
Caffeine in Pregnancy: How Much Is “One Coffee”? Shocking Findings.
As a devoted coffee lover, I often found myself asking an important question during my pregnancy: how much coffee can I safely drink each day? Many sources suggested that “one coffee a day” was fine, but I began to wonder—what exactly does “one coffee” mean? Is a small latte equivalent to a large flat white? Does a double espresso count as one coffee or two? How many teaspoons of ground coffee can I brew at home? It turned out that caffeine during pregnancy is more complicated than I had initially thought!
The Impact of Caffeine on Pregnancy: What the Latest Research Says
Caffeine is a beloved staple for many, boosting energy, enhancing focus, and even providing some protection against diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. However, things get complicated during pregnancy.
While it was once believed that up to 300 mg of caffeine per day was safe, research from 2019 suggests that even 100–200 mg daily can increase the risk of miscarriage, restricted fetal growth, and low birth weight. Strong evidence associates caffeine intake with adverse pregnancy outcomes; even small amounts may be harmful. Consequently, the UK’s NHS now recommends a daily limit of 200 mg. Furthermore, caffeine is classified as a substance of abuse, and newborns of caffeine-consuming mothers may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, vomiting, and tremors.
Numerous studies have shown a link between caffeine and increased risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and childhood illnesses like leukemia. As a result, pregnant women and those planning to conceive are often advised to avoid caffeine altogether. Additional studies, including a 2023 publication titled “Maternal Caffeine Consumption and Its Effects on the Fetus,” indicate that caffeine can elevate fetal heart and breathing rates and lead to restricted growth and lower birth weight.
How Much Caffeine Is in “One Coffee”?

The amount of caffeine in “one coffee” varies significantly depending on the type of coffee you drink. Research conducted in Poland has shown that caffeine content can differ greatly based on the brand and brewing method. For example, 6 grams of coffee (roughly two teaspoons or one espresso shot) can yield varying caffeine levels based on the coffee type:
- Ground coffee:
- Jacobs Kronung: 120 mg
- Tchibo Family: 108 mg
- Pedro Elite: 90 mg
- Whole bean coffee (ground before brewing):
- Woseba Gold: 111 mg
- Douwe Egberts: 121 mg
- Woseba Arabica: 176 mg
- Instant coffee:
- Tchibo Family: 119 mg
- Nescafe Classic: 99.6 mg
- Tchibo Exclusive: 78.6 mg
Clearly, “one coffee” is a relative term.
How Much Caffeine Is in Coffee from Cafés?

When I searched online, only Starbucks provided detailed caffeine content for its beverages. To get more information, I contacted the largest coffee chains in the UK to find out the caffeine content in one shot of espresso. Here’s what I discovered:
- Starbucks: 44.6 mg
- Pret-a-Manger: 180 mg
- Caffe Nero: 66 mg
- Costa: 100 mg
Enjoying Coffee Safely During Pregnancy

For many, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a cherished ritual. Fortunately, you don’t have to give it up entirely during pregnancy. One option is to choose high-quality decaffeinated coffee. You can also mix regular coffee with decaf in a 50/50 ratio, allowing you to reduce your caffeine intake to around 100 mg per day.
If you’re interested in finding the best decaf coffee, be sure to check out my next article. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook to stay updated with my latest posts!
Sources:
Emails from customer service for Pret-a-Manger, Costa, and Café Nero.
Impacts of Caffeine during Pregnancy – PMC (nih.gov)
Maternal Caffeine Consumption and Its Impact on the Fetus: A Review – PMC (nih.gov)
Espresso | Starbuckshttps://www.starbucks.co.uk/menu/product/2153

