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Can I eat buffalo wild wings while pregnant?

Updated May 8, 2023

Buffalo Wild Wings is a popular restaurant chain that many pregnant women and their families love.

It has been one of our favorite weekly lunch spots for many years!

The big question is, can I eat Buffalo Wild Wings while pregnant?

The answer is yes, but you’ll want to keep some simple precautions in mind.

Can I eat buffalo wild wings while pregnant?

You need to be careful about what menu items you order and avoid anything that may be dangerous for your baby.

In this article, we will provide a guide to safe menu choices at Buffalo Wild Wings so that you can indulge in your favorite food during pregnancy without worrying about the safety of your baby or yourself!

There are over 1200 Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in the US as of the end of June 2022.

So there could be some regional differences in items they serve or how items are made.

If you have any questions about a menu item always ask your server or restaurant manager.

I have always found that they are willing to answer any questions and will even go check ingredients on menu items for you.

 

Can I eat Buffalo Wild Wings while pregnant?

According to our OB/GYN (and my better half) Dr. Doug Penta, MD, it is generally considered safe to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings while pregnant.

When it comes to food safety during pregnancy, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First of all, you want to avoid anything that could be contaminated with bacteria, such as undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy products.

When I eat at Buffalo Wild Wings, I ask for the chicken to be cooked well done.

That’s my little tip for making sure you don’t get undercooked chicken because the restaurant was packed and things happen.

I have had Salmonella caused by eating undercooked chicken and you do not want it ever, and especially not during pregnancy. 

Sauces and dressing at Buffalo Wild Wings are pasteurized and are safe to eat.

But they can be high in sodium and/or sugar.

You can always ask for any sauces or dressings on the side so you can control how much you eat.

With those safety concerns in mind, let’s take a look at some buffalo wild wings menu items you might want to order during pregnancy.

One good option is the grilled chicken sandwich, which is cooked through and made with pasteurized cheese.

You can customize the sandwich with your choice of sauce and if you ask them to put it on the side, you’ll have more control over how much of it you use.

You can also get a salad with grilled chicken, which will give you some folate from the greens and protein from the chicken.

Yes, it is safe to have the white wine vinaigrette dressing that is served with the house salad at most Buffalo Wild Wings.

You will need to avoid the blue cheese dressing and the caesar dressing.

They can cause food-borne illness in pregnant women and they are not worth the risk to you or your unborn baby.

Their ranch dressing is pasteurized so it is safe to eat during pregnancy.

I use it in place of the blue cheese dressing.

If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, the boneless wings are a good choice, as long as you avoid the sauces that are high in sodium or sugar.

Ask for the sauces on the side.

Another good option is the naked tenders with your favorite sauce or dry rub.

The naked tenders only have 260 calories for a serving of 5 tenders.

If you want to be even a step more indulgent my favorite item at Buffalo Wild Wings is the buffalo chicken wrap!

Yes, it is a whopping 790 calories!

But…I only eat half and I get carrots and celery as my side.

If it is a once-in-a-while splurge or you are super-hungry and eat the whole thing, it is OK.

You are eating for two and you can make lower caloric choices in your meals the next day or the meals before going to Buffalo Wild Wings.

Another option is the street tacos with a side of carrots and celery sticks.

The street tacos are made with pulled chicken and southwestern ranch.

A small order of boneless wings with carrots and celery as a side is another great option.

Be cautious on your choice of sauce, as some of their super hot sauces could lead to heartburn or increase symptoms of morning sickness later on after your meal.

And of course, be sure to drink plenty of water with your meal!

So there you have it, a guide to some of the safe menu choices at Buffalo Wild Wings for pregnant women.

Buffalo Wild Wings is a great choice for dining out if you are pregnant because you can pretty much customize any menu item to make it healthier and lower in fat and calories if you want to.

With those guidelines in mind, you can enjoy your favorite food during pregnancy without worry.

 

Can you eat buffalo wild wings while pregnant

 

Can I eat buffalo sauce while pregnant?

Yes, you can eat buffalo sauce while pregnant.

When it comes to consuming buffalo sauce while pregnant, there is no need to worry.

This popular condiment is perfectly safe for expectant mothers to enjoy.

buffalo wing sauce pregnancy

Photo: Maternity Comfort Solutions

Buffalo sauce is made from a variety of ingredients, including hot peppers, vinegar, and spices.

