Is there caffeine in hot chocolate? When I was a kid, my parents used to always tell me that hot chocolate had caffeine in it. They said that’s why I always felt so energetic after drinking it. But as I grew older and started doing my research, I realized that most hot chocolate is caffeine-free! So if you’re looking for a delicious and comforting drink that won’t give you the jitters, hot chocolate is a great choice.
Table of Contents
Is There Caffeine in Hot Chocolate?
Chocolate has caffeine. So is there caffeine in hot chocolate drinks?
Hot chocolate does have a small amount of caffeine. But the level of caffeine in hot cocoa is lower than in coffee or black tea.
Does Hot Cocoa Have More Caffeine Than Coffee?
Hot chocolate has significantly less amount of caffeine than regular brewed or instant coffee and most teas.
A cup of coffee has about 100mg of caffeine, while a cup of hot chocolate has about 5 mg. A cup of very chocolaty hot cocoa can contain up to 25 mg of caffeine. And a cup of mocha can have up to 150 mg of caffeine.
While hot chocolate has significantly lesser amounts of caffeine than coffee and tea, it has more caffeine than decaffeinated beverages.
Can You Remove Caffeine From Hot Chocolate?
The small amount of coffee in a cup of hot cocoa is barely noticeable. It’s unlikely to keep you awake at night or give you an upset stomach.
As long as you’re careful to avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and energy drinks, you can consume as much hot chocolate as you want.
If you’re trying to avoid coffee, but still want to enjoy a sweet treat, try some white hot chocolate. White chocolate doesn’t contain cocoa, so it won’t have any caffeinated effects. You can find some pre-made versions from brands like Ghirardelli.
Which Type of Chocolate is Low in Caffeine?
Dark chocolate contains 12 milligrams of caffeine per ounce, while milk chocolate contains 9 milligrams of caffeine per 1.5-ounce serving.
In white chocolate, there is zero caffeine.
Caffeine in Chocolate
The significant difference in the caffeine content of coffee compared to that of hot cocoa is quite clear.
When it comes to caffeine, hot chocolate has about one-fifth the amount that you would find in a cup of coffee. So if you’re looking for a drink with a little bit of a caffeine kick, coffee is the way to go.
A refreshing beverage made with real fruit and green coffee is another alternative.
There are many flavors of drinks to choose from, including Very Berry Hibiscus, Cool Lime, Strawberry Acai, and many more. All of the drinks have around 60-80 calories and 12-16 grams of sugar.
Most Starbucks Frappuccinos don’t contain coffee, and therefore, they don’t contain caffeine.
A 16 oz. cup of Starbucks hot chocolate contains 25 mg of caffeine.
Cocoa mixes are usually lower in caffeine than pure cocoa powder. A standard packet of hot cocoa contains 5 mg of caffeine.
The Starbucks refreshers, which are advertised as having 60 mg of coffee, have 165 mg more.
While a grande refresher from Starbucks has 60 mg of caffeine, a 330 mg cup of coffee has 30 times as much.
How Much Caffeine is in a Bar of Chocolate?
If you eat 3.5 ounces of very dark chocolate (70-85%), you’ll consume about 80 mg of caffeine.
While a cup of hot cocoa has about 9 mg of caffeine, a similar-sized piece of chocolate has about 20.
The side effects of caffeine have been debated for decades, with concerns ranging from nervousness to anxiety and a shaky tummy.
The amount of caffeine varies significantly between beverages and brands. You know there is caffeine in coffee but you also should know how much caffeine is in hot chocolate and how that compares to caffeinated coffee.
Tea, coffee, and energy drinks all contain caffeine, a stimulant that is also found in certain painkillers.
Most caffeinated beverages have been processed enough to hide the bitter flavor.
Conclusion
So, is there caffeine in hot chocolate? Yes, there is, but very minimal compared to coffee. Hot chocolate is a delicious and comforting drink that won’t give you the jitters. So go ahead and enjoy a cup (or two!) without having to worry about an energy crash later on.