Does Chocolate Have Caffeine?

Chocolate has been a beloved food in many cultures through the ages. One reason it’s so popular (besides its delicious flavor) is the mood boost a piece of chocolate can offer. That boost comes in part from a small dose of caffeine found in cocoa beans. Continue reading to learn more about how much caffeine is in the average chocolate bar.

How much caffeine is in chocolate?

The short answer to the question “Does chocolate contain caffeine?” is yes. However, the amount varies significantly depending on the type of chocolate. Chocolate is made from liquified cocoa beans, which contain both cocoa butter and cocoa solids. Cocoa solids are what contain caffeine. So, white chocolate—made from only cocoa butter—is a caffeine-free treat. Alternatively, dark chocolate contains the highest concentration of caffeine, since it has the most cocoa solids. 

Still, the amount of the stimulant found in chocolate is minimal compared to something like a cup of coffee. Where dark chocolate has about 29 milligrams of caffeine in a bar, a small cup of coffee has about 94 milligrams. Keep in mind that the way in which cocoa beans are processed and roasted can also affect how much caffeine a finished chocolate bar contains. 

Does chocolate give you an energy boost?

Chocolate can be a great go-to snack when you need a quick energy boost, not only because of a small dose of caffeine, but also thanks to theobromine. Theobromine is another type of stimulant, which also has anti-inflammatory qualities and can positively affect your mood by stimulating your nervous system. 

Can you have chocolate before bed?

Because chocolate does contain caffeine, you may be rethinking your habit of nibbling on a piece of chocolate before bedtime. However, unless you are particularly sensitive to stimulants, a small bite of chocolate in the evening should not have a big impact on your nightly sleep. Enjoy all the best qualities of chocolate with handcrafted chocolate bars from Zotter Chocolate. Explore our wide range of unique treats, classic chocolate bars, and drinking chocolate, which can all be delivered right to your door with our no-melt guarantee.