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Food

What is Caffeine Free Chocolate?

By Janis Adams
Updated May 16, 2024
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Caffeine free chocolate is chocolate that has had the large majority of caffeine removed from it. Unfortunately, there is no chocolate that is entirely devoid of caffeine. Caffeine is naturally part of the cocoa bean, which is related to the coffee bean, from which all chocolate is made. The percentage of caffeine found within chocolate largely varies by variety and also by manufacturer. However, in comparison to coffee, chocolate is quite low in caffeine. There is less caffeine in a 2-oz bar of chocolate than a cup of decaffeinated coffee.

Caffeine is an alkaloid found naturally in beans and the fruit and leaves of some plants. Caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant, which means that it reacts within the nervous system, causing altered moods and perceptions. Chocolate beans naturally contain caffeine. Due to the side effects of caffeine, a caffeine free chocolate is quite desirable.

According to the type of chocolate one chooses, the amount of caffeine varies. So while there is no caffeine free chocolate, there are definitely some types of chocolates that have less caffeine than others. Caffeine in chocolate that is unsweetened or is semi-sweet usually contains about 5 to 10 milligrams of caffeine per ounce. Caffeine in chocolate with milk added is usually measured at approximately 5 milligrams or less per ounce. As the chocolate gets darker, generally the percentage of caffeine is present in higher amounts.

For those having difficulty finding caffeine free chocolate, the most popular and well-known alternative to chocolate is carob, which contains no caffeine. Prior to processing, carob resembles a pea pod. Once it is processed, it is sold in a powder form, which can be directly substituted for chocolate in recipes. It is also made into carob candy bars and carob chips, which can be used in place of the caffeinated chocolate chip.

One of the reasons that a type of caffeine free chocolate is desired by many are the health benefits derived from chocolate. Cocoa has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine and up to three times of those found in the popular antioxidant-rich green tea. Dark chocolate, which contains the most caffeine per serving, also carries with it the most antioxidants. Consuming a moderate amount of chocolate is also said to be good for your heart. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. These health benefits are one of many other reasons caffeine free chocolate would prove to be of great benefit to a large number of people.

DelightedCooking is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
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Discussion Comments

By anon1006837 — On May 26, 2022

Chocolate has theobromine, which is a stimulant, but it is not caffeine.

By anon996255 — On Aug 01, 2016

Does this product actually exist?

By giddion — On Dec 30, 2012

@StarJo – Sure, I buy caffeine free hot chocolate at my grocery store! You should be able to find it with the regular hot chocolate drink mixes.

I was surprised when I came across it the first time. I never really consider chocolate's caffeine content before eating it, but just seeing this product made me more aware that I was getting caffeine from unexpected sources.

By StarJo — On Dec 30, 2012

I have totally quit caffeine, and I feel so much better than I did when I was drinking two cups of coffee and a soda every day. I would love to be able to enjoy some hot chocolate on a cold day, but I've been afraid of the caffeine content.

Does anyone know if there is such a thing as caffeine free hot chocolate? Would I have to buy it from a coffee shop, or could I find it in a grocery store?

My sister's kids will be coming over sometime during the winter, and I know that after a day of playing in the snow, they are going to want hot chocolate. It will kill me if I can't have some with them!

By shell4life — On Dec 29, 2012

I am amazed to learn that caffeine free chocolate even exists! Of course, just as with decaffeinated teas and coffees, there is always just a little bit of caffeine that remains, so there is no true decaf anything.

By seag47 — On Dec 28, 2012

Dark chocolate has great health benefits, so I never considered the caffeine content to be a drawback. I suppose it would be for some people with certain conditions.

However, 5 to 10 milligrams is a very small amount of caffeine! The average cup of coffee has about a hundred milligrams, so I wouldn't think that the tiny amount in dark chocolate would be harmful to anyone, even those who have been told to avoid coffee.

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