Theobromine
The mild stimulant that gives chocolate its lift.
What is Theobromine?
Theobromine is a mild stimulant in the same family as caffeine, found mainly in cocoa and chocolate. It produces a gentler, longer-lasting lift than caffeine and contributes to chocolate's appeal. It is also the compound that makes chocolate dangerous for dogs and cats, who metabolize it very slowly.
Health benefits of Theobromine
- Provides a mild, smooth stimulant effect
- May help relax airways and support mood
- Comes alongside the antioxidant flavanols in cocoa
Top food sources of Theobromine
See full rankingCocoa, dark and milk chocolate, cocoa powder and, in small amounts, tea. Values shown per 100 g.
Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened, processed with alkali
2,634 mg
Cocoa, dry powder, hi-fat or breakfast, processed with alkali
2,445 mg
Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened
2,057 mg
Cocoa, dry powder, hi-fat or breakfast, plain
1,763 mg
Baking chocolate, unsweetened, liquid
1,597 mg
Baking chocolate, unsweetened, squares
1,297 mg
Dairy drink mix, chocolate, reduced calorie, with low-calorie sweeteners, powder
833 mg
Chocolate, dark, 70-85% cacao solids
802 mg
Cocoa mix, no sugar added, powder
658 mg
Chocolate, dark, 60-69% cacao solids
632 mg
Beverage, instant breakfast powder, chocolate, sugar-free, not reconstituted
608 mg
Puddings, chocolate flavor, low calorie, regular, dry mix
596 mg
How much Theobromine do you need?
There is no Daily Value. Intake is naturally limited by how much cocoa and chocolate you eat; darker chocolate contains more.
Theobromine deficiency
Theobromine is not an essential nutrient, so there is no such thing as a deficiency.
Can you have too much Theobromine?
Very large amounts can cause restlessness, headache or nausea in sensitive people. Keep all chocolate away from pets, for whom it is toxic.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Theobromine do?
Theobromine is a mild stimulant in the same family as caffeine, found mainly in cocoa and chocolate. It produces a gentler, longer-lasting lift than caffeine and contributes to chocolate's appeal. It is also the compound that makes chocolate dangerous for dogs and cats, who metabolize it very slowly.
How much Theobromine do I need per day?
There is no Daily Value. Intake is naturally limited by how much cocoa and chocolate you eat; darker chocolate contains more.
Which foods are highest in Theobromine?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened, processed with alkali, Cocoa, dry powder, hi-fat or breakfast, processed with alkali, Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened, Cocoa, dry powder, hi-fat or breakfast, plain, Baking chocolate, unsweetened, liquid.
What happens if I don't get enough Theobromine?
Theobromine is not an essential nutrient, so there is no such thing as a deficiency.
Can you have too much Theobromine?
Very large amounts can cause restlessness, headache or nausea in sensitive people. Keep all chocolate away from pets, for whom it is toxic.