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Usage Note

• Nutrition data are calculated per 100g of food weight.
• Click on column header to sort foods by name or by nutrient content. Click again to reverse sort order.
• Click on a number in table footer to go to a particular page.

Choose nutrition data to display

• Check or uncheck the nutrients in list below to choose which nutrition data to display.
• Abbreviations: g = gram, mg = milligram, mcg = microgram, kcal = kilocalorie, kJ = kilojoule.

Calories (kcal)
Energy (kJ)
Protein (g)
Fat (g)
Carbohydrate (g)
Caffeine (mg)
Theobromine (mg)

Theobromine

Theobromine (theobromide), also known as xantheose, is a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant, with the chemical formula C7H8N4O2. It is found in chocolate, as well as in a number of other foods, including the leaves of the tea plant, and the kola (or cola) nut. It is in the methylxanthine class of chemical compounds, which also includes the similar compounds theophylline and caffeine. (In caffeine, the only difference is that the NH group of theobromine is an N-CH3 group.) Despite its name, the compound contains no bromine—theobromine is derived from Theobroma, the name of the genus of the cacao tree, (which itself is made up of the Greek roots theo ("God") and broma ("food"), meaning "food of the gods") with the suffix -ine given to alkaloids and other basic nitrogen-containing compounds.

Theobromine is a slightly water-soluble (330 mg/L), crystalline, bitter powder; the color has been listed as either white or colorless. It has a similar, but lesser, effect than caffeine in the human nervous system, making it a lesser homologue. Theobromine is an isomer of theophylline, as well as paraxanthine. Theobromine is categorized as a dimethyl xanthine.

Effects of Theobromine on Humans

The amount of theobromine found in chocolate is small enough that chocolate can, in general, be safely consumed by humans. However, theobromine poisoning may result from the chronic or acute consumption of large quantities, especially in the elderly.

While theobromine and caffeine are similar in that they are related alkaloids, theobromine is weaker in both its inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases and its antagonism of adenosine receptors. Therefore, theobromine has a lesser impact on the human central nervous system than caffeine. However, theobromine stimulates the heart to a greater degree. While theobromine is not as addictive, it has been cited as possibly causing addiction to chocolate. Theobromine has also been identified as one of the compounds contributing to chocolate's reputed role as an aphrodisiac.

As it is a myocardial stimulant as well as a vasodilator, it increases heartbeat, yet it also dilates blood vessels, causing a reduced blood pressure. However, a recent paper published suggested that the decrease in blood pressure may be caused by flavanols. Furthermore, its draining effect allows it to be used to treat cardiac failure, which leads to and is exacerbated by an excessive accumulation of fluid in the body.

A 2004 study published by Imperial College London concluded that theobromine has an antitussive (cough-reducing) effect superior to codeine by suppressing vagus nerve activity. In addition, theobromine is helpful in treating asthma, since it relaxes the smooth muscles, including the ones found in the bronchi.

A study conducted in Utah between 1983 and 1986, and published in 1993, showed a possible association between theobromine and an increased risk of suffering from prostate cancer in older men. This association was not found to be linear for aggressive tumors. While the association may be spurious, it is plausible. Prenatal and infant exposure to theobromine appeared possibly associated with hypospadias and testicular cancer in one population study.

As with caffeine, theobromine can cause sleeplessness, tremors, restlessness, anxiety, as well as contribute to increased production of urine. Additional side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

Food Sources of Theobromine

Theobromine is the primary alkaloid found in cocoa and chocolate. Cocoa powder can vary in the amount of theobromine, from 2% theobromine to at least 10%. There are usually higher concentrations in dark than in milk chocolate. Theobromine can also be found in small amounts in the kola nut (1.0–2.5%), the guarana berry, Holly berries, Ilex guayusa, Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate), and the tea plant. 1 oz of milk chocolate contains approximately 60 mg of theobromine but 1 oz of dark chocolate contains about 200 mg. In general, theobromine levels are higher in dark chocolates (approximately 1%) than in milk chocolates (0.1–0.5%). Higher quality chocolate tends to contain more theobromine than lower quality chocolate. Cocoa beans naturally contain approximately 1–4% theobromine.

