Can You Eat Cola When Pregnant?
Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Updated September 2026
Nutritional data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and Public Health England. Always consult a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.
Cola is fine occasionally in pregnancy — a can has about 40mg of caffeine, which counts towards your 200mg daily limit. Watch the sugar too.
Why is cola a concern in pregnancy?
High caffeine intake in pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight and, at very high levels, miscarriage. The NHS therefore advises limiting caffeine to 200mg per day from all sources combined. As a guide: a mug of instant coffee is about 100mg, filter coffee about 140mg, tea about 75mg, and a can of cola about 40mg. Cola counts towards this daily total.
You can also check the calorie content of cola alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Remember caffeine adds up across coffee, tea, green tea, cola, energy drinks and chocolate — count everything towards the 200mg limit.
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Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
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More pregnancy essentials
Baby-safe food thermometer
Useful for pregnancy cooking checks and later for baby food.
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Common questions
Can I eat cola in the first trimester?
Yes — the 200mg daily caffeine limit applies from the start of pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of cola OK during pregnancy?
Yes — within the 200mg daily limit, Cola is considered safe during pregnancy.
I accidentally ate cola while pregnant — what should I do?
Going over 200mg on a single day is not something to panic about — the guidance is about your typical daily intake. Just aim to stay under the limit going forward.
Is cooked cola safe in pregnancy?
The caffeine content isn't changed by heating, so the same 200mg daily limit applies however Cola is prepared or used in recipes.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid 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.