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Is Fresh juice / smoothies (commercial) safe in pregnancy?
Safe with limits
Pasteurised is fine; avoid unpasteurised juices.
What the evidence says
Pasteurised juices and smoothies (most UK supermarket cartons) are safe in pregnancy. Freshly-pressed juices from juice bars should be consumed only if you can verify the fruit was thoroughly washed. Unpasteurised "raw" juices sold in health food shops should be avoided. Watch the sugar content even in pure fruit juice — NHS limits juice/smoothies to 150 ml per day toward the "5 a day."
Why this matters
Unpasteurised juices can carry bacteria from fruit surfaces. Sugar content in juice can contribute to gestational diabetes risk.
Source:NHS guidance on drinks in pregnancy
Last reviewed:April 2026
Please note — This is general guidance based on NHS advice as of April 2026. It is not medical advice. For advice on your specific pregnancy, please speak to your midwife or GP.
Personalised support
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