Can you drink thandai while pregnant?
Check firstYes, if it is made with pasteurized milk and no bhang. The nut and spice blend is fine, but unpasteurized milk carries Listeria and Holi batches sometimes contain cannabis.
Why
Thandai is cold milk blended with a paste of almonds, cashews, melon seeds, fennel, cardamom, peppercorn and saffron, and none of those ingredients are on any pregnancy avoid list. The milk is what matters, because thandai is served chilled rather than heated, so there is no cooking step to fall back on. The NHS lists unpasteurized milk among the foods to avoid in pregnancy, and the CDC names raw milk and raw milk products as a leading cause of listeriosis, which can lead to miscarriage and stillbirth even when the mother has only flu-like symptoms. Use shop-bought pasteurized milk, or scald raw milk and cool it before blending. The other thing to confirm at a Holi gathering is whether the thandai is the bhang version made with cannabis, which is not something to drink while pregnant: ask before you accept a glass.
Safer alternatives
- Thandai made at home with pasteurized whole milk and a shop-bought thandai masala
- Thandai masala stirred into warm pasteurized milk and chilled in the fridge
- Pasteurized almond milk blended with cardamom, fennel and saffron
- Plain badam milk from a sealed carton, such as a tetra-pak almond milk drink
Sources
- NHS https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
- CDC https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/prevention/index.html
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 do I know if thandai has bhang in it?
You often cannot tell by taste, since the spices mask it. At Holi celebrations, ask the host directly whether the thandai is the bhang version, and stick to a glass you poured yourself from a batch you know. When in doubt, bring your own.
Are the black peppercorns and poppy seeds in thandai a concern?
No, culinary amounts of pepper, fennel and the seed blend are not flagged in pregnancy guidance. Thandai spice mixes are used in small quantities per glass. The nuts and seeds also add protein, calcium and iron.
Can I drink thandai bought from a sweet shop?
Shops in the US, UK and most cities use pasteurized milk, so it is usually fine. Confirm it has been kept refrigerated rather than standing at room temperature, since cold milk drinks are a good environment for bacteria to grow. Avoid any batch served from an open container left out on a counter.
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Get instant verdicts on any foodpregAI is informational only and is not medical advice. Always check with your doctor or midwife about anything specific to your pregnancy.