Did you know that chocolate is one of the most common pregnancy cravings? If you're desperate for your favorite drink, don't worry. Hot chocolate is generally fine to drink during pregnancy.
Read on for what ingredients to avoid and which to add for the perfect cup of cocoa.
Key Takeaways
- Hot chocolate is generally safe to enjoy while pregnant.
- In fact, hot chocolate can have various potential health benefits, including ones specific to pregnancy.
- However, try to avoid hot chocolate with too much sugar, and don't mix it with raw milk.
- Remember to enjoy your hot chocolate in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
- To take your hot chocolate to the next level, consider adding other healthy ingredients or opting for an organic cocoa mix.
See Related: Can Drinking Hot Cocoa Help With a Cold?
Enjoying Hot Chocolate During Pregnancy: Is It OK?
When it's cold outside, few things are as comforting as a nice cup of hot chocolate.
But is hot chocolate safe during pregnancy?
Pregnant women have to navigate a complex world of expectations and advice. There are all kinds of advice out there, much of it unscientific, governing what pregnant women can and can't eat.
Meanwhile, pregnant women also have to deal with cravings, which can strike at the most random of times. And yes, chocolate is one of the most common.¹
Luckily, there's one comforting beverage that expectant mothers don't have to give up. That's right: Hot chocolate.
Now, there are caveats, which we'll get to. Certain ingredients are better than others, and there are healthier versions of hot chocolate that could be perfect for people looking to meet their chocolate cravings while supporting their health.
We'll get to all that. But first, some even better news: Hot chocolate isn't just safe during pregnancy. It actually has some powerful potential health benefits.
Potential Benefits of Homemade Hot Chocolate During Pregnancy
That's right. When enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, hot chocolate has many potential health benefits, from supporting heart health to promoting relaxation and beyond.
For example, cocoa is a potent source of polyphenols, a powerful type of antioxidant.² You've likely heard of antioxidants; they help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
This damage is called oxidative stress, and it's no good. Antioxidants are therefore great for supporting overall health in general.³
Antioxidants are also important during pregnancy. Oxidative stress has been linked with various pregnancy complications.⁴
In one study, pregnant women who ate chocolate high in flavonoids, an antioxidant, displayed better blood flow to the arteries around the uterus. This blood flow is crucial for the healthy development and function of the placenta.⁵
Tips and Things to Watch Out For
Hot chocolate might bring potential health benefits, but there are some things to consider before indulging while pregnant.
Caffeine Content
In general, pregnant women are advised to limit their caffeine intake. The American Pregnancy Association recommends a maximum of 200mg per day, which is about as much as in a single cup of coffee.⁶ But some experts recommend avoiding it altogether.⁷
You might be surprised to learn that hot chocolate often contains caffeine, too. That's because cocoa beans contain caffeine.⁸
However, hot chocolate has a relatively low caffeine content. Both coffee and tea have far more caffeine than chocolate.
Hot chocolate can contain a relatively low amount of caffeine. That's because cocoa beans themselves contain caffeine. If you follow the 200mg limit recommended by many experts, you can likely enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate without ingesting excessive caffeine.
Dairy Milk
Raw milk is becoming popular, but it can pose serious risks, especially for pregnant women.⁹
Pasteurized milk, though, is actually recommended by many experts. It's full of healthy vitamins and minerals that pregnant women need, including vitamin D and calcium.¹⁰
Excess Calories
You've probably heard the saying that a pregnant woman eats for two. That's not quite true, however.
While pregnant women do need to eat more calories than usual, too many calories can be a bad thing. In fact, one report found that almost half of US mothers gain too much weight while pregnant.¹¹
The exact number of calories a pregnant woman needs depends on many factors. To be certain, consult with your doctor. Experts generally recommend eating a few hundred extra calories per day in the second trimester, and something like 500 extra per day in the third trimester.¹²
So where does hot chocolate come in? Well, many brands are full of sugar. High sugar levels means high calorie content, which can lead to excessive weight gain.
Our classic Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa Blend, on the other hand, has just 10 calories per serving. It has no added sugar, making it a great choice for those looking for a low-calorie, sugar-free treat.
Bonus: What Are Cocoa Nibs and What Can I Do With Them?
Artificial Sweeteners
Don't let your search for low-sugar options lead you astray, though. Many options are sweetened with artificial sweeteners.
Some of these sweeteners, like saccharin, are not recommended for use during pregnancy.¹³ Others, like sucralose, aspartame, and stevia are generally considered safe in moderation.¹⁴
However, there's something else to consider. In one study, researchers found that pregnant women who drank more artificially sweetened drinks were more likely to have heavier babies.¹⁵
In another study, people who drank diet soda (i.e., artificially sweetened) gained more weight than those who drank regular soda.¹⁶
What's the deal? Scientists actually still aren't entirely sure. But while they figure it out, it might be best to avoid artificial sweeteners altogether, especially if you're worried about unhealthy weight gain.
