Can You Drink Unpasteurised Juice When Breastfeeding?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS: food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding · Last updated 28 October 2026
Pasteurised juice is the better choice. There's no breastfeeding-specific rule, but juice that has not been heat-treated can carry bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
What the guidance says
Freshly pressed juice that hasn't been pasteurised can carry bacteria from the fruit's skin, and there have been food poisoning outbreaks linked to it. Pasteurised juice has been heat-treated. Squeezing fruit at home from washed fruit is a low-risk option. Juice is also sugary, so the NHS advises limiting it to a small glass a day.
You can also check the calorie content of unpasteurised juice alongside its safety information.
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Unpasteurised Juice: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Avoid |
Common questions
Is unpasteurised juice safe while breastfeeding?
Pasteurised juice is the better choice. There's no breastfeeding-specific rule, but juice that has not been heat-treated can carry bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
Is freshly squeezed juice at a juice bar OK?
It's usually made on the spot from fresh fruit, so the risk is lower than juice that has sat for days. Pasteurised still carries less risk.
How much juice is OK?
A small glass a day. The sugar in juice counts as free sugars, even from fruit (NHS).
Was this different during pregnancy?
Yes. In pregnancy our verdict was “avoid”, because of a risk to the unborn baby (see our pregnancy guide). Those reasons ended when your baby was born.
What should I avoid while breastfeeding?
The NHS list is short. Caffeine: try not to have more than 300mg a day (a mug of filter coffee is about 140mg, instant 100mg, tea 75mg). Alcohol: it is safer not to drink, but 1 or 2 units once or twice a week should be fine. Oily fish: no more than 2 portions a week. Shark, swordfish and marlin: no more than 1 portion a week. Peanuts are fine unless you're allergic. Most other foods that were off the menu in pregnancy, such as soft cheese, pâté, cured meat and runny eggs, are not restricted.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS: food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.