(Originally published in 2016 but updated and refreshed in 2025)
A blog for breastfeeding mamas who just want to enjoy their Easter eggs in peace 🍫💁♀️
Are you wondering, “Can I eat chocolate when breastfeeding?” You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions new mums ask—especially around Easter, when the shelves are stacked with tempting chocolate eggs!
New mums are often handed long lists of dos and don’ts when it comes to breastfeeding and diet. And chocolate? It’s usually near the top of the “maybe not” pile.
But how much of this is based on actual science—and how much is just outdated advice or fear-based messaging?
Let’s bust some breastfeeding diet myths and get to the bottom of whether chocolate and breastfeeding really clash.
Does Chocolate Contain Caffeine?
One of the most common reasons given for avoiding chocolate while breastfeeding is that it contains caffeine—and that this might affect your baby.
According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association:
“Some mothers find that their baby becomes unhappy, jittery, colicky and/or sleeps poorly if she consumes too much caffeine. Too much caffeine is different for every mother and depends on various things such as how well a mother’s body processes caffeine. The only way to know if you are taking in too much caffeine is to observe your baby.”
Fair enough.
But here’s where it gets interesting…
Does chocolate even contain caffeine?
According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, the whole “chocolate contains caffeine” thing is actually an urban myth!
“You will sometimes see it said that chocolate contains caffeine—it doesn’t, but theobromine has some similar effects to caffeine and so is responsible for this urban myth.”
Theobromine is a compound found in cocoa solids that’s similar to caffeine—but it works a bit differently in the body, and you’d need a lot more of it to get the same effects. (Plus, fun fact: it might actually help with coughs and asthma symptoms!)
So yes, dark chocolate contains more theobromine than milk or white chocolate, because it has a higher percentage of cocoa solids. But unless you’re eating blocks and blocks of it, it’s highly unlikely to cause issues.
If you are worried about it, you’d probably get more bang for your buck by cutting back on coffee before chocolate. But again—most babies will tolerate both just fine.
What About Allergies and Breastmilk?
Another common concern is that chocolate contains allergens—like dairy, soy, or nuts—that may affect your baby through your breastmilk.
Yes, it’s true that in very rare cases, some babies may be sensitive to certain proteins passed through breastmilk. But actual food sensitivities are rare, and when they do occur, they tend to come with a clear pattern—like persistent rashes, mucousy nappies, or obvious discomfort that doesn’t pass.
If your baby seems a bit unsettled after a feed, it’s worth observing over time, but don’t jump to conclusions or drastically overhaul your diet. Unsettled periods are completely normal in infancy (especially in the early months), and trying to eliminate every potential ‘trigger’ can end up doing more harm than good.
Instead, trust your instincts and talk to a breastfeeding-savvy health professional if you’re concerned.
Food Fear and Formula Marketing: What You Should Know
One thing that’s not talked about enough is how breastmilk substitute manufacturers (aka formula companies) play a role in keeping food fear alive.
Professor Amy Brown, author of Breastfeeding Uncovered, has done extensive research on this. She explains that these companies have long used scare tactics to make breastfeeding seem complicated, restrictive, and stressful—so that formula appears to be the “easier” option.
This includes fuelling misinformation about what you can and can’t eat while breastfeeding. Many parents are told to avoid spicy foods, garlic, onions, chocolate, citrus—the list goes on. But most of this has no solid evidence behind it.
As Prof. Brown says, this kind of messaging undermines breastfeeding confidence and increases anxiety for new mums. And when women feel anxious or unsure, they’re more likely to wean earlier or switch to formula—exactly what the industry profits from.
The Bottom Line: Can You Eat Chocolate While Breastfeeding?
YES—you can eat chocolate when breastfeeding. Unless your baby is showing a clear and consistent reaction (which is rare), there’s no reason to avoid it.
In fact, chocolate has been linked to a whole list of benefits, including:
🍫 Supporting milk supply
🍫 Improving cardiovascular health
🍫 Reducing fever
🍫 Nourishing muscles post-exercise
🍫 Soothing sore throats
🍫 Helping you sleep
🍫 Boosting your libido (!)
Most importantly? A little chocolate might just help you feel more human—which means you’ll have more capacity to show up for your baby.
Because what babies need more than anything is a happy, supported mum.
[EDIT 2022]
I’ve done more study since writing this blog—including the Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC) accreditation—and I encourage all parents to rethink what we label as “reflux” or “fussiness” in babies. There’s great new evidence that shifts the way we understand these behaviours. This blog is a great place to start:
👉 How can I help my baby’s gut?
HAPPY EASTER!
Forget the food fear. Enjoy the chocolate. Trust your body and your baby. And always question where these “rules” are coming from—especially when they’re not backed by science.
Enjoy your eggs. You’ve earned them 🐣💕
