Can You Drink Energy Drinks When Pregnant?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
Energy drinks are best avoided in pregnancy — a single can may contain 80–160mg of caffeine plus high sugar and other stimulants.
Why are energy drinks a concern in pregnancy?
A standard energy drink contains around 80mg of caffeine and larger cans can contain 160mg or more — most of your 200mg NHS daily pregnancy limit in one drink, alongside high sugar and other stimulant ingredients (like taurine) that haven't been well studied in pregnancy. The simplest advice is to avoid them while pregnant.
You can also check the calorie content of energy drinks alongside their 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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Check Price →Energy Drinks: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| While breastfeeding | Best avoided |
Common questions
Can I eat energy drinks 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 energy drinks OK during pregnancy?
Yes — within the 200mg daily limit, energy drinks are considered safe during pregnancy.
I accidentally ate energy drinks 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 energy drinks safe in pregnancy?
The caffeine content isn't changed by heating, so the same 200mg daily limit applies however energy drinks are prepared or used in recipes.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.