Theobromine and Chocolate | Hershey Nutrition and Wellness
The cocoa bean is nature’s most concentrated source of theobromine, a compound closely related to caffeine. But unlike caffeine, theobromine has only a mild stimulatory effect on the central nervous system, but it has a slight diuretic action similar to caffeine. Research suggests that theobromine may even act as a cough suppressant, although the level tested was much higher than what is found in a typical dark chocolate. Preliminary research indicates that even relatively high levels of theobromine (400mg) does not interfere with attention or mood.
Due to its natural occurrence in cocoa beans, theobromine is also a component of all chocolate products, though the amount will vary depending on how much and which ingredients are used. Dark chocolates, unsweetened baking chocolate, and cocoa powder contain more theobromine than milk chocolates and chocolate syrups. For example, a 1.55 ounce (43 g) HERSHEY’S milk chocolate bar contains about 64 mg of theobromine. In comparison, the same weight of HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Mildly Sweet Chocolate contains about 188 mg of theobromine.
Dogs metabolize theobromine very slowly. As a result, theobromine can have a serious effect on the animal's heart, kidneys and central nervous system. It carries the same risk as does a dog's consumption of other common household items such as coffee, tea, cola beverages and certain houseplants.
Theobromine Content of Products |
Source | Serving | Theobromine1 |
HERSHEY'S Confectionery products |
HERSHEY'S COOKIES 'N' CRÉME Candy Bar | 1.55 oz (43g) | 20mg |
KIT KAT Wafer Bar | 1.5 oz (42g) | 39mg |
HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Chocolate | 9 pieces (41g) | 74mg |
HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Bar | 1.55 oz (43g) | 74mg |
HERSHEY'S Chocolate Bar with Almonds | 1.45 oz (41g) | 61mg |
MR. GOODBAR Candy Bar | 1.75 oz (49g) | 58mg |
REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups | 1.6 oz (45g) | 30mg |
REESE'S PIECES Candy | 1.63 oz (46g) | 0mg |
ROLO Caramels in Milk Chocolate | 7 pieces (42g) | 25mg |
SKOR Toffee Bar | 1.4 oz (39g) | 22mg |
HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Mildly Sweet
Chocolate Bar | 1.45 oz (41g) | 184mg |
HERSHEY'S Grocery Products |
HERSHEY'S Chocolate Syrup | 2 Tbsp (39g) | 70mg |
HERSHEY'S WHOPPERS Chocolate Malt Syrup | 2 Tbsp (39g) | 47mg |
HERSHEY'S Lite Syrup | 2 Tbsp (39g) | 61mg |
HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE SHOPPE Topping | 2 Tbsp (37g) | 45mg |
HERSHEY'S Chocolate Milk | 1 cup (240ml) | 36-45mg |
HERSHEY'S Cocoa | 1 Tbsp (5g) | 108mg |
HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Baking Bar | 1 Tbsp (15g) | 58mg |
HERSHEY'S Unsweetened Baking Chocolate | 1/2 bar (14g) | 161mg |
References
1 The amount of theobromine varies due to growing conditions and cocoa bean variety. Hershey's flavors and quality are maintained with cocoa beans purchased from various cocoa producing countries.