A question that consistently comes up during our discussions with pregnant women is: "Do I really have to stop drinking coffee during my pregnancy?" Honestly, it's a legitimate question that deserves an honest and comprehensive answer, without guilt or dogmatism.
According to the most recent data from 2023, out of the 677,800 births recorded in France in 2023, a significant proportion of pregnant women had to face this dilemma of coffee during pregnancy. caféine pendant leur grossesse, malgré les recommandations de limiter ou d'éviter sa consommation. caffeine, often due to a lack ofalternative coffee pregnancy Satisfactory.
It is precisely to address this issue that I wanted to write this article. My goal is not to make you feel guilty if you continue to drink coffee, but to present to you a solution that we have discovered and tested at Biovie: the lupin coffee. An alternative that preserves your morning ritual while completely eliminating the risks associated with caffeine.
Discover also : If you are looking to adopt a Living food during your pregnancy, lupin coffee fits perfectly into this natural and caring approach.
Can you drink coffee during pregnancy ?
This question still divides opinions today, and for good reason: official recommendations vary depending on health organizations. Here's what you need to know to get a clearer understanding of the situation. coffee for pregnant women.
Official recommendations (WHO, EFSA, ANSES)
It is essential to understand that different health authorities do not completely agree on a single threshold for consumption of caffeine during pregnancy. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reducing the consumption of coffee if it exceeds 300 mg of caffeine per day. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is stricter and sets the limit at a maximum of 200 mg per day for pregnant women. In France, the Reference Center for Teratogenic Agents (CRAT) indicates that up to 300 mg per day seems acceptable, but with an implicit recommendation for reduction.
Concretely, what does this represent? A standard cup of coffee contains between 95 and 200 mg of caffeine depending on the type of coffee, the preparation method, and the size of the cup. This means that official recommendations generally allow you between one and two cups maximum per day. But honestly, when you really love coffee, this restriction can be difficult to adhere to.
⚠️ To know : The dangers of coffee are not limited to pregnancy. Discover why coffee can harm female fertility if you are in a design project.
How many cups of coffee per day ?
To give you a more precise idea about how many coffees per day for pregnant women, here is what your daily cups actually contain. A strong espresso (30 ml) contains about 40 to 75 mg of caffeine. A classic filter coffee (250 ml) can contain between 95 and 200 mg depending on the strength of the brew. A long American coffee (350 ml) can easily reach 150 to 200 mg. And be cautious with large chain coffees, which sometimes serve "large size" formats that can exceed 200 mg in a single cup.
As soon as you start counting, you quickly realize that two coffees a day already place you at the upper limit of the recommendations, or even beyond. And I'm not even talking about black tea (40-70 mg per cup), chocolate (20-30 mg per 100g of dark chocolate), or cola sodas that insidiously add caffeine to your daily consumption.
Coffee and the first trimester: should you stop completely ?
The first trimester is particularly sensitive. It is the period when the embryo develops the most rapidly, and when all the organs are formed. Some studies have shown that the consumption of coffee during the first trimester of pregnancy Even before conception and during the first few weeks, the risk of miscarriage slightly increases. Specifically, the risk is multiplied by 1.75 when the woman consumes at least two coffees per day before conception.
Honestly, even if this risk remains statistically moderate, when one truly desires a child, they generally prefer to maximize their chances. This is why many doctors recommend a complete cessation from the conception planning stage, or at the very least from the confirmation of the pregnancy.
However, here's the problem: abruptly stopping coffee when you have been consuming it daily for years can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Headaches, intense fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating... These symptoms usually appear within 48 hours of stopping and can persist for a full week, with a peak in intensity between 48 and 72 hours. Not ideal when starting a pregnancy with its own symptoms (nausea, Fatigue...).

What are the risks of coffee for babies ?
Beyond the official recommendations, it is important to concretely understand what happens in your body and your baby's body when you consume coffee.
Caffeine crosses the placental barrier.
