Tag: Coffee vs chocolate

According to the National Coffee Association, the average 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine. This is significantly more than the amount of caffeine found in a typical serving of dark chocolate, despite both being popular for providing a stimulating effect.

According to USDA data, a one-ounce serving of dark chocolate with 70-85% cacao contains an average of 22.7 mg of caffeine. This article explores exactly how much caffeine is present in dark chocolate, examining the factors that influence its concentration and comparing it to other common caffeinated products.

According to a 1983 study published in the *Journal of Food Science*, analyses of coffee samples showed no detectable levels of theobromine. While coffee is renowned for its caffeine content, theobromine is primarily found in significant amounts in cacao and tea.

According to the USDA, a standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine, while a 1.55-ounce milk chocolate bar has around 9 mg. In short, coffee has significantly more caffeine than chocolate per typical serving, though the exact amount can vary dramatically based on the type and preparation.

While both coffee and chocolate contain caffeine, a single cup of coffee packs significantly more of the stimulant than a typical serving of chocolate. This dispels the common misconception that the two are comparable in their caffeine kick.

While both come from beans and offer an energy boost, coffee contains significantly more caffeine than chocolate. For instance, an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has about 95 milligrams of caffeine, while you would need to eat a large, high-cacao dark chocolate bar to get a comparable amount. The stimulating effect in chocolate is primarily from theobromine, a milder and longer-lasting compound.

According to scientific analysis, theobromine content in brewed coffee is essentially zero, or at most, a negligible trace amount. Unlike cocoa, the principal source of this compound, coffee beans contain very little theobromine, and most of that is removed during processing and brewing.

While both coffee and chocolate contain natural stimulants, the amount of caffeine is drastically different. The average 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains significantly more caffeine than even the highest percentage dark chocolate, making coffee the clear winner in terms of sheer stimulant content.

According to USDA data, a 1-ounce (28g) serving of dark chocolate with 70–85% cacao solids contains an average of 22.7 milligrams of caffeine. This means that for a 75% dark chocolate, the caffeine level is typically within this range, influenced by the cocoa bean's origin and specific processing.