New Starbucks Pregnancy Drink to Induce Labor: Debunked!

I read a lot of tips and tricks to induce labor during both of my pregnancies, and nothing I read that I was willing to try did anything. Both my babies were late and had to be induced. So when I read about the new Starbucks Pregnancy Drink blowing up on TikTok for its supposed ability to induce labor quickly, I was skeptical.

Pregnant women all over the internet are claiming that a new Starbucks secret drink combination (also dubbed Starbucks Labor Tea) has actually helped them speed up their labor and delivery! 

So what is actually in this viral “Starbucks Pregnancy Drink that makes it labor-inducing? And is it actually safe to drink if you’re pregnant? Should you order a Grande or a Venti? 

Related: 15 Parenting TikTok Creators You Need to Follow

We have all the answers to help you decide if you want to try the latest pregnancy and Starbucks trend.

What is the Starbucks Pregnancy Drink Trend?

As long as there have been women giving birth to babies, there have been myths, tips, and tricks about how to induce labor. The Starbucks Pregnancy Drink is simply the latest trend among these.

In 2023, the Starbucks Pregnancy Drink trend has gone viral on TikTok and social media; the hashtag #StarbucksPregnancyDrink has over 6.7 million views. 

Pregnant moms-to-be have taken TikTok by storm by posting videos of themselves drinking a variation of the Starbucks Iced Passion Tea Tango Lemonade with four pumps of raspberry syrup. 

@elizabeth.hendrickson Starbucks pregnancy drink to get ready for labor! #pregnancytiktok #pregnancynaturalremedy #inducelabor ♬ Pretty Girls Walk - Big Boss Vette

Some TikTokers claim drinking this fruity combination helps induce labor. These pregnancy drink videos include both the original drink and homemade recipes. 

Note: Back in March, Starbucks discontinued the raspberry syrup, so it may be hard, if not impossible, to find. In place of raspberry syrup, women are now adding pineapple to their refreshers to induce labor because pineapple is another food rumored to induce labor by supposedly softening the cervix.

Does the Starbucks Pregnancy Drink Induce Labor?

There is no medical evidence that any Starbucks drink will induce labor. 

What Ingredients Are in the Starbucks Pregnancy Drink?

The myth of the Starbucks Pregnancy Drink was most likely started because raspberry leaf tea has long been associated with inducing labor and starting contractions. Women are discouraged from drinking raspberry leaf tea early in their pregnancy. However, the raspberry syrup at Starbucks does not contain raspberry lead tea; it is primarily natural flavors (raspberries) and sugar. 

Starbucks’ Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade is a mix of herbal, caffeine-free hibiscus tea with notes of cinnamon, apple, licorice root, and lemongrass. According to Starbucks’ nutritional ingredient information, the Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade includes: 

“ICE, LEMONADE [WATER, LEMON JUICE, SUGAR, LEMON OIL], AN INFUSION OF [WATER, HIBISCUS FLOWERS, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVORS, CINNAMON, APPLE, LICORICE ROOT, LEMONGRASS, FRUIT JUICE EXTRACT].”

Do Starbucks Refreshers Have Caffeine? 

Since pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake, and even decaf coffee has some caffeine, herbal teas, hot or iced, make an excellent alternative to a cup of coffee or espresso. 

Starbucks claims that The Passion Tango Tea is 100% caffeine-free, but pregnant women should be advised some herbal teas can still contain >10 mg of caffeine. 

However, Other drinks like the popular Strawberry Acai Refresher or Green Tea Lemonade do contain caffeine. Black Tea Refreshers and Green Tea Refreshers at Starbucks contain around 45mg of caffeine in each 16 fl oz cup, so check what kind of refresher you’re getting before you order.

In most instances, it is safe to consume 200 mg of caffeine daily or less, equivalent to 1-2 cups of home-brewed coffee per day, depending on the brew method. 

More Wives Tales and Myths about Inducing Labor

There are many myths about inducing labor. Some have more truth to them than others. Walking daily in the third trimester may increase the likelihood of spontaneous labor. But even if walking doesn't bring on labor, it keeps you in good physical shape, which will help during labor and delivery. 

Some women use birthing balls to help induce labor. You can talk to your OBGYN about simple birthing ball exercises that may help!

While it may not induce labor, exercising while pregnant is safe and recommended for most women. Always speak with your doctor about what is safe for you and your baby. As a general rule, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises a pregnant woman to stop exercising and contact her doctor if she notices any of the following:

• Bleeding from the vagina
• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Shortness of breath before starting exercise
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Calf pain or swelling
• Regular, painful contractions of the uterus
• Fluid gushing or leaking from the vagina

Other less pleasant myths include swallowing castor oil, herbal supplements taken orally or as vaginal deposits, and eating spicy foods. However, consuming castor oil will likely only give you a belly ache and possibly diarrhea, and spicy foods will probably cause acid reflux and heartburn!

Another labor-inducing myth is sexual intercourse, which may sound pleasant or unpleasant depending on how your pregnancy is making you feel!

Precautions to Take When Trying to Induce Labor on Your Own 

Before you attempt any labor-inducing tips or tricks, speak with your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on what is safe and what is not and shed light on any old wives' tales that may only lead to discomfort and disappointment when they don’t work. 

While each day at the end of a pregnancy can feel like an eternity, patience is your best bet. If necessary, your doctor will discuss the option of medical induction if and when your baby passes their due date. 

What Can You Drink from Starbucks While Pregnant?

So, what can you order at Starbucks while pregnant? A half-caf or decaf cappuccino or macchiato will decrease your caffeine content. A chai tea latte or a shot of espresso has much less caffeine than a cup of Starbucks Pike Place coffee or an Americano.

Ordering smaller sizes will also decrease the caffeine. For example, Venti-size and grande-size lattes have 150 mg of caffeine, while a tall one has half that amount, 75 mg.

Ordering an iced coffee or latte may slightly decrease the amount of caffeine, but probably not significantly. Hot chocolate is a caffeine-free option, as are cream-based Frappuccinos and herbal teas.

Watch out for the sneaky caffeine drinks like matcha and non-coffee drinks like the Refreshers. The famous Starbucks Pink Drink and other Starbucks Refreshers are made with a green coffee base. A Grande Pink Drink has 45 mg of caffeine. Drinks with mocha will also add additional small amounts of caffeine. 

While it doesn’t seem likely that the Starbucks Pregnancy Drink indices labor, it does sound delicious! We always advise taking TikTok trends as truth without doing your research. As always, consult with your healthcare provider about any concerns around your pregnancy, labor, or delivery.