Top 10 Chocolate Products Highest in Theobromine

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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.

Theobromine dilates blood vessels and causes increased urination, and as such, can be used to lower 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. An excess of 1000mg may lead to nervousness and headaches. (2,3) Also, avoid giving chocolate to dogs and cats. (4) See the warning section for more info.

Below are the top 10 chocolate products highest in theobromine.

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Theobromine Poison Warning

  • 800-1500mg of theobromine in one dose may lead to sweating, trembling and severe headaches. (3)
  • Theobromine is toxic in dogs and cats and can lead to death. Avoid giving pets chocolate. (4)

About the Data

Data for the curated food lists comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository.

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Data Sources and References

  1. U.S. Agricultural Research Service Food Data Central
  2. Differential contributions of theobromine and caffeine on mood, psychomotor performance and blood pressure.
  3. NIH Toxnet on Theobromine
  4. The British Medical Journal on Chocolate Poisoning.
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