This is a crucial point that many women overlook. The Caffeine crosses the placental barrier. freely. This means that when you drink a cup of coffee, your baby also receives caffeine. The major problem? The fetus does not have the enzyme necessary to metabolize caffeine, the enzyme CYP1A2. In other words, your body takes about 4 hours to eliminate half of the caffeine you have consumed, but during pregnancy, this time is extended to 12-16 hours. For your baby, who cannot metabolize it at all, caffeine accumulates and remains present much longer.
Impact on Birth Weight (Studies 2021-2024)
The most recent scientific studies are definitive on this point. A Norwegian meta-analysis from 2024 involving 12 cohorts and 60,561 pregnant women confirmed that Each 100 mg of caffeine per day increases the risk of low birth weight by 21 to 28%.. Concretely, this means that just one cup of filter coffee per day (which contains about 100-150 mg of caffeine) is enough to significantly increase this risk.
And be aware, there is no "safe threshold" below which caffeine would be completely without effect. Even at low doses (50-100 mg/day, or less than one cup), a 2021 Chinese study showed a measurable increase in risk. More specifically, babies whose mothers consumed at least 50 mg of caffeine per day had a reduced birth weight by an average of 67 grams.
Slowed metabolism during pregnancy
Another little-known yet crucial aspect: your caffeine metabolism changes completely during pregnancy. Normally, the half-life of caffeine (the time it takes for your body to eliminate half of the consumed dose) is about 3 to 7 hours. During pregnancy, this half-life is multiplied by 3 to 4, increasing to 10-18 hours.
What does this mean concretely? If you drink a coffee at 8 a.m. (containing 150 mg of caffeine), your body will have only eliminated 75 mg by 6 p.m. The remaining 75 mg will stay in your system overnight and will add to the coffee from the next morning. Therefore, there is a progressive accumulation effect throughout the pregnancy, even if you respect the official limit of 200 mg per day.
Lupin coffee: the perfect alternative for pregnant women
Now that you understand the real risks of coffee during pregnancy, let me introduce you to the solution we have adopted at Biovie and that we recommend to all our pregnant clients: the lupin coffee.
What is lupin coffee ?
The lupin coffee is made from white lupin seeds (Lupinus albus), a legume primarily cultivated in the Mediterranean basin since ancient times. These seeds are roasted just like coffee beans, then ground to obtain a powder that is prepared in the same way as traditional coffee. It is one of our only products to have undergone a heat treatment, but truly, we decided to make an exception to our values to help people who wish to quit caffeinated coffee.
Unlike "decaffeinated" coffee, which is real coffee from which caffeine has been chemically removed (but still retains traces of it), lupin coffee has never contained caffeine. It is a plant entirely different from the coffee plant. Its taste surprisingly resembles coffee thanks to roasting, but without any of the problematic substances present in coffee.
100% caffeine-free, naturally
This is the most important point: the lupin coffee contains exactly 0 mg of caffeine. Not 2-4 mg like decaffeinated, but truly zero. This means you can drink as much as you want during your pregnancy, without any limit, without any counting, without any guilt.
Do you want three cups in the morning? No problem. Another one in the afternoon? No worries. Do you feel like having a coffee after dinner without risking disturbing your sleep? Lupin coffee is perfect for that. This newfound freedom is really what our pregnant customers appreciate the most.
The taste: really close to coffee ?
This is the question that all our customers ask us before ordering. And frankly, I understand this concern. We've all tried "coffee substitutes" that had a strange, even downright unpleasant taste (I'm thinking particularly of chicory, which some people love but I personally can't stand).
Lupin coffee is really different. The taste is surprisingly close to traditional coffee, with notes of roasted hazelnut and a slight chocolatey flavor. It is naturally less acidic than coffee (pH between 6.5 and 7, compared to 4.85-5.10 for coffee), which makes it much gentler on the stomach. This is convenient considering that gastroesophageal reflux is common during pregnancy.
☕ Expert advice : To learn more about the effects of coffee on your overall health, check out our detailed article: Is coffee good or bad for health ?
