Can You Eat Energy Drinks 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.
Energy drinks are best avoided in pregnancy — a single can may contain 80–160mg of caffeine plus high sugar and other stimulants.
Why is 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 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.
Check Price →Pregnancy food guide
A paper reference for the fridge door — no more mid-supermarket googling.
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Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.
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Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
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 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 is 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 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.