Lactation Cookies — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison

When you begin your breastfeeding journey, you have an idealized view that it’s going to be all cuddles and bonding — for much of the time, it is. But the reality is, problems, such as latching and low milk supply can occur. Lactation cookies offer you a convenient and appetizing way to provide your body with all the essentials to support a sufficient milk supply.

Top-Pick-Munchkin-Milkmakers-Lactation-Cookie-Bites

The best lactation cookies are designed to increase your milk supply while tasting amazing. They allow women to continue their breastfeeding journey where otherwise they may have had to supplement with formula. Offering a combo of key ingredients traditionally used to support breast milk production in cookie, bar or bake-at-home form — they can be a convenient snack option for breastfeeding moms. When choosing the best lactation cookies for you, consider the following: 

  • Top lactating ingredients.
  • Variety of flavors.
  • Number of servings per box.
  • Calories and nutritional value.

Product Rating: 4.6/5

Lactation Cookies Buying Guide

How to increase milk supply is a question that most nursing mothers ask at one time or another on their breastfeeding journey. Lactation cookies are one option that’s convenient and easy to use.

Deciding whether to try them or an alternative such as tea, gummies or supplements, shouldn’t be difficult. However, narrowing down the best ones for you may take a little trial and error. 

Let me explain.

What Is a Lactation Cookie?

You may well be asking yourself this question. They’re also called breastfeeding cookies. Whichever name you know them as, they’re packed full of nutrients to help nourish nursing mothers. They contain galactagogues — a group of ingredients linked to increasing milk supply.

Granted, lactation cookies aren’t the only way to provide your body with these milk-boosting nutrients, but they’re probably the most convenient and tastiest approach!

Pros of Using Lactation Cookies

  • Palate pleasing — they’re yummy! 
  • Anecdotal reports from nursing mothers who felt that lactation cookies boosted their milk supply.
  • A convenient snack that’s full of vitamins and minerals.

Cons of Using Lactation Cookies

  • Relying on galactagogues can interfere with your breastfeeding.
  • No scientific evidence to support that lactation cookies increase milk supply. 
  • Considered expensive to purchase.
  • Some can be high in calories and low in nutritional value.

What Types of Lactation Cookies Are There?

Cookies

To be honest, if you put a lactation cookie and a regular cookie side-by-side, as far as looks go, you probably wouldn’t notice any difference between them. And that’s the idea. 

However, they will contain galactagogues to help support your milk supply while you’re breastfeeding. Very often, they’re either individually wrapped or packaged in portions for convenience. 

Bake-At-Home

The bake-at-home option is still a quick option, even for busy mothers. You add a few wet ingredients, such as eggs and butter — and cook. 

You will yield more cookies for your money, and it could be fun if you have other children who like to help out in the kitchen. Once baked, the cookies can be stored in an air-tight container and will keep for a few days. 

Like the premade version, these contain the milk-boosting ingredients to support your supply.

Bars

For those nursing mothers that don’t like cookies — is this even possible? There is another choice, and that’s lactation bars. Essentially, they’re the same as cookies, just presented in a different way. 

Each bar is individually wrapped, so it’s super easy to pop in a diaper bag. You also have less chance of squashing them into a thousand pieces — like cookies. 

And, like cookies, the bars contain the same key galactagogue ingredients that promote a healthy milk supply.

What to Look for When Choosing a Lactation Cookie

Here are a few top tips to help you find the best lactation cookie for you and your little one.

Key Ingredients

You will find that there are a variety of different recipes, and each manufacturer has its own special blend. But there are a few key ingredients to be looking for — brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, and oats. All three are traditionally considered galactagogues and are important nutrients for breastfeeding mothers.

Variety of Flavors

If you’re going to be munching on one, two (or three if they’re that tasty) every day you’re going to want some variety in your life — or at least the option. 

Look for cookies that are available in two or three different flavors and that possibly offer the option of an assortment box.

Pack Size

If you plan on eating your lactation cookies as directed, you will need to consider that the average box will last around six to 10 days. 

Ask yourself whether you’ll remember to order each week, or can you buy them in bulk? 

Some companies offer a subscription service, whereas others supply in a multi-pack. Which would be more convenient for you?

