Can I Eat Sonic While Pregnant? A Quick Guide On What to Order

Updated May 8, 2023

Craving Sonic during your pregnancy? Don’t worry, you’re not alone if you are wondering ‘Can I eat Sonic while Pregnant?”

Fast food cravings are common, and it’s understandable that you’d want some tasty Sonic treats.

But before you drive up and order, it’s essential to know which menu items are safe for you and your growing baby.

Can I eat Sonic while pregnant?

Yes, you can eat at Sonic while pregnant.

Our OB/GYN Dr. Doug Penta, MD said that it is safe to eat at Sonic while pregnant as long as you eat foods that are properly prepared, that includes being made fresh and cooked completely.

During pregnancy, it’s best to avoid excessive amounts of salt, added sugar, and unhealthy fats, which are often found in fast-food items.

It’s all about making smarter choices and knowing what to order.

You can customize your order at Sonic, two of our go-to items at Sonic are the jr. burger without cheese and the jr. bacon, egg, and cheese burrito.

These are going to be your lowest-calorie options.

Let’s talk about some of their other menu items and whether or not you should eat them during pregnancy.

“As an OB/GYN, one of the most common questions I receive from pregnant women is about their diet.

Expectant mothers need to maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy to ensure the health and well-being of both themselves and their growing baby.” -Dr. Doug Penta, OB/GYN

With so many fast food options available, it’s understandable for you to have questions about what you can safely eat during pregnancy.

While fast food may not always be the healthiest option, there are some menu items that can be enjoyed in moderation.

And we’re here to help you navigate the Sonic menu.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at  some of the popular items on the Sonic menu:

•  Crispy Chicken Sandwich:

A delicious sandwich featuring a crispy chicken fillet, Roma tomato, shredded lettuce, mayonnaise, and a potato roll. 

The chicken is deep-fried and should only be enjoyed occasionally during pregnancy.

Ask them to put extra lettuce and tomatoes on it for a vitamin and mineral boost.

• Burgers 

While burgers and sandwiches are a staple at Sonic, it’s important to choose wisely.

The main concern with these items is the risk of undercooked meat.

Pregnant women should always ensure that their meat is cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any harmful bacteria.

One safe option is the Jr. Burger, which is a smaller-sized burger that is cooked thoroughly and topped with lettuce, tomato, and onion.

Skip the cheese on your burger.

• Hot Dogs:

Sonic is also known for its hot dogs, but pregnant women should be cautious when it comes to these items.

Hot dogs can be a source of listeria, a type of bacteria that can cause serious complications during pregnancy.

To minimize the risk, pregnant women should only eat hot dogs that have been heated to steaming hot.

Sonic’s All-American Dog is likely safe, but it is best to skip hot dogs while pregnant.

While the risk of contracting Listeria while pregnant is low it isn’t zero.

Pregnant women are 10 times more likely than the general population to get Listeria infection (source: CDC).

• Tater Tots:

Sonic is famous for its tater tots, but pregnant women should indulge in moderation.

These deep-fried potato bites are high in calories and fat, so it’s best to limit intake.

If you’re craving tater tots, the small Tots is a smaller portion size that can be enjoyed without going overboard.

• Drinks:

Sonic is known for its vast array of drinks, including soft drinks, slushies, and milkshakes.

While sugary drinks should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy, there are some options that can be enjoyed safely.

Water is always a great choice, and Sonic also offers unsweetened iced tea and a variety of low-calorie drinks.

If you’re craving something sweet, the Cherry Limeade Light is a good option, as it is made with diet cherry syrup and lime juice.

Milkshakes can be hard to resist during pregnancy, but they are super high in calories and sugar.

The same goes for the slushes.

If you really want one consider ordering a child size to save on calories and fat.

• Egg Sandwiches and burritos:

Sonic offers several breakfast sandwiches made with eggs.

Eggs are an excellent source of protein during pregnancy.

Sonic eggs are scrambled and cooked completely so they are safe to eat during pregnancy.

Our go-to is the Breakfast Toasters or the egg burritos when we go to Sonic. 

• Use common sense when it comes to portion control

Listen to your body and stop eating when you start feeling full.

