Can I Have Olipop While Pregnant?

The pregnancy journey is a special one that gets you carefully considering everything you eat and drink, ensuring you and your baby are at your safest.

You might crave various foods and drinks during this period, perhaps even something fizzy and sweet like a soda. This is where Olipop comes into play.

This drink is a newer and healthier alternative to regular soda. It’s touted for its rich natural ingredients and fibers, promising a guilt-free soda experience. But the doubt remains: “Can pregnant mommas have some?”

Is Olipop Safe for Pregnant Women?

Yup, olipop is safe for preggy moms, but there are a few things they should keep in mind to ensure it’s thoroughly safe for them and their babies.

It is often marketed as a healthier soda option, and has less sugar content than traditional sodas.

All flavors include ingredients such as prebiotics, plant fiber, calendula flower, tart cherry juice concentrates, cassava and chicory roots, which are said to enhance the digestive health.

This sounds great, especially when you’re trying to eat well for two. However, moderation is key.

Even though Olipop is lower in sugar, watching your overall sugar intake during pregnancy is important. Too much sugar can lead to unwanted weight gain and could increase your risk for gestational diabetes, a condition that affects how your cells use sugar during pregnancy.

Also, while these herbs and botanicals are generally safe, everyone’s body reacts differently to them, especially during pregnancy, underlining the big reason why you shouldn’t overdrink it.

Another thing to consider is caffeine. If you’re choosing a flavor containing caffeine, remember that limiting caffeine intake while pregnant is recommended.

Health experts worldwide advise pregnant mommas to keep it under 200 milligrams a day[1]—that’s about the amount in one cup of coffee.

So, the bottom line? Having Olipop in moderation while you’re pregnant is likely okay, but it’s always best to talk to your obstetrician about any concerns.

Their guidance is always customized for your specific situation, keeping you and your little one healthy during this journey.

Safe Tips To Drinking Lollipop during Pregnancy

Of course, you can go ahead to drink this while pregnant but keep these caveats at fingertips to ensure both your health and your baby’s are protected:

Talk to your healthcare provider

This step is first on my list because your obstetrician understands your specific health needs and pregnancy.

They know you better, and can advise based on your situation. They can as well keep you updated on any changes in nutritional guidelines during this time.

This ensures you’re always making the very best choices for your health and that of your baby.

Read the Ingredients

We know of it as a blend of natural ingredients and added prebiotics, which can be a great part of your diet. However, it’s still very important to know exactly what you’re consuming, especially during pregnancy.

Some ingredients might not be recommended at this time, or you might find something you’re sensitive to. For example, Olipop uses sweeteners like cassava syrup and stevia, which aren’t ideal for some pregnant moms in high amounts.

That is why taking a moment to look over the label and understanding what each ingredient is makes up an important step in caring for your health and the well-being of your baby during these special months.

Check for caffeine

Olipop flavors such as Vintage Cola, Cherry Cola, Doctor Goodwin, and their brand-new Ridge Rush do contain 50mg of green tea caffeine each, which are safe but only in moderation.

Health experts recommend that pregnant women keep their daily caffeine intake to less than 200 mg to avoid complicating their journies.

Consuming just one can in a day should sit fine for most pregnant women. It’s also worth considering the caffeine content in all other consumables you’re taking in a day, ensuring you stay within the recommended, safe limits.

On that account, if you fancy a can of Olipop, then for me, you’d choose a non-caffeinated option. Or better still, drink smaller amounts of your favorite caffeinated option, keeping track of your total daily caffeine intake to ensure you and your little one are fully safe.

Watch Your Portions

Watching your portions is a handy tip for enjoying Olipop while you’re expecting. Even though Olipop is a healthier alternative to regular soda, it’s always a fantastic idea to track how much you drink.

We recommend against drinking it to excess. A good rule of thumb, to me, is one can in a day, and not more than three in a week for pregnant women, all flavors inclusive.

Enjoying a can now and then can be a tasty treat, but make sure it doesn’t replace more important beverages in your diet, like water.

Be Aware of Allergies and Sensitivities

Nine out of ten cases, pregnancy changes moms’ bodys’ reactions to certain foods and ingredients. You might have used to enjoy this drink before with no issues, but the story is different now.

Pay attention to how your body responds to Olipop. If there’s anything in it you know you’re sensitive or allergic to, it’s best to steer clear.

In cases you notice any weird, unusual reactions after drinking it, such as itching, discomfort, or anything else out of the ordinary, it might be a clear sign to sign out and get intouch with your OB-GYN ASAP.

Balance Your Diet

This fiber-packed, probiotic-laced sparkling tonic can be an appealing, healthier swap for regular sodas but it should just be one part of a varied and balanced diet.

By this, I mean to say getting enough nutrients from other sources like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and proteins. These are a plus for you and the baby’s growth.