Why lupin coffee is safe during pregnancy
Beyond the absence of caffeine, Lupin coffee offers real nutritional benefits that make it an ally during your pregnancy.
Beneficial nutritional composition
Unlike traditional coffee, which provides almost no nutrients (just a few minor antioxidants), lupin coffee is interesting from a nutritional standpoint. Here is what 100g of roasted and ground lupin seeds contain:
- Proteins: 36 to 40g (of complete plant proteins with all essential amino acids)
- Fibers: 30g (excellent for intestinal transit, often disrupted during pregnancy)
- Iron: 4.4 mg (useful for preventing pregnancy-related anemia)
- Magnesium: 198 mg (helps reduce cramps and fatigue)
- Calcium: 176 mg (for the baby's bone development)
- Zinc: 4.8 mg (important for the immune system)
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 0.64 mg (essential for the nervous system)
Of course, you are not going to consume 100g of lupin coffee per day (a cup represents about 7-10g of powder). But even in small quantities, these contributions are significant and complement your diet as a pregnant woman.
Pregnancy nutrition : Lupin coffee fits perfectly into a nutrient-rich diet for pregnant women. Discover The 8 superfoods to consume during pregnancy.
Zero risk for fetal development
To date, no scientific study has identified any risk associated with the consumption of lupin coffee during pregnancy. This makes sense: it contains neither caffeine, nor theobromine, nor theophylline (the three stimulating alkaloids found in coffee, tea, and cocoa). It also does not contain chlorogenic acids that can irritate the stomach.
The only precaution concerns women who are allergic to legumes (peanut, soy). Lupin is part of this family and can cause cross-allergies in some sensitive individuals. However, if you have no known food allergies, you can consume lupin coffee with peace of mind.

Lupin coffee recipes for future moms
To help you vary your pleasures and truly incorporate lupin coffee into your daily routine, here are three recipes specially designed for pregnant women. They not only provide flavor but also beneficial nutrients for you and your baby.
Recipe 1: Lupin Latte with Oat Milk and Vanilla
Ingredients (for 1 large cup):
- 1 shot of lupin coffee espresso Tikawa Classic
- 200 ml of calcium-fortified oat milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of natural vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of maple syrup (optional)
- 1 pinch of ground cinnamon
Preparation :
- Prepare your strong lupin coffee (like an espresso or concentrated filter coffee)
- Heat the plant milk in a saucepan with the vanilla (do not boil)
- Froth the milk with a frother or by shaking vigorously in a closed jar.
- Pour the lupin coffee into a large cup.
- Add the frothy milk gently.
- Sweeten with maple syrup if desired
- Sprinkle with cinnamon Biovie (to grind into powder at the last moment)
Why is it suitable for pregnancy ?
- Fortified plant-based milk provides calcium.
- Natural vanilla aids digestion and soothes nausea.
- Cinnamon regulates the Blood sugar (useful against gestational diabetes)
- Comforting and gentle on the stomach
Recipe 2: Iced Lupin with Almond Milk and Dates
Ingredients (for 1 large glass):
- 1 cup of lupin coffee Tikawa Doux(chilled in the fridge)
- 150 ml of almond milk
- 2-3 pitted Medjool dates (natural sugar)
- 4-5 ice cubes
- Some activated almonds BiovieCrushed for decoration
Preparation :
- Prepare the lupin coffee the night before, and let it cool in the fridge overnight.
- In a blender, mix the cold lupin coffee + almond milk + dates + ice cubes.
- Blend until you achieve a creamy and smooth texture.
- Pour into a large glass
- Decorate with crushed almonds
Why is it suitable for pregnancy ?
- Refreshing (ideal if you are always hot during pregnancy)
- Dates provide iron, magnesium, and natural fibers.
- Almond milk is rich in vitamin E.
- Almonds provide proteins and healthy fats.
