Is chocolate high in caffeine?

Eating chocolate may give your energy levels a well-deserved boost during the day, but the fact is that most chocolate only contains a very small amount of caffeine. Theobromine, the compound found in cocoa beans, is actually the mild stimulant which is responsible for that uplifting feeling high quality chocolate brings. It has a more gentle effect on your body as opposed to caffeine which is commonly known for increasing alertness.

The amount of caffeine you consume in your chocolate will depend on certain factors such as the cocoa percentage, origin and quality of the beans and how carefully they were processed after harvest. The higher the amount of cocoa solids in a piece of chocolate, the higher the caffeine content. So if you are looking for something to perk you up during the working day try having a few pieces of good quality dark chocolate –guilt-free!

Click here to read more features in our Great Chocolate Debate.