Does Chocolate Have Caffeine Blog Post
Found in certain beans and nuts, caffeine is a stimulant almost everyone is familiar with. Caffeine is coffee’s key ingredient, and its unique properties can provide energy throughout the day. However, frequent chocolate-enjoyers may experience similar side effects, leading some to wonder if chocolate also includes caffeine.
Chocolate production begins with cacao pods, which grow in tropical climates. These seeds are large, only slightly smaller than the size of a football, and contain dozens of cacao beans inside. Chocolate is made by grinding and heating these beans and pairing it with additional cocoa butter and sugar.
Cacao Pod Growing on Tree
Like other tropical plants, the cacao seeds do contain caffeine, but the amount can vary. One determining factor for chocolate’s caffeine content is where the cacao pods were grown. Generally, cacao beans from South American countries have a higher caffeine content than usual.
How the chocolate is prepared can also significantly impact how much caffeine remains in the final product. The caffeine in chocolate comes from the cacao seeds, so the darker the chocolate is, the more caffeine is inside. Since white chocolate only contains cocoa butter and no cacao solids, it is the only chocolate that doesn’t include any caffeine at all.
How Much Caffeine Does Chocolate Have?
Even though the total amount of caffeine can vary, the total amount of caffeine is low. One serving of dark chocolate only provides roughly a quarter of the amount of caffeine inside one cup of coffee. Although it may be noticeable, the side effects of this low amount of caffeine will only last an hour or two.
Although chocolate only includes a small amount, caffeine has several important health benefits. The increase in energy can lead to better exercise performance and improving heart health. Those who enjoy the feeling of caffeine may also enjoy caffeinated treats such as chocolate-covered espresso beans.
Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans
Made in specialty revolving kettles, Dilettante’s Chocolate Espresso Beans feature couverture-quality chocolate and real roasted espresso beans. In each bite, experience a satisfying crunch from these mocha-like treats, alongside a decadent chocolate flavor.
Explore four delicious espresso bean varieties in Dilettante’s Espresso Bean Blend. This chocolate espresso bean assortment is made with white, dark, and milk chocolate blends and is the perfect solution to satisfy a sweet tooth.