Foods Highest in Theobromine Content

Theobromine content is in mg per 100 g of food weight.

Theobromine

Foods Rich in Theobromine (100 g)

2634

Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened, processed with alkali

2445

Cocoa, dry powder, hi-fat or breakfast, processed with alkali

2057

Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened

1763

Cocoa, dry powder, hi-fat or breakfast, plain

1597

Baking chocolate, unsweetened, liquid

1297

Baking chocolate, unsweetened, squares

833

Dairy drink mix, chocolate, reduced calorie, with low-calorie sweeteners, powder

802

Chocolate, dark, 70-85% cacao solids

658

Cocoa mix, no sugar added, powder

632

Chocolate, dark, 60-69% cacao solids

608

Beverage, instant breakfast powder, chocolate, sugar-free, not reconstituted

596

Puddings, chocolate flavor, low calorie, regular, dry mix

515

Candies, chocolate, dark, NFS (45-59% cacao solids 90%; 60-69% cacao solids 5%; 70-85% cacao solids

493

Chocolate, dark, 45- 59% cacao solids

486

Candies, semisweet chocolate

486

Candies, semisweet chocolate, made with butter

473

Puddings, chocolate flavor, low calorie, instant, dry mix

430

Cookies, chocolate sandwich, with creme filling, regular

426

Candies, sweet chocolate

424

Chocolate-flavor beverage mix for milk, powder, without added nutrients

424

Desserts, rennin, chocolate, dry mix

368

Candies, dark chocolate coated coffee beans

363

Cookies, graham crackers, chocolate-coated

362

Puddings, chocolate, dry mix, regular

356

Cake, chocolate, dry mix, regular

345

Malted drink mix, chocolate, with added nutrients, powder

345

Malted drink mix, chocolate, powder

324

Coffee and cocoa (mocha) powder, with whitener and low calorie sweetener, decaffeinated

323

Cocoa mix, powder

Theobromine

Foods Rich in Theobromine (100 g)

294

Coffee, instant, with sugar, mocha-flavor, powder

290

Beverage, instant breakfast powder, chocolate, not reconstituted

277

Chocolate-flavor beverage mix for milk, powder, with added nutrients

247

Syrups, chocolate, fudge-type

245

Puddings, chocolate, dry mix, instant

242

Cake mix, pudding, dry, german chocolate

240

Cake, marble, dry mix, pudding-type

238

Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, MILKY WAY Midnight Bar

231

Baking chocolate, mexican, squares

230

Chocolate-flavored hazelnut spread

223

Cookies, chocolate wafers

215

Cake, snack cakes, creme-filled, chocolate with frosting

215

Cake, chocolate, commercially prepared with chocolate frosting, in-store bakery

212

Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, TWIX chocolate fudge cookie bars

207

Cake, chocolate, dry mix, pudding-type

205

Candies, milk chocolate

203

Candies, milk chocolate, with rice cereal

198

Candies, MR. GOODBAR Chocolate Bar

195

Syrups, chocolate, HERSHEY'S Genuine Chocolate Flavored Lite Syrup

190

Chocolate syrup

188

Frostings, chocolate, creamy, dry mix

185

Candies, sweet chocolate coated fondant

183

Candies, milk chocolate, with almonds

178

Candies, milk chocolate coated coffee beans

169

Cookies, chocolate sandwich, with extra creme filling

168

Candies, NESTLE, CRUNCH Bar and Dessert Topping

166

Pie crust, cookie-type, prepared from recipe, chocolate wafer, chilled

159

Cookies, marshmallow, chocolate-coated (includes marshmallow pies)