Calories and Nutrition

Breastfeeding mothers need to consume an additional 450 to 500 calories per day in order to remain well-nourished. However, this isn’t a green light to eat everything in sight. You should still be mindful of the calories you consume. 

What’s more, while time is in short supply when you’re breastfeeding and lactation cookies do offer a quick and easy bite to eat. But, do try to avoid those that are simply a sugar-laden snack. 

Special Dietary Requirements

Do you have a gluten intolerance, diabetes or perhaps you’re keen to start that diet to shift those excess pounds? 

The good news is many lactation cookies are made with dietary requirements in mind. For example, if you’re following Keto, you may wish to consider keto friendly lactation cookies. Likewise, if you’re diabetic, opt for sugar free lactation cookies. 

Make sure your cookies are suitable for your diet, check the nutrition label for the finer details.

Our Picks of the Best Lactation Cookies

So that you can find the best cookies to help produce breast milk, I’ve put together some of my favorites.

Munchkin Milkmakers Lactation Cookie Bites

Munchkin Milkmakers are my number one lactation cookie. They contain all the traditional key ingredients used to help nursing mothers increase their milk supply — flaxseed, brewer’s yeast and oats.

With three flavors to choose from — chocolate salted caramel, oatmeal chocolate chip, and oatmeal raisin — there should be enough variety not to get bored.

All packs come with 10 single-serving bags, making them perfect for throwing in your diaper bag, car, or even in your nursing basket.

And, while Milkmakers contain zero preservatives or fenugreek, they do contain between 260 to 270 calories per serving. This is perfect for ensuring that nursing mothers get enough calories. However, if trying to lose baby weight is high on your priorities, overindulging could hamper your efforts. 

These mini-bite cookies are also suitable for anyone following a kosher diet.

Munchkin-Milkmakers-Lactation-Cookie-Bites

Product Rating: 4.6/5

Functionality: 87%
Design: 90%
Price 89%

PROS

  • Single serving packs.
  • Varied range of flavors.
  • Lactation consultant endorsed.
  • Preservative-free.

CONS

  • Not one of the best lactation cookies for dunking.

MilkBliss Soft Baked Lactation Cookies

Milkbliss cookies are made with all-natural, organic ingredients and are GMO-free, making them a great healthy cookie.

These cookies don’t contain fenugreek, blessed thistle, or goat’s rue, which may cause discomfort to either mom or baby. But they do include those all-important ingredients associated with supporting milk production, such as flaxseed, brewer’s yeast, and whole rolled oats.

Milkbliss cookies come individually wrapped for quick-snacking convenience. They’re available in three flavors — chocolate chip, peanut butter chip, and wild blueberry and are soft baked — perfect if you’re partial to a chewy cookie. The flavors can be purchased individually or as a variety box — great if you fancy a change.

MilkBliss-Dark-Chocolate-Chip

Product Rating: 4.5/5

Functionality: 85%
Design: 90%
Price 89%

PROS

  • Soft and chewy cookies.
  • Individually wrapped portion (x12).
  • Three flavors plus a variety box option.
  • Organic ingredients.

CONS

  • May not be firm enough for some moms.

MilkBliss Lactation Cookie Mix

If you’re a mom that loves to bake, the Milkbliss lactation cookie mix could be a suitable solution. All you need is the mix, plus one stick of butter, one egg, and one egg yolk — and voila! 

Each pack makes between 18 to 24 cookies or nine to 12 servings. This could be considered a far more economical way to make lactation cookies, which may appeal to those on a budget.

These are available in three flavors — oatmeal raisin, dark chocolate chip, and peanut butter chips. The mix is also available in a variety pack. All three packs are the same size and will make roughly the same amount of cookies.

One cookie contains between 120 to 140 calories, and it’s suggested two per day will boost lactation. Main ingredients include — organic oats and flaxseed, and non-GMO brewers yeast.

MilkBliss-Dark-Chocolate-Chip-Lactation-Cookie-Mix

Product Rating: 4.4/5

Functionality: 85%
Design: 90%
Price 85%

PROS

  • Makes 18 to 24 cookies.
  • Multi-pack option for added value for money.
  • Easy and convenient bake-at-home cookies.
  • Fenugreek-free.

CONS

  • Mix may not yield the suggested amount for some.

