Can I drink protein shakes while pregnant?
Doola Scan's answer in the United StatesProtein shakes made with whey, pea or soy protein aren't on the pregnancy food lists of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Ireland, so Doola Scan shows No known issues for the protein itself. Two things on the label matter: caffeine, which the NHS says some fitness supplements contain and which shows Check in all six countries, and a raw egg blended in, which shows Check and is Avoid in Canada. The NIH's NCCIH notes many supplements haven't been tested in pregnant women, so talk to your midwife or doctor about a powder.
Checked against Doola Scan's pregnancy rules · UpdatedWhey protein shake made with milk
No known issuesIn all six countriesPea or soy protein shake with a plant milk
No known issuesIn all six countriesShake blended with banana, peanut butter or Greek yogurt
No known issuesIn all six countries
Protein shake while pregnant: what each country says.
Each country's own pregnancy guidance on protein shake, with a link to it. Doola Scan uses your country's first.
No known issuesNone of the six countries' pregnancy guidance names protein shake.
United States
No known issuesCoffee-flavoured or caffeinated protein shakes- ACOGModerate caffeine (less than 200 mg a day) does not cause miscarriage or preterm birth.Source
- FDANo set pregnancy limit; talk to your health care provider about whether to limit caffeine.Source
- MyHealthfinder (HHS)Limit caffeine; ask your doctor if caffeine is safe for you, or try decaf.Source
- ACOGModerate intake is not a major factor in miscarriage or preterm birth.Source
United Kingdom
No known issuesCoffee-flavoured or caffeinated protein shakesA raw egg blended into the shake- FSAWhen eating out, pregnant people should make sure eggs are thoroughly cooked, as they may not be British Lion or Laid in Britain.Source
- NHSNon-Lion eggs are more likely to carry salmonella.Source
- NHSBritish Lion or Laid in Britain hen eggs can be eaten raw or runny; other eggs only well-cooked.Source
Canada
No known issuesCoffee-flavoured or caffeinated protein shakesAustralia
No known issuesCoffee-flavoured or caffeinated protein shakes- Better Health Channel (Victoria)Limit caffeine to 200 mg a day or less, or avoid it.Source
- FSANZNo more than 200 mg caffeine a day from all sources.Source
- healthdirectLimit caffeine to 200 mg a day when pregnant.Source
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Australian Government Dept of Health)Maximum 200 mg caffeine per day (total) in pregnancy.Source
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Australian Government Dept of Health)Maximum 200 mg/day.Source
New Zealand
No known issuesCoffee-flavoured or caffeinated protein shakesIreland
No known issuesCoffee-flavoured or caffeinated protein shakes- HSELimit caffeine to 200 mg a day (2 instant coffees, 1 filter coffee, 2-4 teas); limit energy drinks.Source
Before you eat protein shake.
Read the label for caffeine
The NHS says caffeine is found in some health and fitness supplements, and sets a limit of 200mg a day in pregnancy. Health Canada's limit is 300mg a day. Coffee-flavoured and energy protein drinks can list caffeine on the label. NHS
Leave out raw egg
Health NZ names smoothies among raw-egg foods not to eat in pregnancy, and Health Canada asks for yolks cooked firm. The FDA accepts raw-egg foods only when made with pasteurised eggs. Health NZ
Talk to your midwife or doctor about a powder
NCCIH says many dietary supplements have not been tested in pregnant women, and that the FDA is "not authorized to review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed." It also notes products promoted for bodybuilding may contain ingredients not listed on the label. NCCIH (NIH)
About protein shake
in pregnancy.
Not sure about a meal? Scan it.
Point Doola at a plate, a menu or a label. It checks every ingredient against your country's pregnancy guidance and shows its sources. Food scans are free, 3 a day.
Download app nowDoola shows what official guidance says; it never diagnoses. No known issues means none of these countries' pregnancy guidance names it, not a promise that a food is safe.