Chocolates contain caffeine, but the amount contained depends on the variety and the serving size. However, the stimulating effect we get from eating chocolates, which is similar to drinking coffee, is not caffeine. The main ingredient in chocolates that gives us a natural high is called theobromine. It is known to have a longer effect on the nervous system compared to coffee. Promotes blood flow and brain activity. This is the reason why chocolates are lethal for animals because once they have eaten chocolates their nervous system goes crazy. On the other hand, humans can produce chemicals that work well with those found in chocolates.

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and is sometimes referred to as theine when found in teas. It is a xanthine alkaloid found in the leaves and beans of the coffee tree. Caffeine is found in small doses in cocoa and the kola nut, which is an ingredient in making colas. It is also an effective natural pesticide on plants that paralyzes and kills many insects. Chocolates, which are made from cocoa beans, contain small amounts of caffeine but do not provide the same effects compared to the caffeine found in coffee. Chocolate is also considered a stimulant due to its theophylline and theobromine content.

Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid found in the cocoa plant from which chocolates are made. It is also called xantheose and belongs to the methylxanthine class of chemical compounds similar to theophylline and caffeine. The name theobromine comes from Theobroma, which is a classification of the cacao tree. Although it is considered similar to caffeine, it has a lesser effect on our central nervous system. Theobromine is known to contribute to the belief that chocolates are an aphrodisiac and is known to increase the heartbeat and dilate blood vessels, thus helping to lower blood pressure. However, theobromine, which can be safely consumed by humans, is deadly to animals. Small dogs can be poisoned if they are fed chocolates of as little as 50 grams of chocolate.

The following is a table of caffeine and theobromine content found in chocolates:

Caffeine Theobromine

  • White chocolate 3 oz.bar or 1c, chips 0.0mg 0.0mg
  • Baking Chocolate, Unsweetened- 1 oz. 57.12mg 346.36mg
  • Semisweet Chocolate/Chocolate Chips- 1oz.17.57mg 137.78mg
  • Milk Chocolate – 1.55 oz bar 11,440 mg 74,360 mg
  • Cocoa mix – 1 packet/3 heaped teaspoons 5.040mg 169.68mg
  • Cocoa powder, unsweetened – 1 tablespoon 2,420mg 111,078mg

All of your favorite chocolate options contain caffeine, which is less than the average American cup of coffee at 75mg. per cup So while chocolates do contain a small amount of caffeine, the stimulant effect we get from eating them is not based on caffeine. Instead, it’s a natural high from a special chemical found in chocolates. This is certainly exciting news for anyone who feels good about eating chocolate.