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Signs and Symptoms of a Chocolate Allergy

For many, chocolate is not just a treat, it is a necessity. Chocolate is a known mood lifter and has even been hailed for its heart healthy benefits. However, if you are among the group that is allergic to chocolate, you need to know what might happen if you eat it.

  1. A True Chocolate Allergy?

    • The good news for many is that a true allergy to cocoa (chocolate) is actually quite rare. Many reactions to chocolate, in fact, result from the ingredients or additives in chocolate, including corn syrup, milk, lecithin, nuts, flavorings, gluten and dyes.

    Symptoms

    • An allergy to chocolate and/or cocoa can present the following symptoms: headache, heartburn, itching, rash, difficulty breathing, hives and confusion.

    Asthma Attacks

    • People who suffer from asthma may be sensitive to the cocoa or other ingredients in chocolate, and experience an asthma attack.

    Chemicals

    • Caffeine, theobromine and phenlethylamine are know to cause headaches and mood swings in some individuals. These ingredients occur naturally in chocolate and are not actually an allergy but a reaction to the chemicals.

    The Good and Expensive Chocolate

    • Higher quality chocolate generally causes fewer allergic reactions. The purer the chocolate, measured by the amount of cocoa liquor and cocoa butter, the less chance of true chocolate allergy.

    Fun Facts

    • Consumers spend more than $7 million dollars annually on chocolate and chocolate related products.

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