Doughnut
Safe★★★★★
Processed
A doughnut is sweet, deep-fried dough, usually glazed, iced or filled. It is safe to eat in pregnancy and offers little beyond energy, so it sits in the occasional-treat category.
Why it's good in pregnancy
Cravings are real, and a doughnut now and then is perfectly fine — satisfying one can make it easier to eat well the rest of the day. Enjoy it alongside protein or fruit so your blood sugar does not spike and crash.
Serving ideas
A plain ring doughnut with a glass of pasteurised milk
Half a doughnut after a protein-rich breakfast
A mini doughnut with a handful of nuts
A baked doughnut made at home with fruit
Safety
Safe — fully cooked.High in sugar and fat: an occasional treat, particularly if you are managing blood sugar.Cream-filled doughnuts should be fresh and kept chilled.Buy from a bakery or shop with good turnover and eat the same day; cream- or custard-filled doughnuts should come from a chilled cabinet. If you have gestational diabetes or are watching your weight gain, choose a small, plain ring and have it after a meal rather than on an empty stomach. Pair it with milk or nuts to soften the sugar peak.
Common questions
Can I eat doughnuts while pregnant?Yes — they are fully cooked and safe. Treat them as an occasional sweet because of the sugar and fat.
Are cream-filled doughnuts safe in pregnancy?Yes when fresh and kept refrigerated; avoid any that have sat out warm for hours.
Do doughnuts affect gestational diabetes?Their sugar and refined flour raise blood glucose quickly, so keep portions small and eat them with protein.
Did you know?
A typical glazed doughnut has about 10–12 g of sugar and 200–250 kcal.
The ring shape helps the dough cook evenly in hot oil — a 19th-century invention.
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