Recipe 3: Lupin Cappuccino with Chai Spices
Ingredients (for 1 cup):
- 1 shot of lupin coffee espresso Tikawa Intense
- 150 ml of coconut milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of chai spice mix (cinnamon, cardamom, Ginger, clove)
- 1 teaspoon of honey or agave syrup
- Cocoa powder to sprinkle
Preparation :
- Prepare a lupin coffee espresso (short and concentrated)
- In a saucepan, heat the coconut milk with the chai spices.
- Whisk the spiced milk to make it frothy.
- Pour the lupin espresso into a cup
- Add the frothy milk to the spices.
- Sweeten with honey
- Sprinkle with cocoa
Why is it suitable for pregnancy ?
- Ginger relieves morning sickness.
- Cardamom aids digestion.
- Cinnamon regulates blood sugar
- Coconut milk provides healthy fats.
Natural approach : These recipes are part of a global approach. Discover the benefits of naturopathy during pregnancy for a naturally fulfilling pregnancy.

Global preparation : Beyond the coffee, Prepare for your pregnancy naturally with our 7 tips for a harmonious experience.
Comparison: Coffee vs. Lupin Coffee During Pregnancy
To help you clearly visualize the differences, here is a detailed comparison between traditional coffee and lupin coffee for a pregnant woman.
Traditional café
- Caffeine: 95-200 mg per cup
- Pregnancy consumption limit: 1-2 cups max/day (WHO, EFSA)
- Risk for the baby: Reduction in birth weight, sleep disorders, fetal accumulation
- Crosses the placental barrier: Yes, freely
- Maternal metabolism: Idle (12-16h), accumulation
- Impact on fertility: Reduced fertility (1.75x increased risk of miscarriage)
- Withdrawal symptoms if stopped: Yes: headaches, fatigue, irritability (3-7 days)
- Digestive impact: Acidifier (pH 4.85-5.10), irritates the stomach, reflux
- Pregnancy nausea: Often worsens morning sickness
- Nutritional intake: Almost none (only minor antioxidants)
- Taste: Classic coffee (reference)
- Geographical origin: Africa, South America, Asia (import)
- Environmental impact: High (transport, deforestation)
- Average price: 15-25€/kg
- Preparation: All coffee machines
- Breastfeeding-friendly: Limit 200-300mg/day
- Child-friendly: Not recommended
- Potential allergy: Rare
Lupin Coffee Tikawa
- Caffeine: 0 mg (zero)
- Pregnancy consumption limit: No limit, as much as you want.
- Risk for the baby: No risk identified
- Crosses the placental barrier: No (no caffeine to get through)
- Maternal metabolism: Not applicable (no substance to metabolize)
- Impact on fertility: No negative impact
- Withdrawal symptoms if stopped: No: no symptoms of addiction
- Digestive impact: Alkalizing (pH 6.5-7), gentle on the stomach
- Pregnancy nausea: "Does not worsen, sometimes relieves"
- Nutritional intake: Proteins, fibers, iron, magnesium, calcium
- Taste: Very close, notes of roasted hazelnut
- Geographical origin: France, Europe (local)
- Environmental impact: Low (local culture, legume)
- Average price: 18-28€/kg (similar)
- Preparation: All coffee machines (identical)
- Breastfeeding-friendly: No limit
- Child-friendly: Yes, no problem.
- Potential allergy: Rare (legumes, peanut)
Comparison conclusion Lupin coffee surpasses all criteria of safety, health, and environmental impact. The only "advantage" of traditional coffee is that it is the historical taste reference, but lupin comes so close that the difference becomes negligible after a few cups of adaptation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are the 12 most frequently asked questions we receive at Biovie about lupin coffee and pregnancy.
1. Does lupin coffee really contain 0% caffeine ?
Yes, absolutely. Lupin coffee is made from roasted lupin seeds, a legume that naturally contains no caffeine. It is not decaffeinated coffee (which still contains 2-4mg of residual caffeine); it is a completely different plant that has never contained caffeine. You can drink as much as you want during your pregnancy without any caffeine-related risk.
