Pregnancy-Safe Starbucks Drinks by Caffeine Content

How do the options compare?

Drinks are compared by current serving size, listed caffeine, relationship to the under-200-mg daily pregnancy target, and the need to count other caffeine sources.

• MotherToBaby states that most experts suggest limiting caffeine to 200 mg or less per day during pregnancy. Its examples are approximate, and totals include foods, drinks, supplements, and some medications. 1
• MotherToBaby's beverage table lists a 12-ounce tall brewed Starbucks coffee at approximately 235 mg caffeine, already above the usual 200 mg daily pregnancy target. The value is an example, not a guarantee for every roast, store, or preparation. 1
• ACOG concludes that moderate caffeine consumption below 200 mg per day does not appear to be a major contributor to miscarriage or preterm birth. The relationship between caffeine and fetal growth restriction remained uncertain in the guidance. 2
• ACOG advises keeping caffeine below 200 mg daily and notes that caffeine can interfere with sleep, contribute to nausea and lightheadedness, increase urination, and contribute to dehydration. Personal tolerance can therefore favor a lower intake than the maximum. 3
• FDA notes that caffeine content varies among products and serving sizes and that decaffeinated drinks still contain some caffeine, typically 2 to 15 mg per 8 ounces. Consumers should check labels or ask the seller when a retail product does not display an amount. 4

Which option makes sense?

A brewed-coffee size that looks small can exceed 200 mg. Choose by the displayed caffeine value, not the category name, and recheck customizable drinks because menu recipes and caffeine options change.

Disclosure: Pregnancy Smart is a supplement maker. The options compared above sit outside our own product line; this page describes their pregnancy evidence on its own merits.