You’ll want to limit your consumption of dishes made with sauces that are loaded with sugar.

If you have a burger limit it to once in a while.

Get your FREE Printable 56-Page Pregnancy Meal Planner Here

Foods to Avoid At Sonic While Pregnant

While Sonic has a variety of delicious options, there are some items that you should avoid during pregnancy:

• Footlong Quarter Pound Coney
• Large Fries
• Large Onion Rings
• Large Popcorn chicken
• Milkshakes

These items are high in calories, fat, and sodium, and can contribute to excessive weight gain and other health problems.

Sonic Nutritional information for pregnancy-friendly menu options:

Tips for Eating at Sonic While Pregnant

If you’re pregnant and craving Sonic, don’t worry!

There are plenty of options that are safe for you and your growing baby.

Here are some tips for eating at Sonic while pregnant:

• Avoid raw or undercooked foods: It’s essential to avoid raw or undercooked foods while pregnant, 
• Skip the cheese: While tempting, it’s best to avoid the extra calories and saturated fat found in cheese.
• Watch your portion sizes: Sonic is known for its large portion sizes, so be mindful of how much you’re eating. Consider sharing a meal with a friend or ordering a smaller size.
• Skip the sides of fries and onion rings: These are loaded with fat and sodium, and you can save significant calories by skipping them altogether. If you decide to have a few that is OK, but moderation is key. 
• Stay hydrated: Choose water or unsweetened iced tea: Skip sugar-laden sodas and make healthier beverage choices to stay refreshed.

Some women find that during pregnancy eating fried foods causes them to have heartburn or makes their morning sickness symptoms much worse.

Can I eat ice cream from Sonic while pregnant?

Yes, it is safe to eat Sonic ice cream as long as you’re mindful of a few key points.

• Stick to pasteurized products, which most commercial ice creams, including Sonic’s, are made with.

This helps you avoid any potentially harmful bacteria.

• Moderation is key because let’s face it, those cravings can sometimes turn into an ice cream frenzy.

Remember, you’re eating for two, but that second one is a tiny human who doesn’t need an entire tub of ice cream!

• Watch out for certain toppings like raw cookie dough that could pose a risk.

Can I eat mozzarella sticks from Sonic while pregnant?

Good news for all you pregnant mamas: you can indeed enjoy those mouthwatering mozzarella sticks from Sonic during pregnancy.

When it comes to soft cheeses, the concern is generally the risk of listeria, but fear not, Sonic mozzarella sticks are not only made from pasteurized cheese but they’re also cooked at high temperatures which kills any lingering bacteria.

Consider these a treat that you do not indulge in often while you are pregnant.

Can you have Sonic corn dogs while pregnant?

Craving a Sonic corn dog while you’re expecting? No problem! You can totally indulge in those scrumptious, batter-coated hot dogs during pregnancy, as long as they’re cooked thoroughly. 

You should avoid regular hot dogs while you are pregnant.

The main concern with hot dogs is the potential for listeria contamination, but Sonic corn dogs are deep-fried to perfection, ensuring that any lurking bacteria are zapped away.

What foods should I not eat while 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.
• When meal prepping during pregnancy make sure you wash all fruits and vegetables before using them.

Tips for eating out during pregnancy’s first trimester:

1. Ditch the raw stuff and go for well-cooked dishes. Put sushi, oysters, and rare steak on hold—pregnancy ups your risk of foodborne illness.
2. Say “cheese” to hard cheeses only. Brie, feta, and blue cheese need to take a back seat for now.
3. Pick a spot that screams clean and hygienic. Good vibes and good grub go hand in hand.
4. Practice portion control. Smaller, more frequent meals can be kinder to your tummy.
5. Fresh is best! Opt for meals packed with fruits and veggies.
6. Booze ban: Alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix. Toast to your baby with a mocktail instead.
7. Guzzle H2O like it’s your job. Keep that water bottle handy and stay hydrated.
8. Shake off the salt. Restaurant meals can be sodium bombs, so be mindful.
9. Give greasy, deep-fried fare the boot. It could trigger morning sickness and make you feel queasy.