Share on Pinterest Chocolate is a sweet treat often associated with an energy or mood boost. It’s derived from seeds found in the fruit of cacao trees, which grow near the equator. These seeds are often referred to as cocoa beans. Cocoa beans are removed from their shells, fermented, dried, and liquefied as part of the chocolate-making process. Chocolate contains a small amount of caffeine, as well as other substances that may help elevate mood or energy in some people. Commercially prepared chocolate products also contain added ingredients, such as sugar, vanilla, and lecithin.

The darker the chocolate, the higher the caffeine content When cocoa beans are liquefied, the resulting liquid contains cocoa butter and cocoa solids. Both are used to make chocolate, although the amounts differ based upon the type of chocolate. Caffeine is found in cocoa solids, but not in cocoa butter. You can usually determine the amount of caffeine in chocolate by how dark it is. The darker the chocolate, the more cocoa solids it contains. This increases the amount of caffeine it has per ounce. Since white chocolate contains only cocoa butter and no cocoa solids, it has zero caffeine. The amount of caffeine in chocolate products can vary, especially if additional caffeine is added in order to provide an energy boost. Added caffeine can be found in energy bars and other products that also contain chocolate. According to the United States Department of Agriculture: Dark chocolate contains 12 milligrams of caffeine per ounce.

of caffeine per ounce. Milk chocolate contains 9 milligrams of caffeine per 1.55 ounces.

of caffeine per 1.55 ounces. White chocolate contains zero caffeine.