152

Candies, truffles, prepared-from-recipe

150

Candies, chocolate covered, dietetic or low calorie

146

Frostings, chocolate, creamy, dry mix, prepared with butter

Theobromine

Foods Rich in Theobromine (100 g)

145

Frostings, chocolate, creamy, dry mix, prepared with margarine

145

Candies, milk chocolate coated peanuts

143

Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, M&M's Milk Chocolate Candies

139

Candies, fudge, chocolate marshmallow, prepared-from-recipe

136

Cereals ready-to-eat, chocolate-flavored frosted puffed corn

136

Cereals ready-to-eat, MALT-O-MEAL, COCO-ROOS

130

Candies, MOUNDS Candy Bar

130

Candies, fudge, chocolate, prepared-from-recipe

129

Candies, fudge, chocolate marshmallow, with nuts, prepared-by-recipe

127

Cookies, chocolate chip, prepared from recipe, made with margarine

122

Ice cream sandwich

122

Candies, milk chocolate coated raisins

120

Ice creams, chocolate, rich

119

Candies, NESTLE, BABY RUTH Bar

116

Candies, KIT KAT Wafer Bar

113

Candies, chocolate covered, caramel with nuts

112

Candies, fudge, chocolate, with nuts, prepared-from-recipe

108

Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies

106

Snacks, granola bar, KASHI GOLEAN, crunchy, mixed flavors

106

Frozen yogurts, chocolate, nonfat milk, sweetened without sugar

106

Frozen yogurts, chocolate

106

Frozen yogurts, chocolate, soft-serve

106

Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, 3 MUSKETEERS Bar

104

Chocolate-flavor beverage mix, powder, prepared with whole milk

100

Cream substitute, flavored, liquid

100

Pie Crust, Cookie-type, Chocolate, Ready Crust

100

Candies, WHATCHAMACALLIT Candy Bar

99

Formulated bar, ZONE PERFECT CLASSIC CRUNCH BAR, mixed flavors

98

Frostings, glaze, chocolate, prepared-from-recipe, with butter, NFSMI Recipe No. C-32

97

Cereals, MALT-O-MEAL, chocolate, dry

95

NABISCO, NABISCO SNACKWELL'S Fat Free Devil's Food Cookie Cakes

Theobromine

Foods Rich in Theobromine (100 g)

92

Cream substitute, flavored, powdered

91

Cookies, chocolate chip, dry mix

89

Waffles, chocolate chip, frozen, ready-to-heat

85

Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, SNICKERS Bar

83

Cookies, chocolate chip, commercially prepared, regular, higher fat, enriched

83

Fast foods, cookies, chocolate chip

83

Cake, snack cakes, cupcakes, chocolate, with frosting, low-fat

83

Cookies, chocolate chip, commercially prepared, regular, higher fat, unenriched

79

Candies, 5TH AVENUE Candy Bar

79

Frostings, chocolate, creamy, ready-to-eat

79

Fast foods, brownie

78

Cookies, brownies, commercially prepared

77

Cookies, sugar wafers with creme filling, regular

75

Candies, TOOTSIE ROLL, chocolate-flavor roll

75

Candies, caramels, chocolate-flavor roll

73

Dairy drink mix, chocolate, reduced calorie, with aspartame, powder, prepared with water and ice

73

Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, M&M's Almond Chocolate Candies

72

Cookies, chocolate chip, refrigerated dough

72

Candies, REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups

71

Tea, instant, unsweetened, powder

70

Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, TWIX Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

70

Puddings, chocolate, ready-to-eat

70

Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, TWIX Caramel Cookie Bars

69

Ice cream, soft serve, chocolate

69

Milk dessert bar, frozen, made from lowfat milk

69

Ice creams, chocolate, light

68

Milk, chocolate beverage, hot cocoa, homemade

67

Formulated bar, LUNA BAR, NUTZ OVER CHOCOLATE

64

Chocolate syrup, prepared with whole milk

64

Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, MILKY WAY Bar

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