Can You Drink Matcha When Pregnant?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
Matcha is fine occasionally in pregnancy but is concentrated green tea — a serving can contain 60–80mg of caffeine, so count it carefully towards your 200mg daily limit.
Why is matcha 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, the NHS gives about 100mg in a cup of instant coffee (filter and coffee-shop coffee can contain more, about 140mg in a mug of filter coffee according to Tommy's), about 75mg in a cup of tea and about 40mg in a can of cola. Matcha counts towards this daily total.
You can also check the calorie content of matcha 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.
Safe swaps
As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy food guide
A paper reference for the fridge door — no more mid-supermarket googling.
Check Price →Digital food thermometer
Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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.
Check Price →Matcha: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| While breastfeeding | Keep caffeine low |
Common questions
Can I eat matcha 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 matcha OK during pregnancy?
Yes — within the 200mg daily limit, Matcha is considered safe during pregnancy.
I accidentally ate matcha 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 matcha safe in pregnancy?
The caffeine content isn't changed by heating, so the same 200mg daily limit applies however Matcha is 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.