Love Coffee and Dark Chocolate? Don’t Overdo the Caffeine!
I’ll admit it, I love coffee. I also love dark chocolate. And if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you do too. Few things in life pair as beautifully as a smooth, rich cup of coffee and a bite of bold, slightly bitter dark chocolate. But here’s the catch: both contain caffeine, and if you’re not careful, you might be getting more of it than you bargained for.
Wait, Dark Chocolate Has Caffeine?
Yep! It’s not just a myth. While coffee is the usual suspect when it comes to caffeine intake, dark chocolate carries a surprising punch too. The darker the chocolate, the more caffeine it tends to have. For example:
Milk Chocolate (about 30% cacao) – Barely any caffeine, around 5-10mg per ounce.
Dark Chocolate (50-70% cacao) – Contains around 20-50mg of caffeine per ounce.
Extra Dark Chocolate (85%+ cacao) – Packs up to 80mg of caffeine per ounce, which is almost as much as a shot of espresso!
So, if you’re starting your morning with a strong pour-over and snacking on some high-quality dark chocolate later in the day, you could be consuming more caffeine than you realize.
My Wake-Up Call: When Coffee and Chocolate Became Too Much
A few months ago, I had an especially long day ahead and decided to treat myself to my usual morning ritual, a big mug of Ethiopian pour-over, paired with a few squares of 85% dark chocolate. No big deal, right?
Fast forward a couple of hours, and I was buzzing, not in the productive, energized way, but in the jittery, over-caffeinated way. My heart was racing, my focus was shot, and I had that weird, slightly anxious energy that makes it impossible to sit still. That’s when I realized: my little “treat” had unknowingly pushed my caffeine intake way past my usual limit.
Finding the Right Balance
Now, does this mean you should quit coffee or dark chocolate? Absolutely not! (I could never do that.) It just means being mindful of how they work together. Here are a few tips to enjoy both without going overboard:
Be aware of your total caffeine intake – If you’re already having a few cups of coffee, consider opting for a lighter chocolate instead of extra-dark.
Space them out – Enjoy your coffee in the morning and save your dark chocolate treat for later in the day.
Go for decaf when needed – If you’re craving the coffee + chocolate combo in the evening, a well-made decaf can still pair beautifully with your favorite chocolate.
Listen to your body – If you start feeling jittery or restless, it might be time to scale back.
Coffee and Chocolate: The Perfect Pair—In Moderation
There’s a reason why coffee and chocolate are a match made in heaven. Their flavors complement each other perfectly, and when enjoyed mindfully, they make for an unbeatable experience. Whether you’re sipping on a smooth Colombian roast with a piece of rich, dark chocolate or indulging in a mocha made with real cocoa, the key is balance.
Have you ever had a day where your caffeine intake crept up on you? While there’s no comment section here, I’d love for you to reflect on how coffee and chocolate play a role in your daily routine. Maybe even challenge yourself to notice how much caffeine you’re consuming without realizing it!
At the end of the day, coffee and chocolate should be about enjoyment, not jitters. So go ahead, take that sip, savor that bite, and make every caffeinated moment count.
