Is Sukku Malli Coffee Safe During Pregnancy? Benefits & Risks Explained

Sukku malli coffee is a popular South Indian herbal drink made with dry ginger and coriander. Many pregnant women drink this traditional beverage to feel better when they have nausea and morning sickness. Delhi’s top dietitian and nutritionist Avni Kaul says this caffeine-free drink can help your digestion and reduce inflammation, making it a great choice during pregnancy.

As a dietitian and nutritionist in Delhi, I often get questions from my pregnant clients about what they can safely drink during pregnancy. One traditional beverage that comes up frequently is sukku malli coffee—a South Indian herbal drink made with dry ginger and coriander. Today, I want to share everything you need to know about this caffeine-free alternative and whether it’s right for your pregnancy nutrition plan.​

What Is Sukku Malli Coffee?

Let me explain what sukku malli coffee actually is. It’s a traditional drink made from dry ginger (sukku) and coriander seeds (malli), usually sweetened with jaggery or palm sugar. South Indian families have been making this for generations to help with stomach issues, colds, and body aches.​

The preparation is quite simple. You roast the ingredients, grind them into a powder, and brew it with hot water. The result is a warm, aromatic drink that many of my clients find comforting during pregnancy.

Real Stories from My Clients

I’ve seen firsthand how sukku malli coffee has helped many of my pregnant clients. Let me share a few experiences.

Priya’s Journey with Morning Sickness
One of my clients, Priya, was struggling terribly with morning sickness during her first trimester. She could barely keep anything down. I suggested she try sukku malli coffee after her mother-in-law mentioned it. Within a week, Priya called me and said, “Avni, I can finally eat breakfast without feeling nauseous! This drink has been a lifesaver.”

Anjali’s Digestion Problem Solved
Another client, Anjali, loved her morning coffee but noticed it was causing terrible heartburn during her second trimester. I recommended switching to sukku malli coffee as part of her pregnancy diet plan. She was hesitant at first, but after trying it, she told me: “I don’t miss regular coffee at all now. My stomach feels so much better, and I’m not bloated after meals anymore.”

Meera’s Pleasant Surprise
Meera was skeptical when I first suggested sukku malli coffee. “Will it taste weird?” she asked. I told her to add a little jaggery to balance the ginger. She came back to me saying, “It’s actually delicious! And I love that I feel energized without those jittery feelings from caffeine.”

Health Benefits I’ve Observed

Based on my years of experience working with pregnant women, here’s what sukku malli coffee can do for you:​

• Relieves nausea and morning sickness – The ginger naturally soothes your stomach, which is especially helpful in the first trimester
• Improves digestion – I’ve seen this combination of coriander and ginger work wonders for bloating, constipation, and indigestion
• Boosts your immunity – The anti-inflammatory properties help strengthen your body during pregnancy
• Gives you a caffeine-free option – Unlike regular coffee, this has zero caffeine, which is important since I recommend pregnant women stay under 200mg of caffeine daily​
• Reduces body aches – Many of my clients report less joint pain and body aches after drinking this regularly

My Safety Guidelines for You

Now, while I recommend sukku malli coffee to many of my clients, I always emphasize moderation as part of safe pregnancy nutrition. Here’s what I want you to remember:​

• Stick to 1-2 small cups daily – Too much ginger can cause heartburn, and I’ve seen this happen when clients overdo it
• Talk to me or your doctor first – Every pregnancy is different, so let’s make sure this is right for you
• Watch the jaggery if you have gestational diabetes – I monitor sugar intake closely with my diabetic clients through personalized gestational diabetes diet plans
• Be careful with blood-thinning medications – Ginger can have mild blood-thinning effects
• Use fresh, quality ingredients – I always tell my clients to avoid pre-packaged versions with preservatives

How I Recommend Making It

Here’s the recipe I share with all my clients:​

1. First, dry roast 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds until aromatic
2. Next, dry roast 1 tablespoon of dry ginger pieces separately
3. Grind both together into a fine powder
4. Store it in an airtight container
5. When you’re ready, boil 1 teaspoon of powder with 1 cup of water for 3-4 minutes
6. Strain it and add jaggery to taste
7. Drink it warm, preferably in the morning or after meals

I usually suggest my clients make a batch of powder on Sunday so it’s ready for the week. For more healthy pregnancy recipes, check out our blog.

When I Don’t Recommend It

There are some situations where I advise my clients to avoid or limit sukku malli coffee:​

• If you have a history of miscarriage or preterm labor – Let’s discuss this in your consultation first
• If you’re dealing with severe acid reflux – The ginger might make it worse, so we’ll need alternatives
• If you’re on blood-thinning medications – We need to be careful about ginger’s effects
• If you have hyperemesis gravidarum – This severe nausea needs medical treatment, not just home remedies

My Professional Advice to You

I want you to think of sukku malli coffee as a supportive drink, not a magic cure. Listen to your body—if something doesn’t feel right, stop and contact me. What works beautifully for one of my clients might not be perfect for you, and that’s completely normal.

I also always stress the importance of pairing this with proper nutrition. In my practice, I’ve noticed that women who drink sukku malli coffee alongside a balanced pregnancy diet—whole grains, adequate protein, colorful vegetables—feel better overall during pregnancy. The drink is just one piece of the puzzle.

And please, don’t forget to stay hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day. I can’t emphasize this enough! Read more about hydration during pregnancy on our blog.

My Final Thoughts for You

Sukku malli coffee can be a wonderful, safe addition to your pregnancy routine when used mindfully. I’ve seen it help countless women manage morning sickness and digestive discomfort. But remember, every pregnancy is unique.

That’s why I encourage you to book a consultation with me. We can discuss your specific health conditions, medications, and create a personalized nutrition plan that includes drinks like sukku malli coffee if appropriate for you.

Your health and your baby’s health are my top priorities. Let’s work together to make sure you have the most comfortable, nourishing pregnancy possible! Explore our pregnancy nutrition services to learn more about how I can support you.