Caffeine in pregnancy: how much is safe? EFSA guidance
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According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), pregnant women can have up to 200 mg of caffeine a day from all sources without risk to the unborn child. That is roughly two cups of filter coffee. Coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, chocolate and food supplements all count towards the total.
In short
• Pregnancy: up to 200 mg of caffeine a day (EFSA).
• Filter coffee about 90 mg per 200 ml, black tea about 55 mg per 250 ml, energy drink about 80 mg per 250 ml.
• Food supplements with added caffeine must say "Not recommended for children or pregnant women".
• Your national food authority may give its own advice, so check it too.
Contents
- How much caffeine in pregnancy?
- Caffeine in common drinks
- What 200 mg looks like
- Caffeine supplements and pouches
- FAQ
How much caffeine in pregnancy?
EFSA concluded that caffeine intakes of up to 200 mg a day from all sources do not raise safety concerns for the unborn child (EFSA, 2015). The same figure applies to breastfeeding women. For healthy adults who are not pregnant, the figure is up to 400 mg a day. More: How much caffeine a day?
Caffeine in common drinks
| Drink | Serving | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Filter or instant coffee | 200 ml | about 90 mg |
| Espresso | 60 ml | about 80 mg |
| Energy drink | 250 ml | about 80 mg |
| Black tea | 250 ml | about 55 mg |
| Cola | 355 ml | about 37 mg |
| Decaf coffee | 200 ml | about 4 mg |
Work out your own total: caffeine calculator.
Source: EUFIC. Coffee varies a lot with the beans, strength and cup size. More: How much caffeine is in coffee? · How much caffeine is in tea?
What 200 mg looks like
- 2 cups of filter coffee (200 ml each) = about 180 mg
- 1 cup of filter coffee + 2 cups of black tea = about 200 mg
- 3 cups of black tea + 1 cola = about 202 mg
Caffeine supplements and pouches
In the EU, foods and food supplements with added caffeine must state the caffeine content and carry the warning "Contains caffeine. Not recommended for children or pregnant women". Optimal Native Morning Energy (200 mg of caffeine per pouch) and Daily Flow (75 mg) are not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. One Morning Energy pouch alone equals the 200 mg daily figure for pregnancy.
FAQ
How many cups of coffee can I drink when pregnant?
At about 90 mg per 200 ml cup, about two cups reach 200 mg. Count tea, cola and chocolate too.
Is decaf OK in pregnancy?
Decaf has only a small amount of caffeine, about 4 mg per 200 ml cup, which counts towards the total.
Does the 200 mg also apply while breastfeeding?
EFSA's 200 mg figure covers pregnant and breastfeeding women. National advice can differ.