2. Where can one buy lupin coffee in France ?
Tikawa lupin coffee is available on our online store Biovie.fr, as well as in certain specialized organic stores. We offer three intensities (Mild, Classic, Intense) and different sizes (250g, 500g, 1kg). Delivery is fast throughout mainland France. You can also find other brands of lupin coffee in some stores, but we are convinced that Tikawa offers the best value for money and taste.
3. Does lupin coffee have any side effects during pregnancy ?
No, no side effects are known for lupin coffee during pregnancy. It is a perfectly safe, natural, and nutritious beverage. The only precaution is for people allergic to legumes (peanut, soy), who may have a cross-allergy to lupin. But if you have no known allergies, you can consume lupin coffee with peace of mind during the 9 months of pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
4. Can traditional coffee and lupin coffee be mixed ?
Yes, absolutely. It is even an excellent transition strategy that we recommend. You can start with 50% coffee + 50% lupin in your cup, then gradually increase the proportion of lupin until you reach 100% lupin. This allows you to gradually reduce your caffeine consumption without unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (headaches, fatigue).
5. Is lupin coffee suitable for people who are gluten intolerant ?
Yes, lupin is naturally gluten-free. It is a legume, not a cereal. Therefore, people who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease can consume lupin coffee without any problem. This is actually one of the nutritional advantages of lupin: it provides high-quality plant proteins without gluten, unlike wheat, barley, rye, or oats (which contain avenin, similar to gluten).
6. What is the difference between lupin coffee and decaffeinated coffee ?
The difference is fundamental. Decaffeinated coffee is traditional coffee (coffee beans) that has undergone a chemical process to remove most of the caffeine. However, traces still remain (2-4 mg per cup), and it retains all the other irritating compounds of coffee (chlorogenic acids, tannins). Lupin coffee, on the other hand, is made from lupin seeds, a legume that has never contained caffeine. It is naturally 0% caffeine, gentler on the stomach, and nutritious.
7. Does lupin coffee provide energy like regular coffee ?
No, not in the same way. Traditional coffee provides an artificial "boost" thanks to caffeine, a stimulant that blocks adenosine receptors in the brain and makes you feel artificially awake. Lupin coffee, on the other hand, does not contain any stimulants. It will not give you that energy "boost." However, it maintains your morning ritual, hydrates you, and provides nutrients (proteins, minerals) that contribute to natural and stable energy, without the side effects of caffeine (nervousness, sleep disturbances, dependency).
8. Are there any allergy risks associated with lupin coffee ?
Lupin is a legume from the same family as peanuts, soybeans, and peas. People who are allergic to legumes, particularly peanuts, may experience a cross-allergy to lupin. It's rare, but it does exist. If you have known food allergies to legumes, talk to your doctor before consuming lupin coffee. For all other people without allergies, there are no contraindications. Lupin is naturally gluten-free, lactose-free, and suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
9. How long does it take to get used to the taste ?
It varies greatly from person to person. Some love it from the first cup. Others need 3-5 cups for their brain to "recalibrate" and fully appreciate it. On average, give yourself a week of regular tasting (1-2 cups per day) for your taste buds to get used to it. Beyond this period, if you still don't like it, it probably doesn't suit you. But in our experience at Biovie, more than 85% of people who seriously try lupin coffee end up adopting it permanently.
10. Does lupin coffee contain gluten ?
No, lupin is naturally gluten-free. It is a legume, not a cereal. Therefore, people who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease can consume lupin coffee without any problem. This is actually one of the nutritional advantages of lupin: it provides high-quality plant proteins without gluten, unlike wheat, barley, rye, or oats (which contain avenin, similar to gluten).
11. Can it be given to children ?
Yes, absolutely. Since it contains no caffeine or stimulants, lupin coffee is perfectly suitable for children. It's a good option for kids who want to "act like grown-ups" and drink a hot coffee-like beverage, without the harmful effects of caffeine on their sleep and development. You can prepare it lighter and add plant-based milk for a "lupin hot chocolate" version that many children enjoy.
