Chocolate allergy and cocoa butter (2024)

FAQs

Chocolate allergy and cocoa butter? ›

A true intolerance or allergy to chocolate or cocoa would have to be to either the cocoa mass or the cocoa butter. When assessing problems with chocolate, these are rarely checked independently of other ingredients. Chocolate is often mixed with peanuts, tree nuts and dairy.

Answer: Allergic reactions to chocolate have been attributed to undeclared ingredients, including tree nut, peanut and cow milk. Hidden allergens such as insect parts have also been found to be present in chocolate. A PubMed search did not find any reports of specific allergy to chocolate or cocoa butter.

The bottom line

In its natural form, it's free of gluten, dairy, or any other animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for people following a vegan or gluten-free diet. That said, products derived from cocoa butter often contain gluten or animal-derived ingredients.

People who are sensitive to chocolate may want to try carob. This legume is like chocolate in color and taste. And it can replace chocolate in just about any recipe, from chocolate bars to cookies. Carob is also high in fiber, low in fat, and sugar- and caffeine-free, so it can be a healthier dessert alternative.

However, if someone is particularly sensitive to cocoa butter as an ingredient, they could experience some redness or irritation.

Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions and might also trigger migraine headaches. It can also cause nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, and gas. When applied to the skin: Applying cocoa butter to the skin is likely safe for most people.

In fact, a study found that while self-reported chocolate allergies were prevalent in 0.5 to 0.7% in select populations, most cases were due to cross-contamination from milk, peanuts or tree nuts. Milk Allergy – Milk is a very common food allergy among young children, and is found in most chocolate products.

Cocoa Butter is likely suitable for a low histamine diet. Cocoa Butter is likely low in histamine and other amines and does not trigger release of the body's natural histamine. Every person has unique dietary triggers. Your reaction to cocoa butter may be different than someone else's.

Treatment for allergies begins with avoidance. If you're allergic to chocolate, refrain from eating chocolate and its byproducts. Your allergist will also prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector that you should carry with you. For less severe allergies, such as itching and hives, try over-the-counter treatment options.

What does a chocolate allergy feel like? ›

Chocolate allergy symptoms

For instance, chocolate will mix with mucus in the back of the throat to cause thickening of the secretions and increased throat clearing. The vasoactive amine content of chocolate relaxes the smooth muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, causing worsening reflux or heartburn.

Clay Aiken: American singer, TV personality, actor, and politician. He gained fame when he came in second place on the second season of American Idol in 2003. Clay is allergic to several foods, including coffee, chocolate, shellfish, tree nuts, and mushrooms.

There is no such thing as a “chocolate intolerance” by definition. However, you can be allergic or intolerant to added substances or the histamine in dark chocolate. Possible symptoms of intolerance include gastrointestinal complaints, skin reactions or headaches.

Chocolate itself is relatively low histamine; however, it may act as a histamine liberator. In other words, it triggers the release of the body's existing histamine. Chocolate also contains other biogenic amines, tyramine and phenylethylamine, which slow degradation of histamine.

Dark chocolate has higher theobromine compared to milk and white chocolate. But accordingly, overindulging in chocolate (and therefore theobromine) may lead to feeling restless, headaches and nausea.

Cocoa butter, also called theobroma oil, is a pale-yellow, edible fat extracted from the cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao). It is used to make chocolate, as well as some ointments, toiletries, and pharmaceuticals. Cocoa butter has a cocoa flavor and aroma. Its melting point is slightly below human body temperature.

In fact, a study found that while self-reported chocolate allergies were prevalent in 0.5 to 0.7% in select populations, most cases were due to cross-contamination from milk, peanuts or tree nuts. Milk Allergy – Milk is a very common food allergy among young children, and is found in most chocolate products.

The burning sensation you get when consuming chocolate is likely the result of a group of chemicals known as methylxanthine compounds. These compounds, which feature caffeine and theobromine, can be irritating to your throat after consuming chocolate.

Pascha Chocolate

Their dark chocolates are free of the Top 8 allergens. They have a wide variety of allergy free recipes on their website. Products are free of peanuts, tree nut, wheat, gluten, soy, egg, dairy, and sesame.