Can you drink teh tarik while pregnant?
In moderationYes, up to about two glasses a day. Teh tarik is strong black tea, so it counts toward the 200 mg daily caffeine limit in pregnancy.
Why
The only real issue with teh tarik is caffeine. ACOG says moderate caffeine, under 200 mg a day, has not been shown to cause miscarriage or preterm birth, and the NHS sets the same 200 mg ceiling because higher intakes are linked to low birth weight. A glass of teh tarik is brewed from a strong tea dust or tea bag blend and typically delivers roughly 50 to 80 mg of caffeine, more than a mug of ordinary tea, so two glasses plus a chocolate bar will put you near the limit. The condensed and evaporated milk used in teh tarik are both heat-treated, so there is no unpasteurized dairy concern. The pulling itself is just aeration and changes nothing about safety. Worth noting the sugar: one sweetened glass can carry four or five teaspoons, so ordering kurang manis is a sensible habit.
Safer alternatives
- Teh tarik made with decaffeinated black tea and the same condensed milk
- Teh tarik kurang manis, half a glass, to stretch your caffeine allowance
- Rooibos brewed strong with evaporated milk for the same creamy body
- Hot Milo or barley drink with pasteurized milk
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 much caffeine is in a glass of teh tarik?
Roughly 50 to 80 mg, since it is brewed strong from tea dust rather than steeped lightly. That means two glasses sits close to the 200 mg daily limit on its own. Factor in any coffee, cola or chocolate you have the same day.
Is the condensed milk in teh tarik safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Both condensed and evaporated milk are heat-treated in the can, so there is no Listeria risk from unpasteurized dairy. The concern with them is sugar, not safety.
Can I drink teh tarik ais instead?
The tea is the same, so the caffeine count does not change. The thing to think about is the ice at a roadside stall, which should be made from treated water. In a cafe or restaurant with packaged ice, iced teh tarik is no different from hot.
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