Have you been yearning for handmade hot chocolate that warms you from the inside out?
In fact, this is the same issue my wife faced while she was pregnant.
So, Can you drink hot chocolate while pregnant?
Yes, Hot chocolate is completely safe during pregnancy. Although, Intake of excessive caffeine consumption is always dangerous and is prescribed to be kept under 200mg or less daily. In addition, drinking hot chocolate has some health benefits and fulfils your moderation for chocolate.
The main idea is to limit your caffeine content intake and to ensure that the milk used is not unpasteurised and the sugar intake is around 15-20g. Remember, taking too much caffeine is not a good thing for your health.
What are the Contents of Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate is typically made from cocoa powder, hot milk, dark chocolate bar and sugar. Some variations may also include cocoa butter, chocolate chips, and flavorings like vanilla or peppermint.
To make hot chocolate, cocoa powder and sugar are whisked together in a saucepan with a small amount of hot milk to create a smooth paste. The remaining hot milk is then added to the pan and the mixture is heated until it is hot and well combined.
You can also add a dark chocolate bar at the end to make your hot chocolate delicious.
How Much Caffeine Content is in your Hot Chocolate?
Caffeine varies with preparation; the homemade prepared with milk has about 5 mg per cup. The amount of caffeine in Starbucks hot chocolate is approximately 15 mg per 8 ounces. And around 7mg of Nestle’s hot chocolate.
Excessive caffeine causes Nervousness. If you take excessive caffeine then you may also experience weight gain. So it is advisable to keep your hot chocolate content with less sugar.
Moderation is the key. Caffeine intake is restricted to the prescribed 200 mg daily. And should be consumed periodically, with proper gaps.
Problem With The Consumption Of Excessive Caffeine?
Women in the third and first trimesters of pregnancy suffer from a lack of sleep and back problems while resting. In this situation, drinking hot chocolate helps them to feel better.
If you have a sweet tooth then you may consume caffeine in high amounts and that high sugar intake can pose a problem for you and your baby.
But one should consider that this consumption must be regulated as in the first trimester when the fetus is forming, this caffeine intake may result in the associated risks of miscarriages.
You must remember that pregnant women do not process caffeine the same way as other people. While chocolate isn’t off-limits during pregnancy, you should keep this in mind. Pregnant women are more likely to take longer to delete caffeine from their systems than nonpregnant women.
When eaten in moderation, hot chocolate is a relatively good way to add calories to your diet, especially if you’re having trouble gaining weight.
How Do I Make It Safer To Drink Hot Chocolate?
Well, as we already mentioned, your chocolate and milk source makes a huge difference.
Always ensure the milk is pasteurised. This is because raw milk might contain bacteria that are not good for a baby.
Although most brands sell pasteurised milk these days, it’s a good idea to double-check by boiling it before consuming it.
Moreover, if you have diabetes or gestational problems, it is best to skip as much sugar as you can.
Is Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate Safe For Pregnancy?
Swiss Miss hot chocolate is generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy. Hot chocolate is a good source of hydration and can provide some necessary nutrients, such as calcium and iron.
However, it is important to keep in mind that it is also high in sugar and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that the hot chocolate is prepared and stored properly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
How To Make It A Healthier Drink?
There are a few ways to retain the deliciousness of a warm cup of hot chocolate while also being kind to your health and body.
Consider the following options:
- Make it less sugary – Even if you do not have diabetes, lessening sugar intake during pregnancy is not bad. It is best to skip sugary add-ons like marshmallows with no nutritional value or heavy cream rich in fat.
- Try Plant-Based milk: You can also try and get some much-needed nutrients by switching to plant-based milk such as almond milk, hazelnut milk, etc. This will also give your drink an extra kick of flavor to it.
- Try Dark Hot Chocolate: Instead of using the traditional chocolate mix, you can simply mix cocoa with the milk of your choice. This will have a far lesser sugar content and be a healthier option.
PREGNANCY-FRIENDLY HOT COCOA RECIPE
Here is a recipe for pregnancy-friendly hot cocoa:
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, whisk together the almond milk, cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is hot and well combined. Pour the hot cocoa into a mug and enjoy.
This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional one because it is made with unsweetened almond milk and sweetened with honey or maple syrup, which are both natural sweeteners.
If you are concerned about your diet during pregnancy, you should consult with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations.
FAQs
Q1: Can hot chocolate cause miscarriage?
You are good to go if you have it in moderate amounts, but some studies have reported that consuming extreme amounts can cause miscarriage.
Q2: Having cocoa during the first trimester?
Having cocoa in the first trimester would not pose any problem. It is highly nutritious and reduces inflammation. Also reduces the risk of heart attacks.
Q3: How much cocoa is toxic?
It is advisable to keep the cocoa consumption limit below 50-100g as severe headaches and sweating have been reported above this range.
Q4: Can I have chocolate in the third trimester?
A small amount will do you no harm, but don’t overeat the chocolate, as a high amount of cocoa can have some side effects. But it is best to consult your doctor if you feel some uneasiness and have high sensitivity.
Conclusion
Which advice from this post are you going to attempt first, please?
I now want to hear from you. Which will you choose: the traditional hot dark chocolate or plant-based milk chocolate?
Or perhaps there’s something I overlooked.
In either case, please let me know straight away by leaving a comment below.
