Is Dark chocolate safe during pregnancy?

Sweets & sweeteners

Counts towards the 200 mg caffeine limit

The NHS estimates a 50 g bar of plain dark chocolate has under 25 mg of caffeine, within its 200 mg daily limit.[1,2]

What official sources say

NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy

  • Estimated amount of caffeine in common foods and drinks: A 50 g bar of plain dark chocolate is estimated to contain less than 25 mg of caffeine.[1]
  • Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, caffeine tablets, chocolate, guarana and some health or fitness supplements.[1]
  • Caffeine › Things to limit: Caffeine should be limited in pregnancy to no more than 200 mg a day.[1]

NHS: Have a healthy diet in pregnancy

  • Foods that are high in fat, sugar, or both, include: Chocolate is counted among foods high in fat, sugar or both.[2]

Nutrition per 100 g (USDA)

Energy598 kcal
Protein7.79 g
Fibre10.9 g
Sugars23.99 g
Iron11.9 mg
Calcium73 mg
Vitamin A (RAE)2 µg
Vitamin B120.28 µg
DHA (omega-3)0 g
EPA (omega-3)0 g
Caffeine80 mg
Sodium20 mg

USDA FoodData Central: Chocolate, dark, 70-85% cacao solids (FDC ID 170273), per 100 g. Public domain. Values describe that USDA record; composition varies with variety and preparation.

Sources

  1. NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy · nhs.uk. Paraphrased. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (OGL v3.0). Not endorsed by the NHS.
  2. NHS: Have a healthy diet in pregnancy · nhs.uk. Paraphrased. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (OGL v3.0). Not endorsed by the NHS.

Sources checked 26 September 2026.

Quotes are checked word for word against each source page, and paraphrases against the original text. Official bodies are named as sources only: none of them reviewed or endorses this page.

Educational information, not medical advice. Your own doctor or midwife may advise differently for you — follow their advice.