12. Is it as good cold as it is hot ?
Yes, lupin coffee can also be enjoyed cold. You can prepare your lupin coffee as usual, let it cool in the refrigerator, and drink it chilled or iced. It's perfect for summer or if you are always warm during your pregnancy (which is very common). Our Iced Lupin with Almond Milk recipe is actually a real treat in its cold version. The taste remains excellent, and some people even find it smoother and more pleasant when cold.
Global approach : Lupin coffee is part of a holistic vision of motherhood. Discover how clay can support you during pregnancy for complete natural well-being.
Conclusion: Choose lupin coffee for a serene pregnancy
Here you go, I hope this article has provided you with all the answers to your questions about the pregnancy coffee, and above all, that it will have presented you with a concrete and pleasant solution: the lupin coffee.
To summarize the key points:
The consumption of coffee during pregnancy presents real and measurable risks for your baby. Caffeine crosses the placental barrier, accumulates in the fetal body which cannot metabolize it, and can reduce birth weight even at low doses. Official recommendations (WHO, EFSA, CRAT) agree on the need to limit, or even completely stop, caffeine during pregnancy.
The lupin coffee is objectively thealternative coffee pregnancy the most satisfying at traditional coffee during pregnancy. It naturally contains zero caffeine, offers a taste very close to coffee with notes of roasted hazelnut, provides beneficial proteins and minerals, and is prepared exactly like coffee in all your usual coffee makers.
The transition from coffee to lupin can be done smoothly over 7-14 days with a gradual protocol that avoids unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The three intensities of Tikawa (Mild, Classic, Intense) allow you to find the one that suits your personal taste.
Honestly, with Aurélie, we are convinced that lupin coffee is going to become increasingly popular in the coming years. It's a local, sustainable, healthy solution that doesn't compromise on enjoyment. For pregnant women, it's really thecaffeine-free coffee alternativePerfect that allows for the combination of taste pleasure and the baby's health.
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us at Biovie. We are here to support you through this transition and provide advice based on your personal situation.
You can discover our full range of Tikawa lupin coffee on our online store. And if you want to delve deeper into the topic of nutrition during pregnancy, I invite you to read our other articles on the Biovie blog that cover related subjects.
Take care of yourself, and most importantly, take care of your baby. Every choice you make matters, and replace coffee with lupin coffee is one of those simple yet meaningful choices that really make a difference.






How to Replace Coffee with Lupin: A Practical Guide
You are convinced by the benefits of the lupin coffee, but you are wondering how to make the transition concretely? Here is our proven protocol that has helped hundreds of pregnant women.
Gradual transition protocol (7-14 days)
The key to successfully transitioning is gradualness. Do not try to quit coffee overnight, unless you only consume one cup a day (in which case, you can switch directly).
Days 1-2: Discovering the taste
Days 3-5: First substitution (50/50)
Days 6-10: Increase in lupin (75/25)
Days 11-14: Final Transition (100% lupin)
Important: If you experience headaches or fatigue at any point, slow down the transition and stay an extra week at the previous stage. Some women need 3 weeks for a completely comfortable transition, and that's perfectly normal. The key is not speed, it's comfort.
The 3 Tikawa intensities
At Biovie, we offer lupin coffee from the Tikawa brand in three different intensities to suit all tastes. It's important to choose the one that suits you, as it will greatly influence your satisfaction and adoption of the product.
Tikawa Doux (Intensity 3/10)
Organic Lupin Coffee - TIKAWA Mild
View the productTikawa Classic (Intensity 5/10)
Organic Lupin Coffee - TIKAWA Classic
View the productTikawa Intense (Intensity 7/10)
Organic Lupin Coffee - TIKAWA Intense
View the productMy personal advice: If you are hesitating between two intensities, start with the Tikawa Classic. It's the one that appeals to the most people. If you find it too strong, you can switch to the Mild. If you find it too light, you can try the Intense. But 80% of our customers remain loyal to the Classic.