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. (1,2)

Theobromine in moderate amounts also improves mood and lowers blood pressure. (2) Cocoa and chocolate are also very high in potassium, adding to their potential to help lower 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, as higher amounts can potentially lead to negative changes in mood. (3) Also, avoid giving chocolate to dogs and cats, as it is toxic to them. (4)

Below are the top 10 chocolate products highest in theobromine.

Chocolates High in Theobromine

• 1. Baking Chocolate (Unsweetened) + Add

  Theobromine per 1oz Square	Theobromine per 100g	Theobromine per 200 Calories
  376mg	1297mg	404mg

  Nutrition Facts for Unsweetened Baking Chocolate. (Source)
• 2. Dark Chocolate (70-85% Cocoa) + Add

  Theobromine per 1oz Square	Theobromine per 100g	Theobromine per 200 Calories
  228mg	802mg	268mg

  Nutrition Facts for Dark Chocolate (70-85% Cocoa). (Source)
• 3. Dark Chocolate (60-69% Cocoa) + Add

  Theobromine per 1oz Square	Theobromine per 100g	Theobromine per 200 Calories
  179mg	632mg	218mg

  Nutrition Facts for Dark Chocolate (60-69% Cocoa). (Source)
• 4. Sweet Chocolate Candies + Add

  Theobromine per 1.5oz Bar	Theobromine per 100g	Theobromine per 200 Calories
  175mg	426mg	168mg

  Nutrition Facts for Candies, sweet chocolate. (Source)
• 5. Hot Cocoa + Add

  Theobromine per Cup	Theobromine per 100g	Theobromine per 200 Calories
  170mg	68mg	177mg

  Nutrition Facts for Hot Cocoa. (Source)
• 6. Dark Chocolate Coated Coffee Beans + Add

  Theobromine per oz(28 Beans)	Theobromine per 100g	Theobromine per 200 Calories
  147mg	368mg	136mg

  Nutrition Facts for Candies, dark chocolate coated coffee beans. (Source)
• 7. Cocoa Powder + Add

  Theobromine per Tblsp	Theobromine per 100g	Theobromine per 200 Calories
  142mg	2634mg	2395mg

  Nutrition Facts for Cocoa Powder With Alkali. (Source)
• 8. Dark Chocolate (45-59% Cocoa) + Add

  Theobromine per 1oz Square	Theobromine per 100g	Theobromine per 200 Calories
  140mg	493mg	181mg

  Nutrition Facts for Dark Chocolate (45-59% Cocoa). (Source)
• 9. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips + Add

  Theobromine per 1oz Handful	Theobromine per 100g	Theobromine per 200 Calories
  138mg	486mg	203mg

  Nutrition Facts for Candies, semisweet chocolate. (Source)
• 10. Chocolate Wafers + Add

  Theobromine per Wafer	Theobromine per 100g	Theobromine per 200 Calories
  21mg	354mg	164mg

  Nutrition Facts for Cookies, chocolate wafers. (Source)

From the Nutrient Ranking Tool

Use the ranking tool links below to select foods and create your own food list to share or print.

• Foods High in Theobromine
• Foods Low in Theobromine
• Vegetarian Foods High in Theobromine
• Breakfast Cereals High in Theobromine

View more nutrients with the nutrient ranking tool, or see ratios with the nutrient ratio tool.

Related

• Foods and Drinks Highest in Caffeine
• High Sugar Foods
• High Potassium Foods
• High Sodium Foods

Data Sources and References

1. Lieberman HR, Tharion WJ, Shukitt-Hale B, Speckman KL, Tulley R. Effects of theobromine and caffeine on mood and vigilance Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2002 Nov;164(3):250-61. doi: 10.1007/s00213-002-1217-9. Epub 2002 Sep 5. 12424548
2. Lieberman HR, Tharion WJ, Shukitt-Hale B, Speckman KL, Tulley R. Differential contributions of theobromine and caffeine on mood, psychomotor performance and blood pressure Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2002 Nov;164(3):250-61. doi: 10.1007/s00213-002-1217-9. Epub 2002 Sep 5. 12424548
3. Shively CA, Tarka SM Jr. The relevance of theobromine for the beneficial effects of cocoa consumption Prog Clin Biol Res. 1984;158:149-78. 6396642
4. Becker J, Brutlag AG, Hovda L, Rendahl A, Tart KM. Chocolate ingestion in dogs: 156 events (2015-2019) J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2023 May-Jun;33(3):348-353. doi: 10.1111/vec.13282. Epub 2023 Mar 12. 36908194