The heat from the peppers is what gives the sauce its characteristic flavor.

However, this heat is not enough to pose a risk to pregnant women or their developing babies.

buffalo wing sauce pregnancy

Photo: Maternity Comfort Solutions

So, go ahead and enjoy your favorite buffalo sauce!

There is no need to worry about the safety of consuming buffalo sauce while pregnant.

 

Can I eat buffalo wings while pregnant?

Yes, you can eat buffalo wings and hot wings while pregnant.

If you like spicy food you can eat buffalo chicken while pregnant!

However, you should avoid any undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy products.

 

Can I eat ranch while pregnant?

Yes, you can eat ranch dressing that is pasteurized.

Stick with commercially made bottled dressings during pregnancy.

Some ranch dressings use raw eggs or are made with unpasteurized milk.

They are not safe to consume during pregnancy.

The ranch dressing at Buffalo Wild Wings is pasteurized and safe for consumption in moderation during pregnancy.

The regular ranch dressing has 320 calories in a 2-ounce serving.

They offer a fat-free ranch dressing that is only 50 calories in a 2-ounce serving.

The fat-free ranch dressing gives you more bang for your buck.

 

Is buffalo wild wings ranch pasteurized?

Yes, Buffalo Wild  Wings ranch dressing is pasteurized.

It is considered safe to eat during pregnancy.

I use it as a substitute for blue cheese dressing with buffalo wings.

They offer several different varieties of ranch dressing including southwestern ranch, cilantro-lime ranch, and BBQ ranch dressing.

 

Craving chicken wings during pregnancy boy or girl:

When it comes to predicting the gender of an unborn baby, old wives’ tales abound.

One of the most popular is the idea that cravings for certain foods can indicate whether you’re having a boy or a girl.

According to this theory, if you’re craving chicken wings during pregnancy, you’re more likely to be having a baby boy.

The reasoning behind this is that chicken wings are said to represent strength and aggression, which are typically seen as more masculine traits.

There’s no scientific evidence to support this claim, but it’s an interesting theory.

So, if you’re pregnant and craving chicken wings, does that mean you’re having a baby boy? We’ll let you be the judge!

 

Can you eat buffalo chicken dip while pregnant?

Buffalo chicken dip is a popular party food that contains shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and other spices.

While it can be tempting to indulge in this tasty treat while pregnant, it is important to remember that unpasteurized dairy products can pose a risk of foodborne illness.

So make sure the buffalo chicken dip is made without blue cheese!

Cream cheese is pasteurized and considered safe to eat during pregnancy.

In addition, the hot sauce in buffalo chicken dip may contain peppers that could trigger heartburn or indigestion.

Use a mild buffalo or wing sauce if you make the dip yourself and if you ordering it out, ask about the ingredients and have a small taste before digging in to be sure it is not too spicy.

If you take these simple precautions, you can enjoy buffalo chicken dip in moderation while you are pregnant.

 

What are some other tips for eating out while pregnant?

Some other tips for eating out while pregnant include:

  • – Stick to well-cooked foods and avoid anything that is undercooked or raw.
  • – Avoid sauces and dressings that are high in sodium or sugar.
  • – Make sure you are getting enough folic acid by including leafy green vegetables in your diet.
  • – Drink plenty of water and avoid any alcoholic beverages.
  • – If you have any concerns, speak to your doctor or healthcare provider.

 

The Most Common Food-Borne Illnesses:

  • Listeria:

Listeria is a food-borne illness that can be especially dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies.

The infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. newborns infected with

Listeria may develop into a serious condition called neonatal listeriosis.

Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea.

If you are pregnant and think you may have been exposed to Listeria, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment with antibiotics is often effective in preventing serious complications from the infection.

 

  • Salmonella:

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

The bacteria are usually found in contaminated poultry, eggs, or meat.

They can also be found in unpasteurized dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.

Salmonella infection is typically characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

The illness usually lasts for four to seven days.

In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

Salmonella infection can be treated with antibiotics, but it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have the bacteria.

Untreated Salmonella infection can lead to serious health complications, including dehydration and sepsis.

 

  • E Coli:

E Coli is a bacterium that lives in the intestines of animals and humans.

While most strains of E Coli are harmless, some can cause food poisoning.

The symptoms of E Coli food poisoning include severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea.

