Updated May 8, 2023
Are you planning a special dinner out during pregnancy?
Are you wondering: Can I eat at the Melting Pot while Pregnant?
The Melting Pot is a popular restaurant for holiday gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries, and for a girl’s night out!
The restaurant is famous for its fondue cooking styles.
It is perfect to gather with family and friends for a celebration and you’ll be glad to know that most items on the menu at the Melting Pot are pregnancy safe.
But as with eating out in most restaurants during pregnancy, there are a few things you should watch out for.
Let’s talk about it.
Can I eat at The Melting Pot while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat at The Melting Pot while pregnant.
Our OB/GYN Dr. Doug Penta, MD said that if you are healthy and have no pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, you can safely enjoy a dinner out at The Melting Pot.
You’ll need to follow a few simple precautions when ordering and making smart choices is important.
- When choosing cheese fondue, pick fondue made with hard cheese such as cheddar or gruyere. the fontina cheese added to some of the cheese fondues is safe because it is melted and served hot.
The Melting Pot’s Wisconsin cheddar fondue is an excellent choice.
Ask that it be made without the Sam Adams beer.
While it is likely that the alcohol in fondue is cooked off it isn’t a guarantee.
It depends on how long the cheese fondue has been cooked.
Since there is no known safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy it is best to not eat foods cooked with alcohol.
The Classic Alpine Fondue is made with Gruyère, a hard cow’s-milk cheese that is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Again, it is important to request that they make it without the beer.
Alcohol in a sauce will evaporate after a solid 30 seconds of boiling, but the cheese fondue served at The Melting Pot is served to simmer.
Avoid fondue made with unpasteurized cheese
- Make sure that the vegetables served with the fondue are fresh, clean, and cold.
It is best to not eat any foods that have been sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours if those foods are usually served hot or cold.
- Cook your protein choices completely through. No raw or rare meat or seafood should be consumed.
Let your meat or seafood choices cook in the broth for the required time.
To be safe you can cook them a little longer if you want.
- Your server will tell you how long each item should be cooked at a minimum. Follow cooking directions carefully.
You won’t have to guess how long to cook your food.
The Melting Pot server will provide you with instructions when your food arrives at your table.
What are some of the dishes that are safe to eat at The Melting Pot while pregnant?
The Melting Pot offers a variety of fondue-style meals that you can enjoy while pregnant.
We recommend the Court Bouillon and Mojo as the best cooking styles to choose during pregnancy.
They do not contain alcohol and are safe to have during pregnancy.
Skip the Coq Au Vin as that contains wine.
All of the meats and seafood are safe as long as they are thoroughly cooked.
You cook the foods yourself in the broth (cooking style) you order.
Here are some pregnancy-friendly dishes to order:
- The “Create Your Own” Fondue option with vegetables, diced chicken, salmon, or beef as your main protein item
- The Wisconsin Cheese Fondue is served with vegetables, bread, and cast iron grilled meats.
- The Chocolate Fondue served with fresh fruit
What are some menu items that I should avoid while pregnant?
You should avoid the following menu items while pregnant:
- Raw meat dishes like beef tartare or carpaccio
- Any dish containing raw fish such as sushi
- Unpasteurized cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert
How can I make sure that I am eating safely at The Melting Pot while pregnant?
To ensure you are eating safely at The Melting Pot while pregnant, you should order your cheese fondue without alcohol.
Make sure the cheese fondue is served hot.
Unfortinetaley we have dined at the Melting Pot and been served barely warm cheese fondue.
Enjoy one of their delicious salads, but skip salads that have blue cheese crumbles or dressing as blue cheese is not safe to consume during pregnancy.
Make sure that your food is cooked thoroughly and safely. Follow the timing instructions given by your server or use the timer on the Melting Pot’s website to insure your food is properly cooked.
Additionally, watch your portions when it is time for dessert.
The chocolate fondue is amazing, but it can be easy to overdo it on the chocolate and dipping treats.
Does the alcohol cook out of fondue?
Yes, if it cooked properly.
The fondue needs to be boiled or heated to high heat for at least 30 seconds or possibly longer depending on the type and amount of alcohol used, the pan that it is being cooked in, and the temperature it is being cooked at.
You need to discuss with your server at the Melting Pot how long the fondue is heated before serving and whether it is safest to order your fondue without alcohol.
The Melting Pot offers a variety of dishes that contain beer or wine, so it is important to read the menu carefully before ordering.
Is it OK to eat fondue while pregnant?
Yes, It can be safe to eat fondue during pregnancy.
Fondue is safe to have during pregnancy is it doesn’t contain any alcohol, like beer or wine.
The beer or wine can be safely cooked off if the fondue is cooked long enough at a hot enough temperature.
Err on the side of caution at the Melting Pot and order your fondue without alcohol
If you get the Melting pot to go and will be reheating it at home, heat the fondue broth or cheese to a boil for 30 seconds and that will burn off the alcohol.
