Can you eat chocolate when pregnant?

Key points

• Chocolate is generally fine in normal amounts during pregnancy.
• Caffeine is the main thing to track, and many providers suggest keeping total daily caffeine within the moderate range.
• Check labels, and ask your provider if you have questions about your own total intake.

Why it matters

Chocolate itself is not a known risk in pregnancy. The question most people ask is about caffeine, because cacao and many chocolate products contain some. Caffeine in other foods and drinks adds up too, so the total matters more than any one treat.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has said that moderate caffeine intake does not appear to be linked to miscarriage or preterm birth. It describes up to 200 mg of caffeine a day as a moderate amount.

What is generally OK and what to watch

• Small amounts of chocolate as part of a balanced diet are generally considered fine.
• Dark chocolate usually has more caffeine than milk chocolate, so it can help to check the label.
• Chocolate drinks, energy-style snacks, and chocolate-flavored coffee drinks can add caffeine quickly.
• Foods made with raw cookie dough or raw batter are a separate concern, because raw eggs and flour can carry germs. The FDA advises pregnant people to avoid them.

Practical tips

• Read nutrition labels to compare caffeine across products, and add up what you have in a day.
• Many providers suggest counting caffeine from coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks along with chocolate.
• Choose bakery and store-bought treats that are fully cooked.
• The NIH notes that a varied diet with plenty of nutrients supports pregnancy, so chocolate works best as an occasional treat rather than a main food source.

If you have already eaten chocolate

Eating chocolate during pregnancy is common and is generally not a reason for alarm. If you have had more caffeine than usual in a day, it can help to cut back for the rest of the day and keep an eye on how you feel. Many providers suggest keeping track of caffeine from all sources going forward, and bringing any questions to your next visit.

When to contact your provider

Contact your provider if you have a racing or pounding heartbeat, jitteriness, trouble sleeping, or heartburn that gets worse after caffeine. Also reach out if you have questions about how much caffeine is right for you.

Questions people ask

More questions people ask

Sources