Cafeina

Caffeine occurs naturally in coffee, tea, and to some degree, cocoa beans. However, cocoa beans contain a very small amount of caffeine (0.2-0.4%) compared to coffee which contains 1.2-1.4%.

Theobromine is is also found in cocoa beans (1.5-3%). Theobromine is a molecule from the same family as caffeine and is a mild stimulant and is said to contribute towards the typically bitter taste of cocoa.

Levels vary greatly in chocolate products depending on the amount of cocoa solids. More cocoa is used in darker chocolate therefore the level of theobromine is higher the darker and higher cocoa solids chocolate you buy.

Assuming standard drinks:

• Cocoa Powder will contain 0.7mg of caffeine and 5mg theobromine per cup (~190g)
• Hot Chocolate will contain 2mg of caffeine and 18mg of theobromine per cup (~190g)

By way of comparison, here are the caffeine contents of some other drinks:

• tea ranged from less than 1 mg to 90 mg of caffeine per serving (mean 40 mg)*
• instant coffee ranged from 21 mg to 120 mg of caffeine per serving (mean 54 mg)*
• ground coffee ranged from 15 mg to 254 mg of caffeine per serving (mean 105 mg)*