Is fondue pasteurized? Is melting pot cheese pasteurized?
Most of the fondue items at The Melting Pot (including the Wisconsin cheddar) are made with pasteurized cheese, which is safe to eat during pregnancy.
Some of the fondues at the Melting Pot are made with Fontina which is often not pasteurized.
But because it is melted and served hot it is considered safe to eat during pregnancy.
Is it safe to eat at restaurants while pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to eat out in restaurants while pregnant.
Eating out is a fun and social activity that many of us love!
It is important when eating out in restaurants during your pregnancy that you watch your portion sizes, and watch out for high fat, high sodium, and sugar-loaded sauced.
Also, it is critical to make sure the foods you order are cooked completely before you consume them.
Is there a risk of foodborne illnesses when eating out during pregnancy?
There can be a risk of foodborne illness when eating out during pregnancy,
You can minimize your risk by making sure your food is well-cooked, avoiding raw seafood like oysters and sushi, and only eating deli meats that have been heated until steaming hot.
Symptoms of foodborne illness can include nausea, vomiting, headache, and diarrhea.
Helpful hints for eating at the Melting Pot while pregnant:
1. Make a reservation in advance
The Melting Pot strongly recommends that you make a dinner reservation.
This will help to ensure that you get a table at a time that is convenient for you and that the restaurant can accommodate any special dietary needs that you may have.
2. Plan to be there for 2.5 to 3 hours.
The Melting Pot is an experience and the entire 4-course meal does take 2 hours to complete.
You’ll feel better if you plan for it.
Try to take a nap before you go so you’ll have more energy.
3. Consider your order carefully
When ordering your meal, be sure to take your own needs into consideration.
If you’re feeling tired or nauseous, for example, you might want to avoid heavy meals or foods that are high in fat and grease.
Instead, opt for lighter fare such as a salad, or grilled chicken or salmon.
Also, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your meal to stay hydrated.
4. Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need
If you have any special requests or needs, don’t hesitate to ask the waitstaff for assistance.
For example, if you need extra pillows for comfort or want to order a mocktail, just ask.
5. Take your time eating your meal
When pregnant, it’s important to eat slowly.
Enjoy the whole experience with friends and family and take your time.
Additionally, taking your time will help you to avoid overeating or becoming too full and uncomfortable.
While the portions at the Melting Pot are not huge, it can still be easy to overeat with so many tasty dippers to try.
6. Ask for a take-out box for dessert
If you are getting full but still have the dessert course to come, ask to have it to go.
That way you can enjoy it late that night or
Tips for eating out in restaurants while pregnant:
- Avoid buffets – you don’t know how fresh the food is or how well it’s been cooked. Not going to be an issue at Panda Express, but a good tip to keep in mind as you plan where to eat out during pregnancy.
- Stick to restaurants that you know and trust – this way you can be sure that the food is fresh and of good quality.
- When in doubt, ask your waiter or waitress for recommendations on safe dishes to eat while pregnant.
- Order simple dishes that are easy to digest.
- Avoid anything with raw eggs or undercooked meat.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Beware of hidden sources of sodium in restaurant food
- Avoid foods made with unpasteurized dairy products.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a modification to your meal!
List of foods to not eat when pregnant:
- Foods that are not pasteurized– certain types of cheese like soft cheeses, Brie, Blue Cheese, etc.
- Certain types of fish– shark, swordfish, anything high in mercury
- Raw eggs including egg nog, hollandaise sauce, homemade mayonnaise, homemade eggnog, and runny eggs.
- Undercooked meats– lunch meats. Deli meats.
- Hot foods that are not “hot”, avoid hot foods that have been sitting out without a warming source. Same for foods that should be eaten cold. If no ice or refrigeration source is keeping the food cold, take a pass.
- Caffeine– soda, chocolate, and energy drinks. (Limit your caffeine to less than 200 mg a day)
- Herbal Teas (There are so many ingredients in herbal teas so it is best to avoid them simply. Green tea is OK.)
- Alcohol: There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Avoid sauces made with alcohol, desserts made with alcohol, and all alcoholic beverages.
How to eat healthy during pregnancy:
Eating healthily during pregnancy is essential to the development of your baby.
Here are some tips to help make sure you are getting the nutrients you need:
- Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. This will help ensure you get the vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need.
- Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine. These can all lead to unhealthy weight gain and other problems during pregnancy.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important for both your health and the baby’s health.
- Don’t skip meals. Eating small, frequent meals will help to keep your energy up and prevent you from overeating later on.
- Eating small frequent meals can help decrease morning sickness and heartburn
What should you eat daily during pregnancy?
You need to consume various nutrients every day to support your health and the development of your baby.
Protein is essential for building new tissue and can be found in meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and eggs.
Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth and is especially important during the third trimester when the baby’s skeleton is rapidly developing.
You should aim to get 1000 mg of calcium per day from low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Iron is also important for the formation of new blood cells, and you need about 27 mg of iron per day.
