Energy Drinks
Energy drinks should be avoided during pregnancy. They are high in caffeine, often contain other stimulants, and are not suitable at any stage of pregnancy.
Energy drinks such as Red Bull, Monster, Relentless, and similar products should be avoided throughout pregnancy. The primary concern is caffeine — a standard 250ml can of Red Bull contains around 80mg of caffeine, while larger cans and stronger brands can contain 150–300mg. The NHS advises pregnant women to limit total caffeine intake to 200mg per day from all sources (tea, coffee, cola, chocolate, and energy drinks combined). A single large energy drink can take you over this limit in one go. Beyond caffeine, many energy drinks also contain other stimulants such as taurine, guarana (which contains additional caffeine), and ginseng, whose safety during pregnancy has not been adequately studied. High sugar content is also a concern — some energy drinks contain 50–70g of sugar per can. The NHS and all major health bodies explicitly advise against energy drinks during pregnancy. This also applies to 'sugar-free' or 'zero' versions — they still contain high caffeine and other stimulants.
What to be aware of
- Avoid all energy drinks throughout pregnancy — including sugar-free and 'zero' versions.
- A single large energy drink can exceed the entire daily caffeine limit in one drink.
- The stimulants taurine and guarana in energy drinks have not been adequately studied for safety in pregnancy.
- This includes mixers — avoid energy drink cocktail bases too.
What to eat instead
- Water — The safest and most effective drink for hydration. Plain, sparkling, or with sliced fruit or cucumber.
- Decaffeinated coffee or tea — Provides the ritual of a hot drink with no caffeine concerns — widely available now in good quality.
- Herbal teas (safe varieties) — Ginger tea, peppermint tea, and rooibos are safe during pregnancy and can provide an energising lift.
- Fruit juice or smoothie (pasteurised) — A small glass of pasteurised fruit juice provides natural sugar and vitamins without caffeine or stimulants.
NHS guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
US guidance
FDA and CDC guidance in the US is consistent — energy drinks are not recommended during pregnancy due to their high caffeine content and other stimulants. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) specifically advises pregnant women to avoid energy drinks.