Dark Chocolate Consumption During Pregnancy: Safety and Benefits

Safety Profile of Dark Chocolate in Pregnancy

Dark chocolate is not listed among foods that pregnant women should avoid, and no specific restrictions on chocolate consumption appear in pregnancy nutrition guidelines, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association 1, 2
The FDA has approved several nonnutritive sweeteners that are safe for use during pregnancy, which may be present in some chocolate products, though moderation is recommended, according to the American Diabetes Association 1, 3

Moderation is key when consuming chocolate during pregnancy, as suggested by the American Diabetes Association 1, 3
Dark chocolate should be incorporated as part of a balanced diet that provides appropriate weight gain and adequate nutrients during pregnancy, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association 2, 4

A balanced diet resulting in appropriate weight gain generally supplies all vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy, according to the American Diabetes Association 1, 2
When incorporating chocolate into the diet, be mindful of overall caloric intake to maintain appropriate pregnancy weight gain, as suggested by the American Diabetes Association 2, 4

Some chocolate products may contain high amounts of sugar, which should be limited as part of a healthy pregnancy diet, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association 2, 4
Women with gestational diabetes should be particularly careful with chocolate consumption due to its sugar content, according to the American Diabetes Association 2, 4