Is It Safe to Drink Eggnog? (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to drink egg nog? ›

You can ensure that you and your guests are sipping safely, though, Rogers says. Almost all the eggnog sold in stores is pasteurized, which kills bacteria, but he says to be sure to check that the carton or bottle is clearly labeled as such. If you make your own, use pasteurized liquid eggs, which are sold in a carton.

Serve your eggnog chilled and plain for a classic treat.

The most classic way to serve eggnog doesn't involve any prep, and it's perfect as an after-dinner treat around the holidays. All you have to do is pour chilled eggnog into a glass. It pairs nicely with sweets, especially baked goods make with milk or cream.

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

When can babies have eggnog? After 12 months of age, if the eggnog is pasteurized and free of alcohol. While we generally recommend waiting until age 2 to introduce sugar into a toddler's diet, a small taste of pasteurized, alcohol-free eggnog on a special occasion after a child's first birthday is just fine.

“That's because all of these can compound into a difficult-to-digest situation, requiring digestive enzymes like lactase, sucrase and alcohol dehydrogenase to kick into high gear all at the same time. This could lead to gas, diarrhea, cramping or abdominal pain within 30 minutes to a few hours after drinking.”

The spices can be anti-inflammatory- Eggnog commonly contains nutmeg, which has anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Downing a glass of it isn't the same as popping an Advil, but it's something. And now for the downside- Any health benefits in eggnog are undone by the alcohol, according to registered dietitianLiz Weinandy.

After giving it a good shake, you can strain and serve right away, or shake it again with ice if you prefer your eggnog extra chilled.

Alcohol: Wine, champagne or eggnog

Many do. Alcohol has a sedative effect on the body. This can be a contributing factor to your sleepiness.

Most plants keep producing eggnog through New Year's, and start dumping their unsold product in January. Although associated with the holidays, eggnog doesn't need to be seasonal. Dairy plants could produce small batches of eggnog off-season for hard-core nogheads, but they don't because it's not cost-effective.

It also has a significant amount of cholesterol, which you really can't do anything about since it's from the eggs. (And without the eggs in eggnog it would just be, well, nog.) Try substituting heavy cream and full fat dairy products with low fat dairy products or a milk alternative like almond or oat milk.

Is eggnog full of sugar? ›

But be aware that a single cup can pack in 400 calories and 40 grams of sugar. So, if eggnog is a daily indulgence throughout the holiday season, it pays to find a better-for-you nog that you truly enjoy. Fortunately, there are a few lower-sugar eggnog options out there that taste pretty good, too.

Whether your holiday vibe is classic, bold or mellow, this eggnog coffee recipe is here to bring the cheer. It's creamy, spiced and packed with the taste that's loved by millions. Serve our Holiday Eggnog Coffee at your next get-together for a treat that'll knock their stockings off.

Bottom line: Eggnog and egg white co*cktails made with pasteurized eggs are safest, but alcohol can prevent the growth of bad bacteria like Salmonella. So you can safely sip your eggnog this holiday season, knowing the only reason you might regret it the next day is because you had one glass too many.

The Food and Drug Administration suggests consuming commercial eggnog within three to five days of opening a carton, and you should drink homemade eggnog within two to four days of making. If you're unsure whether eggnog has gone off, give it a whiff, and check for these signs: lumpy texture. spoiled milk smell.

That's cleaner than eggnog bought in sealed cartons from the supermarket. Short answer: Yes, it's safe. At least, it's as safe as anything with a 20% booze content can be.

Bottom line: Eggnog and egg white co*cktails made with pasteurized eggs are safest, but alcohol can prevent the growth of bad bacteria like Salmonella. So you can safely sip your eggnog this holiday season, knowing the only reason you might regret it the next day is because you had one glass too many.

Yes, when the alcohol content is 20% of the egg and sugar mixture, it becomes sterile and can sit in cool storage on a shelf for up to a year. Usually, I use the egg base and make my eggnog before the three-week mark (you can make it up to a year in advance!).

Skip the eggnog

Eggnog ― a long-time holiday favorite ― may not be the best thing for you if you're trying to avoid gas. It can contain two things that may make you gassy: milk and alcohol. Milk is a direct source of sulfate.

Milk, eggs, and sherry were foods of the wealthy, so eggnog was often used in toasts to prosperity and good health. Eggnog became tied to the holidays when the drink hopped the pond in the 1700s. American colonies were full of farms—and chickens and cows—and cheaper rum, a soon-signature ingredient.