Ghirardelli is one of the most well-known artisan chocolate makers in the U.S. Their products are available in most grocery stores, as well as online and at several of their shops, including at their San Francisco, Calif. factory. Chocolate is well known as a comfort food, and as a way to lift your mood.
Effects Of Caffeine
Caffeine is a common stimulant. It produces feelings of alertness and helps many people wake up and focus. The FDA has declared caffeine safe in concentrations of up to 0.02 percent. When taken in large doses, caffeine can produce jittery feelings, headaches, upset stomach, and can interfere with sleep. It is mildly addictive, so it is best to cut down slowly rather than stop using caffeine abruptly. Caffeine does not accumulate in the body, but you can develop a tolerance to it, so that it takes more caffeine to produce the same sense of alertness.
Safe Levels
According to guidelines published by the South Dakota Department of Health, 300 mg of caffeine per day is a moderate amount for adults. Children should be limited to 35 to 40 mg per day.
Caffeine In Cocoa Beans
Caffeine occurs naturally in over 60 plants, including the cocoa tree. Cocoa beans contain between 0.01 and 0.07 percent caffeine, with 0.02 percent being the most common caffeine level.
How Chocolate Is Made
During processing, the cocoa bean's husks are removed and the bean is broken into smaller pieces called nibs. The caffeine is concentrated in the cocoa nibs, which are ground to a paste. The nibs are mixed with sugar and emulsifiers to make chocolate. Cocoa butter, the fat which makes up about 50 percent of the cocoa nib, contains no caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa nibs is stored in the cocoa solids.
Types Of Chocolate
The greater the concentration of cocoa solids, the more caffeine a piece of chocolate will have. Dark chocolate has a higher concentration of cocoa solids than milk chocolate, so it has a higher caffeine content. However, the overall caffeine level in chocolate is relatively low. According to Ghirardelli, a 1.4 oz piece of their milk chocolate contains only 6 mg of caffeine---about as much as you will find in a cup of decaffeinated coffee. White chocolate does not contain cocoa solids, and therefore does not contain caffeine.
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