Top 10 Chocolate Products Highest in Theobromine
Theobromine is an alkaloid chemical primarily found in the cocoa plant, though also to a lesser extent in tea leaves and the cola nut. Cocoa and chocolate are the main foods high in theobromine.
Theobromine acts somewhat like caffeine in the body, and can be considered a stimulant. (1,2)
Theobromine in moderate amounts also improves mood and lowers blood pressure. (2) Cocoa and chocolate are also very high in potassium, adding to their potential to help with hypertension (high blood pressure).
Healthy chocolate products high in theobromine include cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and dark chocolate. Less desirable sources include semisweet chocolate, chocolate candy, chocolate wafers, and hot chocolate mixes.
There is no set daily value or adequate intake for theobromine, however, 250mg is a good daily target for adults, with any higher amount leading to negative mood. (3) Also, avoid giving chocolate to dogs and cats, as it is toxic to them. (4)
Below are the top 10 chocolate products highest in theobromine.
-
1. Baking Chocolate (Unsweetened)
Theobromine
per 1oz SquareTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories376mg 1297mg 404mg -
2. Dark Chocolate (70-85% Cocoa)
Theobromine
per 1oz SquareTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories228mg 802mg 268mg -
3. Dark Chocolate (60-69% Cocoa)
Theobromine
per 1oz SquareTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories179mg 632mg 218mg -
4. Sweet Chocolate Candies
Theobromine
per 1.5oz BarTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories175mg 426mg 168mg -
5. Hot Cocoa
Theobromine
per CupTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories170mg 68mg 177mg -
6. Dark Chocolate Coated Coffee Beans
Theobromine
per oz(28 Beans)Theobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories147mg 368mg 136mg -
7. Cocoa Powder
Theobromine
per TblspTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories142mg 2634mg 2395mg -
8. Dark Chocolate (45-59% Cocoa)
Theobromine
per 1oz SquareTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories140mg 493mg 181mg -
9. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Theobromine
per 1oz HandfulTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories138mg 486mg 203mg -
10. Chocolate Wafers
Theobromine
per WaferTheobromine
per 100gTheobromine
per 200 Calories21mg 354mg 164mg
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Related
Data Sources and References
- Lieberman HR, Tharion WJ, Shukitt-Hale B, Speckman KL, Tulley R. Effects of theobromine and caffeine on mood and vigilance Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2002 Nov;164(3):250-61. doi: 10.1007/s00213-002-1217-9. Epub 2002 Sep 5. 12424548
- Lieberman HR, Tharion WJ, Shukitt-Hale B, Speckman KL, Tulley R. Differential contributions of theobromine and caffeine on mood, psychomotor performance and blood pressure Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2002 Nov;164(3):250-61. doi: 10.1007/s00213-002-1217-9. Epub 2002 Sep 5. 12424548
- Shively CA, Tarka SM Jr. The relevance of theobromine for the beneficial effects of cocoa consumption Prog Clin Biol Res. 1984;158:149-78. 6396642
- Becker J, Brutlag AG, Hovda L, Rendahl A, Tart KM. Chocolate ingestion in dogs: 156 events (2015-2019) J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2023 May-Jun;33(3):348-353. doi: 10.1111/vec.13282. Epub 2023 Mar 12. 36908194
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