Chocolate

Chocolate is safe to eat during pregnancy and is one of those foods that often causes unnecessary worry. The main consideration is caffeine: chocolate contains caffeine, with dark chocolate containing significantly more than milk chocolate. A standard 40g bar of dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa) contains around 50–80mg of caffeine, while the same amount of milk chocolate contains around 10–25mg. Given the daily caffeine limit of 200mg during pregnancy, dark chocolate can take up a meaningful portion of that allowance, particularly if you are also drinking tea or coffee. Milk chocolate in normal portions is unlikely to cause any concern. White chocolate contains little to no caffeine. Beyond caffeine, there is nothing in chocolate that poses a risk during pregnancy. Chocolate also contains magnesium, iron, and antioxidants (particularly dark chocolate), and some research suggests moderate dark chocolate consumption during pregnancy may have benefits for cardiovascular health and even blood pressure. Chocolate with filling, flavourings, or alcoholic centres — think liqueur chocolates — should be approached with the usual alcohol awareness, but the alcohol content in occasional confectionery is trace level. Enjoy chocolate as part of a balanced diet.