Can I drink Sprite during pregnancy? A comprehensive look at the risks and safe alternatives

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to health professionals, while an occasional soda is generally not harmful, daily consumption of sugary or artificially sweetened drinks during pregnancy is not recommended. This raises the question: Can I drink Sprite during pregnancy? It's wise to understand the facts about its ingredients to make an informed choice for your health and your baby's.

Quick Summary

Occasional consumption of Sprite is unlikely to be harmful during pregnancy, as it's caffeine-free. However, due to its high sugar content and lack of nutritional value, frequent intake is discouraged because of potential risks like gestational diabetes and excessive weight gain.

Key Points

Occasional vs. Frequent Consumption: An occasional, small serving of Sprite is generally considered safe, but frequent consumption of any sugary or artificially sweetened beverage should be limited during pregnancy.
Caffeine-Free: Sprite does not contain caffeine, which removes a common concern associated with other types of soda during pregnancy.
High Sugar Content: Regular Sprite is loaded with sugar, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain, and dental problems.
Artificial Sweeteners: Diet Sprite contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which are generally safe in moderation but come with potential risks that are still being studied.
Consider Alternatives: Opt for healthier alternatives like water, sparkling water with fruit, or smoothies, which provide better hydration and essential nutrients without the risks of added sugar or chemicals.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts to carbonated drinks, as they can cause bloating or heartburn, common discomforts during pregnancy.

The Upside: Sprite is Caffeine-Free

One common concern regarding soda consumption during pregnancy is caffeine intake, which is typically advised to be limited to no more than 200 mg per day. A key point in Sprite's favor is that it is a caffeine-free beverage. This removes one potential risk factor associated with other carbonated soft drinks like cola. While this is a positive, it doesn't mean Sprite is without other considerations for pregnant women.

The Major Concern: High Sugar Content

The primary issue with regular Sprite is its very high sugar content. A standard 12-ounce can contains approximately 38 grams of added sugar. Excessive sugar consumption during pregnancy can contribute to several health problems for both mother and baby. These risks include:

Gestational Diabetes: A high intake of sugary beverages is linked to an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes. This condition involves high blood sugar levels that can cause complications during pregnancy and birth. It can also increase the baby's risk of being born at a higher weight and facing health issues later in life.
Excessive Weight Gain: The high calorie count from the added sugars can lead to unnecessary weight gain during pregnancy, which poses its own set of risks.
Dental Issues: The combination of sugar and high levels of citric acid in soda can lead to tooth decay and erosion of tooth enamel. Elevated hormone levels during pregnancy can already increase a woman's risk for dental problems like gingivitis, making sugary, acidic drinks a particular concern.

What About Diet Sprite and Artificial Sweeteners?

For those who turn to diet versions like Sprite Zero, the concern shifts from sugar to artificial sweeteners. Diet Sprite contains sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium. For most pregnant women, regulatory agencies consider these sweeteners safe in moderation. However, there are some important considerations:

Phenylketonuria (PKU): Women with the rare genetic disorder PKU must strictly avoid aspartame, as it can be harmful to their baby.
Limited Research: The long-term effects of consuming artificial sweeteners, especially during pregnancy, are not fully understood. Some studies have suggested potential links to negative health outcomes, though these findings are often debated and further research is ongoing. Many healthcare providers recommend limiting artificial chemicals during pregnancy whenever possible.

Additional Considerations for Any Soda

Beyond sugar and sweeteners, consuming any carbonated drink, including Sprite, during pregnancy has other implications:

Bloating and Heartburn: The carbonation can cause bloating and gas, which can be particularly uncomfortable for pregnant women who may already experience frequent heartburn.
Lack of Nutritional Value: Soda offers no nutritional benefits. During pregnancy, it is vital to consume nutrient-dense foods and beverages to support fetal development. Every choice should ideally contribute to a healthy diet, and soda displaces more nutritious alternatives like milk or water.

Comparison of Hydration Options for Pregnant Women


Beverage	Primary Concerns in Pregnancy	Nutritional Value	Recommendation
Regular Sprite	High sugar content (gestational diabetes, weight gain). Acidic nature.	None	Limit or avoid. Occasional, small servings only.
Diet Sprite	Artificial sweeteners (some ongoing research, PKU risk). Acidic nature.	None	Limit. Better than regular Sprite but still not ideal.
Water	None	Essential hydration.	Excellent. Should be the primary beverage.
Seltzer / Sparkling Water	Carbonation can cause bloating.	None	Good. A safe, fizzy alternative to soda.
100% Fruit Juice (Diluted)	High natural sugar.	Vitamins, minerals.	Moderate. Dilute with water to reduce sugar.
Milk / Fortified Soy Milk	None (check for pasteurization).	Protein, calcium, vitamin D.	Excellent. Provides essential nutrients.

Healthier Hydration Alternatives During Pregnancy

Instead of reaching for a soda, many delicious and hydrating options exist to satisfy cravings and support your pregnancy:

Fruit-Infused Water: Add slices of fresh fruit like lemon, lime, or cucumber to a pitcher of water for a refreshing and healthy flavor.
Seltzer with a Splash of Juice: For a fizzy drink without the high sugar and calories, mix plain seltzer water with a small amount of 100% fruit juice.
Smoothies: A blend of pasteurized yogurt, milk, fruits, and vegetables can provide valuable nutrients and hydration.
Herbal Tea: Certain herbal teas like ginger and rosehip are considered safe in moderation and can help with nausea. It's best to consult your doctor or pharmacist about specific types.
Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes, coconut water can aid hydration.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line for Expectant Mothers

Ultimately, the decision to drink Sprite during pregnancy depends on a person's overall health and the frequency of consumption. While a rare, occasional sip is unlikely to cause significant harm, regular consumption of either regular or diet Sprite should be limited due to the associated risks of high sugar intake, artificial sweeteners, and minimal nutritional value. The best practice is to prioritize water and other nutrient-rich fluids as a primary source of hydration. Always discuss your diet with your healthcare provider to ensure your nutrition plan is tailored to your needs during this important time. For more information on diabetes and pregnancy, you can visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, having a little Sprite occasionally is generally considered safe. However, due to its high sugar content and lack of nutritional benefits, it is not a recommended daily beverage. Moderation is key.

Yes, standard Sprite is a caffeine-free beverage. This means it doesn't pose the caffeine-related risks sometimes associated with other soft drinks.

High sugar intake from sodas like Sprite can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, lead to excessive weight gain, contribute to dental issues, and potentially affect the baby's long-term health.

Diet Sprite uses artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which are generally considered safe in moderation during pregnancy. However, women with PKU should avoid aspartame. Since the long-term effects of these chemicals are still being studied, it's best to limit diet sodas.

Some pregnant women find that the carbonation in clear, fizzy drinks can help alleviate nausea. A better option is plain sparkling water or seltzer, which provides the fizz without the added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Healthier alternatives include water, fruit-infused water, pasteurized milk, 100% fruit juice diluted with water, seltzer water, and smoothies made from yogurt, fruits, and vegetables.

While drinking soda doesn't directly cause gestational diabetes, a high intake of sugary drinks can increase your risk of developing the condition, especially if consumed frequently before and during pregnancy.