Tips For the Perfect Hot Chocolate Mix
Just as there are some ingredients to avoid (or at least consider), there are some you might want to add to your hot chocolate to take it to the next level.
Almond Milk
If you're worried about eating dairy, or just can't handle it, don't worry. Many milk alternatives are perfectly safe during pregnancy.
Almond milk is one example. It's a great source of nutrients, like vitamin E, calcium, and healthy unsaturated fats. Opt for the unsweetened type to avoid excess sugar, and pick a fortified version for extra protein.¹⁷
Soy milk is another great option. It actually contains more calcium than many other milk alternatives.¹⁸
Extra Collagen
You might know collagen for its ability to support skin health. This protein is abundant in the human body, and is a crucial component of our connective tissues.
Collagen also happens to be crucial during pregnancy. It can help support the cervix, bones, and joints, which may all be under strain during pregnancy.¹⁹
Research also shows that collagen can help improve skin elasticity.²⁰ That could be particularly helpful for pregnant women, whose skin often has to stretch significantly to accommodate their baby.
Mindful Keto Cocoa contains 10g of collagen peptides per serving, plus 5g of organic MCT oil powder. It's therefore a great source of proteins and healthy fats, while still being a delicious treat.
Conclusion
As you can see, hot chocolate is generally safe to drink during pregnancy. That's great, because this sweet treat also happens to be one of the most common pregnancy cravings. Just remember to drink it in moderation and as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Keep Reading: How to Make Thick Traditional Hot Chocolate
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hot Drinks Are Safe During Pregnancy?
Plenty of hot drinks are safe during pregnancy. In general, pregnant women are advised to avoid caffeine, or to at least limit their caffeine intake.
But that still leaves various herbal teas, decaf options, and, of course, hot chocolate.
Why Do I Crave Hot Chocolate While Pregnant?
Pregnancy cravings can be caused by all kinds of things. Hormones released during pregnancy are thought to influence your sense of taste and smell, which can contribute to cravings.²¹
Cravings can also be a signal that your body is craving some kind of nutrient.
Maybe your body wants some of the nutrients contained in hot chocolate. Or maybe you're just craving a comforting sweet treat. Either way, as long as you enjoy it in moderation, and without unhealthy additives, feel free to indulge.
What Drinks Should You Avoid While Pregnant?
When it comes to hot chocolate, you should try to avoid cups that are loaded with excess sugar or mixed with raw milk.
In fact, experts recommend avoiding all unpasteurized milk and products made from unpasteurized milk.
Other drinks you should consider avoiding include those with too much caffeine, alcohol, those with stimulants (like some energy drinks), and certain herbal teas (like ginseng).²²
Sources
- An OB-GYN's Guide to Cravings During Pregnancy | Northwestern Medicine
- Effect of Cocoa Beverage and Dark Chocolate Consumption on Blood Pressure in Those with Normal and Elevated Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PMC
- Add antioxidants to your diet - Mayo Clinic
- Antioxidants and Pregnancy Complications: Exploring Therapeutic Strategies for Better Outcomes
- Is dark chocolate healthy for mom and baby during pregnancy?
- Caffeine While Pregnant
- Impacts of Caffeine during Pregnancy - PMC
- Does Hot Chocolate Have Caffeine? Versus Coffee, Tea, and More
- The Dangers of Raw Milk: Unpasteurized Milk Can Pose a Serious Health Risk | FDA
- Building your baby's bones? These milks deliver the calcium you need | BabyCenter
- Gestational Weight Gain — United States, 2012 and 2013
- Are Pregnant Women Really Eating for Two? Not Quite | UNM Health Blog | Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Substances of Concern during Pregnancy - Brigham and Women's Hospital.
- Sugar substitutes during pregnancy - PMC
- Association Between Artificially Sweetened Beverage Consumption During Pregnancy and Infant Body Mass Index | Pediatrics
- Artificial sweeteners: sugar-free, but at what cost? - Harvard Health
- Top 4 Benefits and Safety of Almond Milk During Pregnancy - Sanjeevini Multispecialty Hospital
- 10 Superfoods for a Healthy Pregnancy
- Can you take collagen while pregnant? | Genesis OBGYN
- Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PMC
- An OB-GYN's Guide to Cravings During Pregnancy | Northwestern Medicine
- Safety and efficacy of panax ginseng during pregnancy and lactation - PubMed
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Mindful Nutrition is a veteran-owned company with a passion for wellness. We use natural ingredients in our products, including melatonin, GABA, ashwagandha, and L-Theanine. Our hot cocoa blends are vegan, non-GMO, and plant-based, crafted to be a comforting addition to your daily ritual. We utilize third-party testing on all products to ensure purity, quality, and safety. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or health concerns.
