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If you’re a Starbucks fan, you may have heard of the Pink Drink—aka the Strawberry Acai Refreshers® Beverage. Dubbed “a fruity and refreshing sip of spring, no matter what time of year” by the giant coffee retailer, the Pink Drink blends passion fruit accents with creamy coconut milk.
If you’re active on social media, you may have also seen the posts from breastfeeding moms discussing whether this sweet beverage can boost milk supply.
What Nursing Moms Are Saying
Apparently it all started in a Facebook breastfeeding support group called Milky Mamas, when one mom posted that the Pink Drink boosted her supply and she pumped 48 four-ounce bags of milk in a week.
Some women swear by it:
“A friend suggested that Starbucks Pink drink gave your milk supply a little boost so I thought what the heck, I will give it a try! Well believe it or not it really does work’ it lasts for several days too which is so nice!”
Others aren’t so sure:
Tried it tonight, didn’t work for me ): thanks for the tip, though! Good excuse to go to Starbucks ?
Many posts offer DIY versions of Pink Drink, featuring ingredients such as coconut milk and white-cran-strawberry juice.
So Does the Pink Drink Really Increase Milk Supply?
This isn’t the first time nursing moms have recommended certain beverages to boost supply. Some believe in blue or green Gatorade. Other moms swear by beer. Some even drink Ovaltine.
What about the Pink Drink? The good news: Acai berry and coconut milk do contain minerals that can support health. Sipping on a Pink Drink does offer hydration—important for nursing moms. Relaxation is also helpful for milk supply, and sitting at Starbucks enjoying a Pink Drink can be a great way to unwind.
Is the Pink Drink a miraculous milk booster? Probably not.
If you truly need to hydrate, you should drink water instead. And while some of the ingredients are beneficial, the 24 grams of sugar in a 16-ounce Pink Drink are not.
What’s our vote? If you want to chill and enjoy a Pink Drink now and then, go right ahead! If it does boost your milk supply, great … but don’t let that be your only strategy.
Milk-Boosting Strategies
There’s no magical pill or vitamin or cookie or drink that will singlehandedly solve the issue of low supply—and that includes the Pink Drink.
If you’re truly experiencing low milk supply, you can take some proactive steps:
- Breastfeed frequently, offering both breasts each time.
- Take care of yourself, and make sure you’re eating nutritious food, staying hydrated, and getting ample sleep (no easy feat with a baby!)
- If you need help, contact a lactation consultant or talk to your physician about medications.
In the meantime, there’s no need to give up your Pink Drink if you love it. You deserve it!
