A muffin is a soft, sweet individual cake, often with blueberries, chocolate chips or bran. It is safe in pregnancy because it is baked through; it is simply a treat, and a large one, so size and frequency are the only things to watch.
Why it's good in pregnancy
A muffin is an easy, portable snack that offers a little protein from its egg and milk and B vitamins from the flour. A homemade bran or oat muffin with fruit can add real fibre, which helps when pregnancy slows your digestion.
Key nutrients
B VitaminsFortified flour contributes thiamine and folic acid.
ProteinEgg and milk in the batter supply a few grams of protein per muffin.
Serving ideas
Homemade bran and apple muffin with a glass of milk
Mini blueberry muffin with Greek yogurt
Oat and banana muffin as an on-the-go breakfast
Savoury cheese and spinach muffin
Half a café muffin shared, with a piece of fruit
Safety
Safe as a baked treat; keep an eye on the size, as café muffins can top 400 calories.
Muffins are baked at high temperature, so the egg and flour in them are fully cooked and safe; avoid licking the raw batter from the bowl. Café muffins often weigh 120 to 150 g with 400 to 500 calories and several teaspoons of sugar, so sharing one or choosing a mini muffin keeps it a snack rather than a meal. Baking your own with wholemeal flour, oats and fruit lets you halve the sugar. Store muffins in an airtight tin for two or three days or freeze them.
Common questions
Can I eat muffins while pregnant?Yes, muffins are baked through and safe; they are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in sensible portions.
Are bran muffins good for constipation in pregnancy?A genuine bran or wholegrain muffin adds fibre that can help, provided you drink plenty of water alongside it.
Can I eat muffins if I have gestational diabetes?A standard muffin is high in refined carbohydrate and sugar, so check with your diabetes team; small homemade versions with oats and less sugar fit better.
Did you know?
A large coffee-shop muffin can contain more sugar and calories than a glazed doughnut.
English muffins are a different food entirely: a yeasted bread roll rather than a cake.
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