Does Hot Cocoa Have Caffeine In It? The Complete Guide

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, one tablespoon of raw cacao powder contains about 12 milligrams of caffeine. Yes, hot cocoa does have caffeine in it, but the amount is much lower than what you'd find in a typical cup of coffee or tea. This guide explains everything you need to know about the caffeine content of your favorite chocolatey beverage.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the caffeine content in hot cocoa, explaining its origins in cacao beans and how the amount varies based on the type and processing of the chocolate used. It also compares hot cocoa to other beverages and discusses the effects of theobromine, another natural stimulant found in cocoa.

Key Points

Caffeine Origin: The caffeine in hot cocoa comes from cacao beans, a natural ingredient in all chocolate and cocoa powder.
Small Amount: Hot cocoa contains significantly less caffeine than coffee or tea, typically only 5–15 mg per standard cup.
Influential Factors: The amount of caffeine is affected by the type of chocolate (dark has more), the cocoa processing (raw has more), and the serving size.
Theobromine's Role: Cocoa also contains theobromine, a milder stimulant that provides a gentle, sustained energy lift without the jitters.
Alternative Options: Caffeine-free hot beverage options include white hot chocolate or drinks made with carob powder.

The Origin of Caffeine in Hot Cocoa

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in the cacao bean, which is the primary ingredient used to make cocoa powder and chocolate. When these beans are processed, the caffeine is retained in the cocoa solids, not the cocoa butter. Therefore, any hot beverage made with cocoa powder or chocolate will contain some amount of caffeine. The level, however, depends heavily on the amount and type of cocoa solids present.

How Much Caffeine Is In Hot Cocoa?

While it's true that hot cocoa contains caffeine, the amount is usually quite small compared to other popular caffeinated beverages. A standard 8-ounce cup of hot cocoa made from a commercial mix, like Swiss Miss, contains roughly 5 mg of caffeine. A richer, homemade hot chocolate using high-quality cacao powder might contain 10-25 mg of caffeine per cup, while a larger, more chocolate-heavy option from a coffee shop could have up to 25 mg or more.

The Role of Theobromine

In addition to caffeine, cacao beans also contain another mild stimulant called theobromine. Theobromine is related to caffeine but has a gentler, more prolonged effect on the body, primarily affecting the cardiovascular system rather than the central nervous system. The combination of theobromine and the small amount of caffeine in hot cocoa can create a subtle, mood-enhancing effect without the jitters or sudden crash associated with high-caffeine drinks.

Factors Influencing Caffeine Content

Several factors can influence the final caffeine content of a cup of hot cocoa:

Type of chocolate: Dark chocolate contains more cocoa solids than milk chocolate and, consequently, has a higher caffeine content. White chocolate, which is made from cocoa butter and no cocoa solids, is naturally caffeine-free.
Processing: Raw cacao powder, which undergoes minimal processing, retains a higher concentration of natural compounds, including caffeine and theobromine, than highly-processed commercial cocoa powder.
Serving size: A larger mug or a stronger brew will contain more caffeine. Using more scoops of a hot cocoa mix will also increase the total amount of caffeine.
Bean origin: The caffeine levels can also vary depending on where the cacao beans were grown, with some regions yielding beans with naturally higher stimulant content.

Low-Caffeine and Caffeine-Free Options

For those who are sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid it entirely, there are several options to enjoy a cozy, chocolatey beverage:

White hot chocolate: Since it contains no cocoa solids, white chocolate is a naturally caffeine-free option.
Carob powder: Carob is a caffeine-free alternative to cocoa powder, offering a similar, earthy sweetness.
Decaffeinated mixes: Some brands offer decaffeinated hot cocoa mixes, providing the chocolate flavor without the caffeine.

Comparison Table: Caffeine in Hot Cocoa vs. Other Drinks

To put hot cocoa's caffeine content into perspective, here's how it compares to a few other common beverages:


Beverage	Serving Size (approx. 8 oz)	Typical Caffeine Content (mg)
Hot Cocoa (mix)	8 oz	5–15 mg
Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa	8 oz	Up to 25 mg
Brewed Coffee	8 oz	95–200 mg
Decaffeinated Coffee	8 oz	0–7 mg
Black Tea	8 oz	40–70 mg
Green Tea	8 oz	15–45 mg

Conclusion

So, does hot cocoa have caffeine in it? The answer is yes, but the quantity is so low for most commercial products that it's unlikely to have a significant stimulating effect. A cup of coffee, for example, typically contains over ten times more caffeine than a standard cup of hot cocoa. While dark chocolate and homemade varieties may have slightly higher levels, it remains a gentle alternative for those who enjoy a warm beverage without the intense jolt of other caffeinated drinks. For individuals with high caffeine sensitivity, or for children, it's always wise to be mindful of intake, but for most people, hot cocoa can be enjoyed as a soothing, low-stimulant treat.

For more detailed information on nutrition, you can consult authoritative sources like Harvard's nutrition portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, hot cocoa will not keep you awake. The caffeine content is so low that it is unlikely to disrupt sleep unless you are extremely sensitive to stimulants or drink a very large, strong cup close to bedtime.

No, white chocolate hot cocoa does not contain caffeine. This is because white chocolate is made from cocoa butter, milk, and sugar, and does not contain any cocoa solids, which is where the caffeine is found.

Yes, hot cocoa is generally safe for children in moderation. The low caffeine content is far less than in coffee or energy drinks, but parents should still monitor total caffeine intake from all sources.

Yes, hot cocoa made with dark chocolate contains more caffeine than milk chocolate versions. This is because dark chocolate has a higher percentage of cocoa solids, where the caffeine is located.

In moderation, hot cocoa is generally considered safe during pregnancy. The amount of caffeine is very low, but pregnant women should still track their total daily caffeine intake from all sources to stay under the recommended 200mg limit.

Both are stimulants found in cocoa, but theobromine has a milder, longer-lasting effect on the cardiovascular system. Caffeine, on the other hand, is a stronger stimulant that more directly affects the central nervous system.

Yes, processed cocoa powder typically has less caffeine. The high-heat processing used to create it can reduce the caffeine content by 20–30% compared to raw cacao powder.