Keep hydrated with water

While Olipop can be a refreshingly fizzy treat, it should not in any way replace the need for plenty of water. There isn’t any better substitute for water at this time.

It is needed to keep you and your little one healthy, including aiding digestion, helping form the amniotic fluid around the fetus, supporting nutrient transportation, and improving waste and toxin removal from the body.

So, enjoy an Olipop occasionally; but make sure water remains your primary go-to drink to stay hydrated.

Listen To Your Body

I can’t stress this enough: always listen to your body! Your body is the best guide to understanding what works for you and your baby during this special time.

While we know of it as a way healthier option compared to regular soft drinks, everyone’s body reacts differently to different ingredients.

Some women find that even this as a healthier option triggers discomfort such as bloating or heartburn for them.

So, if you decide to have Olipop, mind how your body responds. If you notice any discomfort or unwanted reactions, it might be best to choose another beverage that makes you feel better.

Does olipop need to be refrigerated?

OLiPOP does not necessarily need to be refrigerated, as it is a carbonated drink with no dairy. And this allows it to safely remain at room temperature.

However, the company recommends that you store in refrigeration for a better taste and more a soothing experience.

If you do not refrigerate for an extended time period, particularly beyond three weeks, the prebiotics in the drink may break down into simple sugars and reduce the effectiveness.  

So just keep them in the fridge when you don’t intend to drink anytime soon.

Does olipop go bad if refrigerated?

It can go flat if left open in the refrigerator for an extended period. Refrigeration can help maintain the freshness and carbonation of Olipop, especially after it has been opened, but it’s essential to seal the container tightly to prevent it from going flat.

If you have opened a can or bottle of Olipop and refrigerated it, it is a good practice to consume it within a few days to a week for the best taste and quality.

Over time, the carbonation may diminish, and the flavor could change, but it is not likely to spoil or become unsafe to drink if stored properly.

Are There Any possible side effects of Olipop to Pregnant Moms?

While Olipop is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation, it is possible to experience a couple side effects such as;

1. Gas and bloating

Prebiotic fibers found in it can indeed promote the growth of beneficial bacterial gut, however in some individuals, excess intake of these may cause gas, bloating, or gastric discomforts.

That’s why it has always remained a good idea to start with small amount to assess how your body takes it.

2. Sensitivity to ingredients

Some people may have sensitivities to certain ingredients like sweeteners or natural flavors in olipop.

If you have known allergy or sensitivity to specific ingredients, be sure to read the ingredients and where you don’t understand, ask for explanation from your doctor.

3. Individual Tolerance

Everyone’s tolerance and response to different foods and beverages can vary. If you experience any adverse reactions or discomfort after having this drink, it’s advisable to reduce or discontinue and consult with a healthcare professional if needed.

Can olipop cause miscarriage?

There is no known evidence, research or scientific study that suggests consuming Olipop beverages can cause miscarriages. There are tons of reasons miscarriages could occur, but drinking a can of this carbonated beverage is typically not linked to one.

Almost all the flavors have lower sugar content with some flavors having barely any amount of caffeine.

The herbs it contains, including prebiotics, botanicals, carbonated water, Olismart (cassava root fiber, chicory root inulin, Jerusalem artichoke inulin, Nopal cactus, Marshmallow root, calendula flower), are not in anyway linked with miscarriage and the FDA approves them as pregnancy-safe. So once you drink in moderation, olipop won’t cause any issue of miscarriage.

What drinks should be avoided during pregnancy?

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Caffeinated ones
  • Unpasteurized dairy
  • Excess herbal teas
  • Excess artificial sweeteners

Can I Have Olipop While Pregnant? – THIS IS A WRAP

If you’re in the mood for a can of Olipop, you’re pretty safe as long as you’re enjoying it in bits. And you don’t want to replace this with regular water.

Moreover, monitor your caffeine intake, and, most importantly, listen to your body’s signals. You’ve got a unique body, especially at this time. And so what feels right for someone else may not feel the same for you.

It’s worth emphasizing that you and your baby’s health always comes first, so making informed choices that include your doctor is key. Go ahead and indulge in that Olipop craving but be sure to keep these safety tips in mind.

References:

Drink Olipop (Is OLIPOP Healthy?) & Health Digest (Is OLIPOP Good For You?)

Georgina Austin, CNM

Georgina Austin, CNM

Hello! I'm Gina, a certified midwife, a writer, an experienced one of course, and a proud mother of twins, Noel and Noelle. With eleven years of maternity support experience and my own journey through motherhood, I offer reliable information on women's health here on this blog.

In addition to writing about pregnancy and breastfeeding, I cover topics like sexual health, birth control, egg donation, sibling relationships, and managing life with multiple children. So, whatever issue you're facing as a woman, I've got you covered!