Can you drink latte while pregnant?
In moderationYes, one or two lattes daily are fine, as long as your total caffeine stays under 200 mg a day. A single shot latte has roughly 75 mg of caffeine and a double shot around 150 mg, so the shot count matters more than the cup size.
Why
The only real issue with a latte is caffeine: ACOG puts the pregnancy ceiling at 200 mg a day, and the NHS sets the same limit, counting everything you drink and eat. A small single shot latte lands near 75 mg, a large chain latte with two or three shots can reach 150 to 225 mg on its own, so a big takeaway cup can use up your whole day. The milk side is not a concern when it is pasteurized, which covers essentially all cafe and supermarket milk, and plant milks are pasteurized too. Decaf lattes still carry a few milligrams of caffeine, which is negligible.
Safer alternatives
- Single shot latte instead of a double
- Decaf latte with pasteurized or oat milk
- Half caf latte at your usual coffee shop
- Steamed milk with vanilla syrup, no espresso
- Rooibos latte, naturally caffeine free
Sources
- ACOG https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/how-much-coffee-can-i-drink-while-pregnant
- NHS https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
Every verdict follows our sourcing methodology: official health guidelines only, most cautious position when they differ.
Last reviewed by the pregAI editorial team.
Frequently asked questions
How many lattes a day can I have while pregnant?
Two single shot lattes keep you around 150 mg, comfortably under the 200 mg daily limit. If your cafe pulls doubles as standard, one latte is your safe default. Ask for a single shot if you want a second cup later.
Does the milk in a latte need to be pasteurized?
Yes, and it almost always is. Cafes and supermarkets sell pasteurized dairy milk, which carries no Listeria risk, and plant milks are heat treated as well. Only raw or unpasteurized milk is a problem in pregnancy.
Is a Starbucks or chain latte too much caffeine?
It can be, because larger sizes come with two or three espresso shots and can hit 150 to 225 mg. Order the smallest size or ask for a single shot, and count any tea, cola or chocolate you have the same day.
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