Caffeine in chocolate: dark, milk, white, cocoa and hot chocolate
How much caffeine is in dark, milk and white chocolate, cocoa, hot chocolate and chocolate-covered coffee beans, per serving and per 100 g, from USDA data.
The 8 chocolate foods and drinks in our chart range from 2.5 mg (Chocolate milk, 1 cup (248 g)) to 335.6 mg (Dark chocolate-covered coffee beans, 28 pieces (40 g)), and 1 have no caffeine at all. For reference, Dark chocolate (70–85% cacao) has 22.7 mg per 1 oz (28.35 g).
Chocolate caffeine chart
Sorted from least to most caffeine. “Latest time” is when one serving would still leave no more than 50 mg at an 11:00 PM bedtime with average metabolism (how we calculate). Open a drink for its source, sizes and the fast-to-slow range.
| Drink | Serving | Caffeine | Strength | Latest time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White chocolate | 100 g | 0 mg | – | No caffeine |
| Chocolate milk | 1 cup (248 g) | 2.5 mg | 1 mg per 100 g | No cutoff for one |
| Hot chocolate | 1 cup, made with milk (248 g) | 7.4 mg | 3 mg per 100 g | No cutoff for one |
| Milk chocolate | 1.55 oz bar (44 g) | 8.8 mg | 20 mg per 100 g | No cutoff for one |
| Semisweet chocolate chips | 1 serving (14.5 g) | 9 mg | 62 mg per 100 g | No cutoff for one |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1 tbsp (5.4 g) | 12.4 mg | 230 mg per 100 g | No cutoff for one |
| Dark chocolate (70–85% cacao) | 1 oz (28.35 g) | 22.7 mg | 80 mg per 100 g | No cutoff for one |
| Dark chocolate-covered coffee beans | 28 pieces (40 g) | 335.6 mg | 839 mg per 100 g | 8:30 AM |
Caffeine-free chocolate foods and drinks
Common questions
Does dark chocolate have more caffeine than milk chocolate?
Dark chocolate (70–85% cacao) has more caffeine than milk chocolate per 100 g (80 vs 20 mg). Dark chocolate (70–85% cacao): 22.7 mg per 1 oz (28.35 g); Milk chocolate: 8.8 mg per 1.55 oz bar (44 g).
Does hot chocolate have as much caffeine as coffee?
Hot chocolate has less caffeine than brewed coffee per 100 g (2.8 vs 40 mg). Hot chocolate: 7.4 mg per 1 cup, made with milk (248 g); Brewed coffee: 94.8 mg per 8 fl oz cup (237 g).
Which chocolate foods and drinks have no caffeine?
In our chart: White chocolate. Each drink page links to the source of its figure; check the label too, because recipes change.
General information, not medical advice
If you feel unwell after caffeine — for example chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat that does not settle, fainting, confusion or trouble breathing — get urgent medical help. If you are pregnant, take medication or have a heart, liver or anxiety condition, ask a doctor or pharmacist what amount is right for you.
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