Are you hooked on your Starbucks habit and wondering “hey now that I’m pregnant is this still OK?”
If you answered yes, then keep reading!
According to the National Coffee Association, 62% of Americans drink coffee everyday, and 7 in 10 Americans drink coffee every week (1).
So, it may be difficult to quit that habit now that you are expecting. Keep reading for some of my recommended Starbucks drinks for pregnant women.
Caffeine While Pregnant
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) suggests that pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to less than 200gm per day.
Drinking (or eating) more than that can have some negative side effects including increased blood pressure, dehydration, anxiety, risk of miscarriage, or low birth weight babies.
However, sticking to the recommendation of less than 200mg has not shown a link to miscarriage or preterm birth.
Starbucks Drinks for Pregnant Women
Here are some of the most popular drinks with the lowest caffeine content. All of these caffeine content totals are for the grande size beverage (16oz) (2).
- Caramel Frappuccino – 90 mg caffeine – less than half of the max recommended for the day! However, it also contains 55 grams of carbohydrates… so it is important to be mindful of the sugar here too!
- Caramel Macchiato – 150 mg caffeine – This is also another fan favorite, and sticking to the grande size still will leave you under the 200 mg recommendation.
- Iced Chai Tea Latte – 95 mg caffeine – Not everyone only likes coffee at a coffee shop! People love this fragrant tea based beverage.
- Cappuccino – 150 mg caffeine – This classic drink still comes in under the limit.
- Iced Green Tea Lemonade – 25 mg caffeine – super refreshing and super low in caffeine!
- Iced Passion Tango Tea – 0 mg caffeine – caffeine free! Woohoo!
- Hot Chocolate – 25 mg – my personal favorite. Warm and chocolatey, you cannot go wrong.
Watch the Sugar Too!
While we may be focusing on the caffeine content of our favorite Starbucks drinks, it is important to also be mindful of the sugar contents, especially for my gestational diabetes mamas! We will talk more about this another time!
All in all, most foods can fit into a healthy pregnancy nutrition plan (except for our no-no’s!). If you are used to enjoying your favorite cup of coffee every morning, there should be no reason you could not do the same now that you are expecting.
As always, while I am a Registered Dietitian, I may not be YOUR Registered Dietitian. Before changing your nutrition plan, always be sure to check with your medical care providers.
Be well mamas! If you are interested in a personalized approach to manage your nutrition during pregnancy, get in touch here!
