Struggling with a low milk supply? There are many lactation snacks that can help increase your milk supply while at the same time giving you a boost in energy and nutrition. They are made with galactagogues, milk-increasing ingredients, to jumpstart your milk production and flow. Lactation snacks also come in a wide variety of flavors, from savory to sweet.
Munchkin's Milkmaker Lactation Cookie Bites were our favorite lactation snacks! They include many ingredients that help boost milk production, including rolled oats, brewer's yeast, and flaxseed. If you want more options, there are nine other tasty snacks on our list of favorites for you to check out! We also included a buying guide at the end to help you pick the right lactation snacks for yourself.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Table of Contents
Choosing snacks for breastfeeding is not an easy task considering all of your shopping factors, including the type of snacks and nutrition facts. It's important to look through the ingredient list to make sure there are ingredients that are said to help boost your milk supply as well.
Snacks that are said to be beneficial for lactation contain possible galactagogues, ingredients that can increase milk supply. Although few studies have been done on their effectiveness in increasing milk production, there's no question many can provide nutrients that benefit breastfeeding mothers.
Fenugreek has been used by breastfeeding women for many years. It's also generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, fenugreek is a legume plant and can possibly trigger allergic reactions in moms allergic to other legumes like peanuts and chickpeas. Consider avoiding snacks containing this ingredient if you have a peanut allergy, or consult with your physician before trying it.
Milk thistle is an herb that helps increase the production of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. However, if you are allergic to plants like daisies, marigolds, or ragweed, you should also consider avoiding milk thistle since it's in the same plant family.
Whole grains, nuts and seeds are anecdotally said to help boost breastmilk supply, too! Many snacks like cookies include whole oats, flaxseed meal, and brewer's yeast, all of which have a positive nutritional effect.
Flaxseed is high in phytoestrogens and may increase your milk production. Meanwhile, brewer's yeast is packed with nutrients that a breastfeeding mom needs such as complex B vitamins, selenium, and protein. Whole oats are a good source of iron. They are also rich in beta-glucan, a form of fiber that can increase prolactin levels.
Some other ingredients include almonds, fennel, and turmeric. But before purchasing snacks for breastfeeding, we suggest consulting with your doctor to make sure the snacks contain ingredients that are safe for you.
If you're craving something sweet, consider lactation cookies or bars. Some common flavors include chocolate chip, cinnamon and raisin, and chocolate salted caramel. Many cookies and bars also contain nuts like almonds to give you a nice crunch.
There are also baking mixes to help you make lactation cookies or brownies easily at home! With these mixes, you will have to spend some extra time and effort preparing them, but it also gives you the opportunity to add extra ingredients and adjust the baking time to achieve your desired texture. There are lactation candies and chews for your sweet tooth, too!
Although lactation snacks are mostly sweet, you can also find some savory options like lactation crackers. They are often made with oat flour and might have a tougher texture than regular crackers. But, they still taste delicious and are the perfect snack to munch on.
Breastfeeding moms should consciously consume a nutritious diet to make sure that the body is healthy and can produce milk for the baby. Look at the nutrition facts of the lactation snacks and see if they can provide you with needed nutrients to help keep you fueled for the day.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, breastfeeding moms burn around 450 to 500 calories per day to produce breast milk. If you're exclusively breastfeeding, it's important that you supply your body with an additional 450 and 500 calories per day.
Your iron intake is another thing to pay attention to. Lactating moms are susceptible to iron depletion, and low levels of iron can also lead to a low milk supply. Experts suggest that breastfeeding moms should intake at least nine milligrams of iron per day.
While breastfeeding, women can also lose three to five percent of their bone density, so it's important to counteract this with your calcium intake. Experts suggest a daily intake of 1,300 milligrams per day.
Providing your body with protein is also crucial as it helps your body recover after childbirth, build strength, and boost energy. The recommended daily intake of protein for lactating moms is 71 grams on average.
However, every breastfeeding woman's needs vary. Consult with your doctor to learn your specific nutritional needs and how to incorporate lactation snacks into your diet.
Munchkin's lactation cookies combine caramel chips with a hint of salt for a rich, sweet, and slightly salty flavor. They also contain ingredients that may help support milk supply, such as rolled oats, brewer's yeast, and flaxseed. Plus, these ingredients are rich in minerals and vitamins to support your health!
Some reviewers find the cookies to be a bit dry. However, the majority love the scrumptious chocolate salted caramel flavor and the crunchy texture of these lactation cookies. Many believe that it does a great job in improving their breast milk flow and supply, too. Reviewers also say the portion size is pretty filling.
Boobie Bar's bars are crafted with six ingredients that are supposed to support healthy lactation such as moringa leaf, shatavari root, turmeric, flaxseed, cinnamon, and whole grain oats. There are also real blueberries in the bars for a satisfyingly sweet and fruity taste.
Some reviewers are bothered by the bars' dry texture and add that they have a very herbal taste. Nevertheless, these blueberry muffin bars are still many reviewers' favorite, as they are convenient to bring when they're out and about.
These chocolate chip lactation bars are made with many healthy nuts and seeds including almonds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds. They contain four grams of fiber and five grams of protein per serving. Plus, these bars are free of egg, dairy, soy and gluten ingredients.
