Tag: Dark cacao

Despite its bitter taste, all commercially sold dark chocolate contains some amount of sugar, with the only exception being 100% cacao products, which contain no added sweeteners. This often misunderstood aspect of its composition is key to understanding its place in a healthy diet.

While pure cacao is naturally dairy-free, a 2025 review of food labels reveals that many commercial dark chocolate products contain added milk ingredients for texture and flavor. This means that for anyone avoiding dairy, the answer to 'Is dark cacao dairy free?' requires a careful look at the label.

According to the USDA, a tablespoon of raw cacao powder contains approximately 12 milligrams of caffeine. So, does dark cacao have caffeine? The answer is a clear yes, but the story is more complex than a simple 'yes or no' and reveals why its energy effect is so different from other stimulants.