Taylor ham. Also avoid eating it daily or multiple times a week.

Some pregnant women may also need to watch out for heartburn triggers like spicy seasonings. And heating deli meat until steaming reduces but does not fully eliminate the small risk of bacteria.

Other Processed Meats and Pregnancy

How does Taylor ham compare to other processed deli meats in terms of pregnancy safety?

In general, reheated hot dogs, ham, bacon, turkey, salami, and other processed meats carry similar risks and benefits to Taylor ham. They are not completely off-limits but should be eaten in moderation.

However, some specific types of processed meat are riskier than others:

• Unpasteurized deli meats – These are not heated to kill bacteria and pose a higher listeria threat. Always avoid these unless they are reheated until steaming.

• Soft cheeses – Such as brie, feta, queso fresco, and blue cheeses. They also have a higher risk of unpasteurized bacteria.

• Pâté and meat spreads – These are banned during pregnancy because they may contain uncooked meats.

• Deli meats labeled “natural” or “preservative-free” – Without preservatives like nitrates, they spoil faster and are more prone to bacteria growth. Reheating these to steaming is especially important.

• Smoked seafood – Products like smoked salmon, trout, oysters and whitefish should be avoided unless they are an ingredient in a meal that is fully cooked.

So among processed meats, Taylor ham does not stand out as being any more concerning than hot dogs, bacon, ham, and other pre-packaged lunch meats. The same reheating precautions apply.

Tips for Safely Eating Taylor Ham While Pregnant

Here are some tips for safely satisfying a Taylor ham craving during pregnancy:

• Choose take-out or dine-in rather than pre-packaged Taylor ham to ensure it is freshly cooked.

• Look for nitrate-free options to limit this additive.

• Request the Taylor ham be heated until steaming or crispy around the edges to reduce bacteria risk.

• Limit portion to 1-2 slices in a sitting to control sodium intake.

• Avoid daily intake and refrain during periods of high blood pressure.

• Balance with lower-sodium foods, fruits, and vegetables at other meals.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, milk, or juice.

• Consider ham alternatives like peanuts, beans, lentils, eggs, and poultry to mix up protein sources.

With proper handling and restraint, an occasional Taylor ham sandwich is unlikely to pose harm during pregnancy. But it’s smart to err on the side of caution and avoid overindulging. Check with your doctor about your specific risk factors.

Healthier Ways to Get a Taylor Ham Fix

For a healthier take, pregnant women can get the flavors of Taylor ham without all the sodium, fat, and nitrates by:

• Opting for turkey or chicken breakfast sausage instead, reheated fully.

• Choosing a low-sodium alternative like Applegate Sunday Bacon.

• Finding a reduced-sodium Taylor ham variety.

• Flavoring dishes with smoky paprika and spices.

• Making a veggie sandwich and adding a few crispy bacon bits for flavor.

To summarize, Taylor ham and pregnancy can go together safely in moderation. Reheating deli-style Taylor ham until steaming hot helps reduce bacterial risks and fulfill cravings for this Jersey classic during pregnancy. But keep portions small and pair with lower-sodium foods to counteract the high salt content. Avoid daily intake and check with your doctor about any specific restrictions based on your health status. With some care and restraint, the occasional Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich should be perfectly fine to satisfy a pregnancy craving.