Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid found in cocoa beans and chocolates. It belongs to the methylxanthine family which also includes caffeine. Theobromine is a stimulant frequently confused with caffeine; however their effects are rather different. Caffeine has a strong, immediate effect and increases awareness, whereas theobromine is a mild, lasting stimulant with a mood improving effect on the human body.

 

Current research indicates that chocolate contains too little theobromine for a reasonable serving to create effects in humans comparable to the buzz from a cup of  coffee. Theobromine is found in much larger quantities in dark chocolate than in milk chocolate.

 

The amount of theobromine found in chocolates is safe when consumed by humans, but animals such as dogs and cats do not metabolise theobromine effectively. When theobromine enters the animal’s blood stream, it can remain for up to 20 hours, and during this period smaller animals can die of heart attacks and internal bleeding. Theobromine is a very potent stimulant for horses; the use of chocolates is therefore banned in horse-racing.