For a festival centred around the nativity, it's ironic how many classic Christmas treats come with a health warning for expectant mothers. As a food writer who recently discovered she was pregnant, the realisation that my usual festive indulgences were off the menu hit hard. The prospect of navigating nausea, exhaustion, and a long list of dietary restrictions during the most culinary time of year was daunting.
Navigating Festive Drinks: From Fizz to Mulled Wine
The clink of a champagne flute is a quintessential Christmas sound, but traditional bubbly is not recommended during pregnancy. Fortunately, the market for sophisticated alcohol-free alternatives has blossomed. Wine expert Olly Smith praises Kylie Minogue No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé for its decent taste and value at under £10. For a drier option, explore the world of sparkling tea from brands like Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company or Saicho, though they can cost around £18.99.
For those missing the complexity of de-alcoholised wine, former Guardian columnist Fiona Beckett suggests a clever workaround: use it to make mulled wine. Her key ingredient is elderberry juice, which adds body. Combine a bottle of non-alcoholic red (like Wednesday's Domaine) with cloves, oranges, cinnamon, and sugar for a comforting winter drink. For a ready-made option, food writer Olivia Potts recommends Ikea's spiced Vintersaga glögg.
Reimagining Classic Canapés and Starters
Traditional starters like oysters and pâté pose a listeria risk, but chefs have created delicious cooked alternatives. At Applebee's in Borough Market, chef Frankie Van Loo tops Maldon oysters with chorizo jam and bakes them. For a vegetarian 'oyster' experience, Ben Rand of Bubala suggests filling endive leaves with citrus, nuts, and a citrus purée for a similar hit of fresh, saline crunch.
When it comes to pâté, all types are off the NHS menu unless served piping hot. Chef Emily Roux recommends making rillettes with hot-smoked fish mixed with crème fraîche and dill as a satisfying substitute on melba toast. For a mushroom version, Helen Graham advises caramelising onions and frying mushrooms with soy and vinegar before blending into a silky paste.
The Cheeseboard and Sweet Finales
Contrary to popular belief, not all cheese is forbidden. According to Bronwen Percival of Neal's Yard Dairy, hard cheeses and pasteurised soft cheeses without a mould-ripened rind are safe. She recommends Appleby's Cheshire for its crumbly texture and acidity, or Coolea, an aged Gouda-style cheese with a toffee sweetness. If you crave a baked camembert, simply ensure it is cooked until bubbling hot.
For cocktails, the negroni format translates well to alcohol-free versions using 0% gin, vermouth, and bitter substitutes like Aecorn Bitter. For a warming, spicy option, the pineapple picante from El Bar de Cavita – with pineapple juice, lime, agave, and jalapeño – masks the lack of alcohol beautifully. Many also swear by Mother Root, a fiery ginger aperitif created specifically for pregnancy.
Ultimately, the NHS guidelines are there for safety, but the goal is to ensure pregnant women don't feel excluded from the festive joy. With a little creativity and these expert tips, it's entirely possible to eat, drink, and be merry this Christmas.
