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Can I Eat Panera Bacon Turkey Bravo While Pregnant?

Updated May 8, 2023

Panera is a favorite among pregnant women when it comes to fast and easy dining. 

It is my favorite place to have lunch and get some work done at the same time.

Our local Panera has a fireplace that is especially cozy during the fall and winter months. 

I’m addicted to their turkey bravo sandwich with a cup of tomato soup. 

Panera offers a variety of healthy food options, and their bacon turkey bravo is one of the most popular items on the menu.

But … can I eat Panera bacon turkey bravo while pregnant?

Can I eat Panera bacon turkey bravo while pregnant?

Are there any safety concerns pregnant women need to know about eating a turkey sandwich at Panera? 

In this article, we will answer this question so you can make safe choices when eating out during your pregnancy.

 

Can I Eat Panera Bacon Turkey Bravo While Pregnant?

Yes! You can eat Panera bacon turkey bravo while you are pregnant.

During pregnancy, if you are going to eat a turkey sandwich at Panera or anywhere, for that matter, there are a few things you should know before you place your order.

The first is that you need to make sure the turkey and bacon are fully cooked and that the sandwich is served HOT. 

It is easy to ask Panera to heat the turkey bravo sandwich.

That is the safest way to eat it while you are pregnant.

Pregnant women must avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, as it can lead to foodborne illness.

The second is to avoid any ingredients that could potentially be harmful to you or your babies, such as unpasteurized cheese or raw eggs, or unpasteurized mayo.

If you are unsure about an ingredient in the turkey sandwich,  it is best to ask your server or check with the restaurant before ordering.

When it comes to a bacon turkey bravo from Panera, the good news is that their turkey and bacon are fully cooked, the sandwich is heated, and their ingredients are safe for pregnant women to eat.

However, there are still a few things to keep in mind about the Panera bacon turkey bravo sandwich:

First, since the turkey sandwich has a signature sauce on it and that sauce is made with mayonnaise (raw eggs), you want to be sure it is pasteurized mayonnaise.

This is not likely to be a concern at Panera since it is a large commercial restaurant.

Panera mayonnaise is pasteurized.

What would be a concern is if the mayonnaise is not properly refrigerated or your sandwich is not made to order.

Again, Panera makes their sandwiches after ordering so not likely a concern.

But if you are concerned about food safety, you may want to order your Panera bacon turkey sandwich without the signature sauce, or ask for it on the side so you can add it yourself.

Second, the Panera turkey bravo sandwich is made with gouda cheese.

Gouda cheese is considered a safe cheese to eat during pregnancy and the cheese is melted on the sandwich, which helps to reduce the risk of food-borne pathogens being on the cheese.

If you are concerned about eating Gouda cheese, another safe option is cheddar. 

Pregnant women are at an increased risk for foodborne illnesses, such as Salmonella, Ecoli, and Listeria. 

These pathogens can cause serious illness and even death in pregnant women and their unborn babies.

While there may be no reported cases of Salmonella or Listeria infection from Panera bacon turkey bravo,  it is important to be aware of the potential risks.

Pregnant women should avoid eating turkey that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.

If the turkey sandwich is refrigerated, it should be consumed within three days of opening. 

(Source: CDC Information About Listeria During Pregnancy)

turkey sandwiches collage

The safest option for pregnant women is to eat freshly cooked turkey and bacon.

While the risk of foodborne illnesses from heated turkey or bacon is very low, it is still something to be aware of if you are pregnant.

Third and finally, the Panera Turkey bacon bravo sandwich comes with fresh greens and tomatoes. 

They are safe to eat during pregnancy, but you do need to skip eating sprouts.

Unfortunately, beansprouts are not safe to consume while pregnant.

If you are craving Panera bacon turkey bravo, you may want to consider asking for your turkey and bacon to be heated extra hot to decrease the risk of any foodborne illness.

Follow these simple safety guidelines and you can enjoy your favorite Panera turkey sandwich while keeping yourself and your baby safe from foodborne illnesses.

 

What is the nutritional information for a Panera bacon turkey bravo? 

If you’re looking for a delicious, protein-packed sandwich option, the Panera bacon turkey bravo is a fantastic choice. 

Not only does it contain juicy slices of turkey and hardwood smoked bacon, but it also includes gouda cheese, tomato, and greens on freshly baked bread. 

All in all, this sandwich packs a whopping 53 grams of protein – the perfect fuel to power through your afternoon. 