Boobie Bar Superfood Breastfeeding Bar

The Boobie bar not only offers an alternative to the traditional lactation cookie, but it’s also made with plant-based ingredients. This could appeal to those vegan moms who need a helping hand encouraging their milk supply. 

As they’re individually wrapped, it makes a perfect on-the-go snack — ideal for out and about scenarios.

One box contains six bars, and, according to Boobie, eating one per day is enough to increase lactation. And, calorie count ranges from 210 to 230 — depending on flavor, which includes peanut butter, blueberry muffin and oatmeal chocolate chip. 

However, regardless of taste, each bar contains organic oats and flaxseed, plus a galactagogue-based superfood blend, containing — turmeric, moringa leaf and shatavari root. 

The Boobie bar is also suitable for other dietary requirements, kosher, dairy and GMO-free.

Boobie-Bar-Superfood-Breastfeeding-Bar

Product Rating: 4.1/5

Functionality: 80%
Design: 82%
Price 80%

PROS

  • Individually wrapped bars — super convenient and portable.
  • Suitable for a wider range of dietary requirements.
  • Contains a superfood blend.

CONS

  • Some may experience excessive gas.

Mommy Knows Best Lactation Cookies — (Gluten-Free)

Whether you have celiac or an intolerance to gluten, these gluten-free oatmeal chocolate chip lactation cookies, made by Mommy Knows Best might be of interest. 

A box includes 10 individually wrapped milk production cookies containing gluten-free oats and flaxseed. Plus they’re also dairy-free, so they’re suitable if your baby has intolerances. 

One cookie equates to 280 calories, and it’s recommended that you eat one or two cookies per day to help milk production. 

These are one of only a few gluten free lactation cookies available to nursing mothers.

Lactation-Cookies-Breastfeeding-Supplement

Product Rating: 4.0/5

Functionality: 80%
Design: 79%
Price 80%

PROS

  • Great if you have a baby with intolerances.
  • Individually wrapped.
  • Dairy free lactation cookies.

CONS

  • Does contain coconut and almonds — not ideal for those with allergies.

Conclusion

Being a nursing or pumping mom can be exhausting, and it most definitely takes its toll on your body. This can affect your milk supply, and sometimes your body needs a little boost. This is where lactation cookies can help to increase it.

They offer a convenient and quick snack that’s full of all the traditional ingredients to help support a nursing mother. 

Before deciding on the right lactation cookie for you, check for key ingredients — flaxseed, brewer’s yeast, and oats. Next, consider the variety of flavors available — you could get bored of the same oatmeal lactation cookies day in and day out. Number of servings and how they’re packaged are other points to bear in mind. 

And, most importantly. Ensure you’ve taken into account any dietary needs you or your baby may have before picking the perfect lactation cookies for you.

Lactation Cookies FAQs

Do Lactation Cookies Really Work?

Currently, there are no direct scientific studies on lactation cookies, nor conclusive evidence surrounding the ingredients said to increase milk supply. But there are anecdotal reports from many women reporting they saw an increase in their milk supply after eating breastfeeding cookies.

When Should You Start Taking Lactation Cookies?

There is no reason that you shouldn’t start eating lactation cookies a few weeks before your due date. They will not cause any harm and help to provide moms-to-be with optimal nutrition. 

How Many Lactation Cookies Should I Eat a Day?

This may take a little bit of trial and error as it will very much depend on your body and your own personal milk supply. The usual amount of cookies is around one to two per day. This should be enough for you to notice an increase in your milk supply.

What Happens if a Man Eats Lactation Cookies?

If dad decides that he fancies munching down on one of your lactation cookies, don’t panic. The worst thing that will happen is he will get his sweet-treat fix and a delicious snack. He will not start lactating!

Does Brewers Yeast Really Increase Milk Supply?

For many years brewer’s yeast has been considered a galactagogue, meaning it’s a food, herb, or medication that’s said to increase milk supply in breastfeeding mothers — but the benefits are yet to be scientifically proven.

How Long Do Lactation Cookies Take To Work?

This does depend on the individual, and it will be different for everyone. But typically, you should see results within one to two days.

When To Eat Lactation Cookies?

You can start eating lactation cookies even before your baby is born. They are, after all, a tasty and nutritious treat. You could wait until after delivery or even until you notice a drop in your supply. There is no right or wrong time to start eating them.