Caffeine is an alkaloid from the methylxanthine group present in numerous seeds, grains and leaves of different plants. It is a stimulating substance, which affects the nervous system and also the metabolism, and may be present, to a greater or lesser degree, in chocolate.
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is a food rich in antioxidant substances and also in minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus or magnesium, but we must remember that cocoa has caffeine and this grain is its main ingredient. Do you want to know how much caffeine chocolate has?…
Does dark chocolate have caffeine?
Always taken in moderate amounts and as part of a balanced diet, dark chocolate is considered a particularly healthy food, because it is the one that includes the largest amounts of cocoa in its composition and, therefore, the richest in beneficial substances such as flavonoids, which help to curb the negative effects of free radicals, vitamins and minerals. This obvious benefit is offset by the fact that dark chocolate is also the most caffeinated.
Dark chocolates are made from the cocoa paste that is obtained from the grain and it must be taken into account that these cocoa beans contain between 0.1% and 0.7% caffeine, along with other substances such as theobromine or different types of tannins. The composition of these chocolates is variable and their percentage of pure cocoa usually ranges between 60 or 70% (the most common) and 90%. Depending on that percentage, dark chocolate will contain more or less caffeine.
To give you an idea, a portion of 1.5 ounces (about 50 grams) of dark chocolate 60% – 70% pure cocoa provides an approximate amount of 20 mg of caffeine and one of 80% can reach 30 – 40 mg or even more.
Does milk chocolate have caffeine?
Like dark chocolate, milk chocolate is made with a mixture of cocoa mass (solid element) and cocoa butter, but, in this case, a significant percentage of milk is also added. In general, milk chocolate is considered to be that which has a cocoa content of less than 50%, the most common being those with percentages between 35% and 45%.
As we have indicated, it is the cocoa that provides the caffeine and, therefore, since it is also present in milk chocolate, it has caffeine, although in lesser amounts. A bar of about 40 grams of a 45% cocoa milk chocolate will mean the intake of about 25 – 30 mg of caffeine. The higher the percentage of milk, the less presence of the stimulant alkaloid. An ounce of rich milk chocolate only contains between 3, 5 and 6 mg of caffeine.
Does white chocolate have caffeine?
It is a frequent doubt, especially when it comes to giving him that chocolate that the little ones like so much. White chocolate does not contain caffeine or theobromine because cocoa (cocoa paste as a solid element) is not used in its manufacture, but only cocoa butter, which is what makes it taste like chocolate when eaten. In fact, some master chocolatiers consider this type of chocolate almost like a sweet with a slight cocoa flavor, but not really chocolate. It should be noted that the fact that it does not contain caffeine does not make it healthier, because a high amount of sugar is used in its preparation.
Does chocolate make you sleepy?
In moderate amounts, chocolate is not a food that can cause insomnia if there are no previous sleep disorders, but it must be remembered that cocoa is a source of caffeine and theobromine, two substances with stimulating effects that activate the nervous system. Although, in general, its action is less powerful than that which can be triggered by a strong cup of coffee (always depending on the type of coffee and the grain with which it is made), it is true that drinking too much chocolate before bed could make it difficult to fall asleep of the dream.
The stimulating action of chocolate makes it a good ally when carrying out daily activities, especially in the morning (studies, work, sports…) but eat it before bed, even in the form of a good bowl of warm chocolate, It is not the most recommended because the risk of ending up sleepless exists and increases depending on the percentage of cocoa that includes that chocolate.
