Can You Eat Cola When Breastfeeding?
Reviewed against NHS breastfeeding & diet guidance · Updated September 2026
Nutritional data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and Public Health England. Always consult a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.
Caffeine passes into breast milk and can make babies restless and unsettled. The NHS advises keeping caffeine low while breastfeeding — around 200mg a day is a sensible ceiling, and some babies are sensitive to even less, especially newborns.
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Common questions
Is cola safe while breastfeeding?
Caffeine passes into breast milk and can make babies restless and unsettled. The NHS advises keeping caffeine low while breastfeeding — around 200mg a day is a sensible ceiling, and some babies are sensitive to even less, especially newborns.
Was this different during pregnancy?
During pregnancy the verdict for cola was “Limit — 200Mg Caffeine A Day” — see our pregnancy guide for the full explanation. Many pregnancy restrictions exist to protect the placenta and developing baby, and no longer apply once your baby is born.
Does what I eat pass into breast milk?
Traces of what you eat and drink do reach breast milk, which is why caffeine and alcohol carry breastfeeding guidance. For most ordinary foods the amounts are tiny and harmless — a varied maternal diet is actually thought to help babies accept new flavours later.
What should I actually avoid while breastfeeding?
The short NHS list: keep caffeine low (~200mg/day), keep alcohol occasional and timed away from feeds, limit oily fish to 2 portions a week, and have no more than 1 weekly portion of shark, swordfish or marlin. Almost everything else — soft cheese, pâté, sushi, runny eggs, cured meat — is back on the menu.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS breastfeeding & diet guidance.
The information on 247foodcheck.com is compiled from official public guidance (NHS, Food Standards Agency, USDA/FDA FoodKeeper) and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your midwife, GP, health visitor or other qualified professional. When in doubt, throw it out — and if you feel unwell after eating something, contact NHS 111 or your doctor.