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Is Dark chocolate safe in pregnancy?
Safe with limits
Yes — more caffeine than milk chocolate; a few squares is fine.
What the evidence says
Dark chocolate is safe in pregnancy but has more caffeine than milk chocolate — a 50g bar of 70% dark chocolate can contain 25–40 mg of caffeine. A few squares a day is fine. Dark chocolate also contains beneficial flavonoids, which is a small plus.
Why this matters
Higher cocoa content means higher caffeine. Dark chocolate also contains theobromine, a related stimulant.
Source:NHS guidance on caffeine in pregnancy
Last reviewed:April 2026
Please note — This is general guidance based on NHS advice as of April 2026. It is not medical advice. For advice on your specific pregnancy, please speak to your midwife or GP.
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