However, it’s important to note that this tasty treat also contains 41 grams of fat and over 2560 milligrams of sodium. 

To make this sandwich a bit lighter, consider swapping out the artisan bread for sourdough or trying it as a salad instead. 

It makes a delicious salad if you choose to have it that way.

This would be a good choice if you have gestational diabetes and need to lower your carbohydrate consumption.

No matter how you enjoy it, the bacon turkey bravo is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Looking for an easy at-home copycat recipe?

This is my favorite copycat Panera bacon turkey bravo recipe that I rely on to satisfy my cravings when I can’t get out for lunch.

Making this recipe at home is also a great way to control the number of calories, grams of fat, and sodium that are in this sandwich.

 

Why am I Craving a bacon turkey bravo sandwich during pregnancy?

There are a few reasons why you might be a Panera bacon turkey bravo during pregnancy:

  1. Pregnancy can cause changes in your sense of smell, which can lead to increased cravings for certain foods.
  2. Your body needs the extra protein in the turkey and bacon to help you meet your increased protein needs during pregnancy.
  3. You may be craving the vitamins and minerals which help to keep you healthy during pregnancy.

Pregnancy cravings are normal and generally nothing to be concerned about. 

If you find yourself craving non-food items like soap, dirt, matches, or gas, you should let your help care provider know.

 

I ate a bacon turkey bravo sandwich while pregnant, is that ok?

Yes. The risk of foodborne illness is low.

The turkey is fully-cooked and it is kept at the proper temperature before being used in your sandwich.

Ideally, the fewer additives the better with mayonnaise being the most important one to be careful about.

Panera mayo is pasteurized so it is safe to eat during pregnancy.

 

Can you eat Panera bread while pregnant?

Yes, you can eat Panera bread during pregnancy!

When I was pregnant that news made me very happy!

I love Panera sourdough bread and craved it like crazy while pregnant.

You can save on calories by choosing sandwiches on sourdough bread vs their artisan bread.

 

Can I eat turkey while pregnant?

Absolutely, as long as the turkey is cooked thoroughly and served hot.

In fact, a plain piece of turkey cooked adequately carries little if any risk during or after pregnancy.

As long as it is not deli meat turkey being eaten cold.

It is so important to avoid consuming any cold deli meats during pregnancy.

But don’t panic if you

The important detail to remember is that cooking the turkey is necessary to kill any pathogens, especially Salmonella.

If that is done, turkey is an excellent source of protein and overall nutrition during pregnancy.

It is safe to eat Rotisserie turkey while pregnant as long as you eat it hot and it has not been sitting out at room temperature.

 

Can you eat bacon while pregnant?

Yes, you can eat bacon while pregnant as long as it is thoroughly cooked.

You may want to skip bacon during pregnancy because bacon does have nitrates and is loaded with sodium.

But the occasional slice of bacon on a turkey sandwich isn’t going to be harmful to you or your baby.

Go for having your bacon cooked extra crispy while you are pregnant.

 

What are the symptoms of illness after eating undercooked meat while pregnant?

The most common symptoms of a foodborne severe illness from eating undercooked meat are:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Fever

Symptoms of Listeria infection:

  • flu-like symptoms
  • fever
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • stiff neck
  • vomiting
  • muscle pain
  • convulsions
  • loss of balance

If you are pregnant and have any of these symptoms you should notify your doctor or midwife immediately. 

 

List of foods not to 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, undercooked shellfish, raw oysters.
  • Raw eggs including homemade mayo, hollandaise sauce, and eggnog.
  • Undercooked meats – lunch 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 there is no ice or refrigeration source keeping the food cool, 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 simply avoid them. Green tea is OK.)

 

What should a pregnant woman eat daily?

A pregnant woman needs to consume a variety of nutrients every day to support both her own 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.

Enjoying a bacon turkey bravo sandwich from Panera is an excellent way to make sure you are getting the protein you need during your pregnancy

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.

Good sources of iron include lean red meat, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals.

 

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. Plus it is easy super easy to overeat at a buffet!
  • 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!

 

Tips for eating healthy during pregnancy:

Eating healthily during pregnancy is important for both the mother and the 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 out during pregnancy can be a fun and convenient way to get the nutrition you need during pregnancy.

Now that you know the safest options at Panera, go ahead and enjoy your meal without worry.

Hope this has helped answer the question and we hope you enjoy your bacon turkey bravo Panera sandwich!

 

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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