Most people recover from E Coli food poisoning within a week, but some cases can be fatal.

The elderly, young children and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk for serious complications.

E Coli is typically spread through contaminated food or water.

Therefore, it is important to practice good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom or handling raw meat.

You can also reduce your risk of contracting E coli by cooking meat thoroughly and avoiding unpasteurized dairy products.

 

  • Mold:

Mold is a type of fungi that can grow on food, where it forms colonies of connected hyphae.

These hyphae secrete digestive enzymes that break down the food, allowing the mold to absorb the nutrients it needs to grow.

Mold can cause spoilage in foods, and some types of mold produce mycotoxins that can pose a health hazard if ingested.

To prevent mold growth, food should be stored in a clean, dry environment with good ventilation.

If mold does form on food, it is important to remove it carefully and discard any affected food items.

Proper food storage and mold removal can help to keep food safe and edible for longer.

 

  • Campylobacter:

Campylobacter is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

The bacteria are typically found in raw poultry, but they can also contaminate other foods.

When contaminated food is consumed, the bacteria can cause an infection known as campylobacteriosis.

Symptoms of campylobacteriosis include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

In severe cases, the infection can lead to more serious complications like kidney failure or paralysis.

Campylobacteriosis is treated with antibiotics, but the bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to these medications.

As a result, it is important to take steps to prevent campylobacteriosis by cooking poultry thoroughly and washing hands after handling raw meat.

 

  • Botulism:

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nervous system.

The bacteria that produce the toxin are found in soil and can contaminate food.

The contaminated food may look and smell normal, but it can cause serious illness or death.

Botulism can occur in any food that has been improperly canned or sealed.

It can also occur in foods that have been refrigerated for too long, such as smoked meats and fermented fish.

Symptoms of botulism include weakness, paralysis, and difficulty breathing.

If you suspect you have eaten contaminated food, seek medical attention immediately.

Early treatment is essential for a full recovery.

These pathogenic bacteria can be found in foods that are not kept at the proper temperature, stored improperly, or that are undercooked.

To reduce your risk of foodborne illness during pregnancy you want to pay close attention to how you prepare, cook and store the foods you eat.

Common symptoms of a severe foodborne illness from undercooked meats are:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Fever

 

List of foods to not eat when pregnant:

  • Foods that are not pasteurizedraw milk, certain types of cheese like soft cheeses, Brie, Blue Cheese, etc.
  • Certain types of fish– shark, swordfish, anything high in mercury
  • Raw eggs including 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.)

You want to avoid anything that could be contaminated with bacteria, such as undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy products.

Additionally, you want to avoid foods that are high in mercury, such as certain types of fish.

Finally, you want to make sure you are getting enough folic acid, which is important for the development of your baby’s nervous system.

 

List of Foods you should eat during pregnancy:

  • Avocado
  • Oatmeal
  • Pinto Beans
  • Black beans
  • Arugula
  • Bananas
  • Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Carrots
  • Green Beans
  • Eggs
  • Lean Meats
  • Apples
  • Oranges
  • Salmon
  • Shrimp

 

What should a pregnant woman eat daily?

A pregnant woman needs to consume various nutrients every day to support her health and the development of her 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.

Pregnant women 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 pregnant women need about 27 mg of iron per day.

 

 

Final Thoughts

So, can you eat buffalo wild wings while pregnant?

The answer is yes – in moderation.

You should avoid eating too many hot wings, but a few here and there are just fine.

Many of the menu items are high in calories, deep-fried, and high in fat.

Keep in mind portion sizes if you do decide to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings.

 

Authors

  • Doug Penta MD OB/GYN

    Dr. Doug Penta, MD - Co-Founder of Maternity Comfort Solutions Dr. Doug Penta, is a seasoned Obstetrician and Gynecologist with over 38 years of practice, co-founded Maternity Comfort Solutions to provide evidence-based pregnancy and parenting information. A Boston University alum and former Clinical Professor at Harvard, his articles on Maternity Comfort Solutions offer expectant mothers invaluable nutritional insights.

  • Sue Winters RN

    Sue Winters, RN - Co-Founder of Maternity Comfort Solutions Sue combines 20 years of nursing with a rich background in early childhood education. Co-founder of Maternity Comfort Solutions, her articles provide creative toddler activities and practical tips on pregnancy nutrition and baby shower planning, embodying her commitment to supporting families through early parenthood.

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