Some reviewers complain they tasted stale or like birdseed. But the majority love the flavor of these chocolate chip bars, and some feel that they help increase their milk supply. Many also appreciate that they contain healthy ingredients, are pretty filling, and provide many nutritional benefits.
MilkBliss' lactation cookies are made with ingredients that are said to increase your breastmilk like oats, flaxseed, and brewer's yeast. They're soft-baked for a tender, break-apart texture and laced with dark chocolate drops for a rich, indulgent flavor in every bite. On top of that, these cookies contain no preservatives!
The majority of reviewers praise the cookies' delicious taste and soft, chewy texture. Many also think that their milk supply has increased since they started eating the cookies. They also like that they come wrapped in packs of two cookies to a bag, so they stay fresher.
Made with milk thistle and fenugreek seed extract, these watermelon-flavored candies are purported to help increase milk supply and soothe breast inflammation. What's more, they don't contain any animal products, artificial preservatives, or dyes.
Although some people haven't seen any differences in their milk production after trying them, almost all say the watermelon flavor is delicious and there's no bitter aftertaste. Most can't even tell that there are herbs in them! Others say they produced more milk within days, and attribute it to the candy.
This oatmeal cookie mix features many ingredients that are traditionally used to benefit lactation, including rolled oats, brewer's yeast, and flaxseed. To make the cookies, simply add one egg and one stick of unsalted butter and bake the dough for nine to 12 minutes.
Reviewers love the soft and chewy texture of the cookies and say they are so delicious that it's hard to stop munching on them. The cookies are also easy to prepare, say buyers. Many also feel they've led to increased lactation.
Majica's breastfeeding cookie bites are made with a proprietary blend of herbs and spices that are said to be beneficial for lactation, such as cloves, fenugreek, caraway, cinnamon and turmeric. Containing nutritious ingredients like chia seed, flaxseed, and almonds, these gluten-free cookies also help give you a boost in energy.
Some thought the seedy texture was not their favorite, but most buyers find these lactation cookies delicious and filling, with a soft and crumbly texture. They also love that the cookies contain no preservatives and are made with only natural ingredients.
This lactation cookie mix is made with only USDA-certified organic ingredients and contains no preservatives or additives. It doesn't contain any herbs to lead to an unpleasant aftertaste. Instead, it uses whole-grain oats, brewer's yeast, and flaxseed to support your milk production.
A few had trouble baking them and said the dough should be refrigerated for the best texture. The majority love the delicious taste of these cookies. The wholesome and nutritious ingredients also make many reviewers feel good while eating. Buyers love that they're easy to prepare and only require egg, water, and butter.
Need something savory to snack on? These Lactation Cheddar Crisps from Milkmakers might be a great choice for you! They contain real cheddar and Parmesan cheeses for a bold, salty flavor. These crispy snacks are also a great source of fiber, with three grams per serving.
Quite a few buyers are not fans of the flavor, and some complain about their hard, dry texture. However, the majority find these crisps delicious and crunchy. Some say they taste like Cheez-Its or Wheat Thins. Moreover, many believe these snacks improve their breastmilk supply.
These chocolate chip cookies are made with brewer's yeast, flaxseed, and whole oats. On top of that, they are packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips! They're baked when you order and sent to you the next day, so they arrive fresh and delicious, even with no preservatives.
According to the majority of reviewers, these cookies are tasty, filling, and not too sweet. They also love their soft and chewy texture and mention that the cookies don't taste gritty like some other lactation cookies. Many reviewers feel they've had a boost in milk supply, too!
Taking care of a baby can be overwhelming sometimes. But with these products, this challenging task will become much easier!
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Apps
Business apps, Cooking apps, Dating appsHome goods
Bath supplies, Ceremonial occasion supplies, Cleaning suppliesHome electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, AV accessories, Blenders and food processorsPC
Computer supplies, Desktop computers, TabletsCamera
Camera bags and backpacks, Camera supplies, Digital single lens camerasBeauty
Blushes, Bronzers, CleansersHealth
Body care products, Health accessories, Health foods and supplementsFood and drinks
Alcohol, Breads and jams, Cocktails and ready-to-drink alcoholic beveragesKitchen
Coffee and tea products, Cooking utensils, CupsFashion
Footwear products, Men's shoes, SandalsShoes
Accessories
Wristwatches, Accessories and jewelry, Umbrellas and parasolsKids and baby
Baby carriers, Baby food, Baby formulaInterior
Beds, Beds and bedding, ChairsHobbies
Aromatherapy products, Art supplies, Arts and collectiblesOutdoor
Barbecue grills and fire pits, Camping beds and cots, Camping gearHome, garden, and tools
Agricultural materials and gardening supplies, Exterior and garden furniture, Materials and repairing agentsSports and fitness
Sports shoes, Surfing supplies, Badminton suppliesPets
Bird and small animal supplies, Cat supplies, Dog suppliesMedia
Books and magazines, CD, Children's books, picture books and illustrated encyclopediasGames
Gaming accessories, Nintendo Switch games, PC gamesAutomotive
Car accessories, Car navigation systemsGifts
Christmas gifts, Father's Day gifts, Gifts for childrenMobile devices
Mobile phone and smartphone accessories, Wearable devices and smart watches