Demystifying Caffeine Levels in Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans

Have you ever eaten chocolate-covered coffee beans? Did they give you a big caffeine rush? Do you want to know how much caffeine lies in chocolate-covered coffee beans?

McDonald’s Canada sent me a nice package a few weeks ago. It had a mug, coupons for their new McCafe espresso drinks, and some chocolate-covered coffee beans.

When I opened the package and ate half of the bag right away, my normal speed went through the roof. Anyone who has met me in real life can guess what Janice looks like after a big coffee. Yes, it is a bit wild.

After that initial coffee bean experience, I got a little scared off. Clearly this was not a safe drug of choice for me.

The next time, I only ate about four. It was a safer, more reasonable amount — a caffeine hit that I could tolerate.

So I got braver. Well, a little stupid. I had two Coke Zeros and about 15 of these tasty dark chocolate-covered coffee beans the other afternoon, when I was really tired and had a lot of work to do.

Not a good idea. Oh my word. Anxious, edgy and my hands were noticeably shaking. But the side effects didn’t end when I went to bed. I ended up waking up early in the morning, with my chest tight with anxiety and pressure. It was intense!.

So, you think that I would be cured of ever wanting any more of that chocolatey stimulant.

BUT NO — this morning, I couldn’t resist dipping into the remainder of the bag. They are oh so good people!.

Chocolate covered coffee beans are a delicious treat that combines two beloved pick-me-ups chocolate and coffee. With a chocolatey exterior and an espresso or coffee bean center these candies deliver a tasty jolt of caffeine. But just how much of a buzz do they provide? Let’s take a closer look at decoding caffeine levels in chocolate covered coffee beans.

The Caffeine in Plain Coffee Beans

To understand how much caffeine is in a chocolate covered bean we first need to know the caffeine content of plain unadorned coffee beans.

The caffeine levels can vary based on

Bean variety – Robusta beans contain nearly twice as much caffeine as Arabica.
Roasting – Darker roasts have slightly less caffeine than light roasts.
Serving size – Obviously, more beans equals more caffeine.

On average, for a 1 ounce serving:

Roasted Arabica coffee beans have ~45mg caffeine
Roasted Robusta beans have ~70mg caffeine

Factoring in the Chocolate Coating

Now that we know the base caffeine level of a coffee bean, we have to consider the chocolate coating that turns it into a chocolate covered bean.

Surprisingly, dark chocolate also contains a small amount of caffeine. Per 1 ounce serving:

Dark chocolate has ~20mg caffeine
Milk chocolate has ~5mg caffeine
White chocolate has no caffeine

So for a chocolate covered bean made with dark chocolate, the chocolate coating itself provides around 0.5-1mg extra caffeine. Not a huge boost, but every bit counts!

Estimated Caffeine in a Single Chocolate Covered Bean

Taking the caffeine in both components into account, here are the estimated totals per individual chocolate covered coffee bean:

Arabica bean with dark chocolate: ~2-3mg caffeine
Robusta bean with dark chocolate: ~3-4mg caffeine

Of course, the precise amount can vary between brands. But on average, a single chocolate covered coffee bean made with dark chocolate will contain about 2-4mg of caffeine.

Caffeine Content Per Serving

Now that we know how much caffeine is in a single chocolate covered bean, how does that translate into an actual serving?

A standard serving size of chocolate covered coffee beans is around 1 ounce or 28 grams. This equates to approximately 18-22 beans.

So for a 1 ounce serving, the estimated caffeine content is:

Arabica beans with dark chocolate: 36-66mg
Robusta beans with dark chocolate: 54-88mg

As a comparison, here are the caffeine levels in other common food and drinks:

Brewed coffee (8oz) : 95mg
Espresso (1oz): 63mg
Black tea (8oz): 47mg
Soda (12oz): 34mg

An 1 ounce serving of chocolate covered coffee beans provides a similar jolt of caffeine as a shot of espresso. The combination of chocolate and coffee makes for a powerful treat!

Maximizing Your Caffeine Rush

Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of how much caffeine you can expect from chocolate covered coffee beans. Here are some tips for maximizing your buzz:

Choose beans made with dark chocolate rather than milk or white chocolate.
Look for beans made from Robusta rather than Arabica for higher caffeine levels.
Enjoy beans in 1 ounce servings for a caffeine kick comparable to an espresso shot.
Savor beans slowly over time rather than eating a whole pack at once to avoid getting jittery.
Pair beans with a cup of coffee or espresso for an extra caffeine overload!

However you enjoy them, just remember that chocolate covered coffee beans are high octane treats. Consuming too many may leave you feeling wired! It’s best to enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle.

Your Questions on Caffeine Answered

Let’s wrap up by answering some common questions on caffeine levels in chocolate covered beans.

How is the caffeine absorbed from the beans?

The caffeine from both the chocolate and coffee components are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract once consumed and digested. Peak caffeine levels are reached in the blood within 30-60 minutes.

Do different chocolate types affect caffeine levels?

Yes, darker chocolates will provide more caffeine compared to milk or white chocolate coatings. Choose dark for a bigger buzz.

How long do the effects of caffeine last?

Caffeine from chocolate covered coffee beans typically provides a boost lasting around 3-5 hours. Effects will vary based on individual tolerance.

Can you develop a caffeine addiction or dependency?

Yes, habitual overconsumption of caffeine can lead to mild physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms like headaches may occur when stopping. Moderation is key.

Is too much caffeine dangerous?

Consuming over 400mg of caffeine per day can lead to side effects like insomnia, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat. Very high single doses over 1,000mg can be life threatening.

Who should avoid excess caffeine consumption?

Children, pregnant women, those with anxiety disorders, and people with heart conditions should limit caffeine intake and consult a doctor if needed.

Are there health benefits to caffeine?

When consumed in moderation, caffeine may provide benefits like improved alertness, concentration, and exercise performance. But too much can be harmful.

What’s the best way to cut down on caffeine?

To reduce caffeine dependency, gradually taper down consumption over a period of weeks. Stay hydrated, get adequate sleep, and manage withdrawal headaches as needed.

Can you get addicted to chocolate covered coffee beans?

While not chemically addictive, it’s possible to develop a psychological dependence on chocolate covered beans. Moderation and mindfulness when eating them is key.

Hopefully this thorough breakdown gives you a better idea of how these treat delivers its delightful dose of caffeine. When enjoyed moderately, chocolate covered coffee beans can give you a tasty buzz!

how much caffeine in coffee bean chocolate covered espresso beans

Which made me wonder, how much caffeine is in chocolate covered coffee beans?

Why am I so considerably more sensitive to this type of caffeine? Why do they make me feel worse than drinking coffee?

chocolate-coffee-beans-caffeine A search online led me to this incredibly helpful chart of information about caffeine from the BC government.

According to that chart, it is not surprising that I was affected by the coffee beans. I had seriously OVERDOSED on caffeine consumption — yes, far too much caffeine Janice!.

To compare how much caffeine I’ve been getting from the chocolate-covered coffee beans, I’ve put up a list of some of the things that are on the caffeine content chart:

In three chocolate covered coffee beans there is 36mgs of caffeine.

(In just THREE!) I’ve eaten more than twelve and a half at a time, which means I’ve sometimes eaten more than 216 mg! One can of cola has the same amount of caffeine as three beans! Oh my word! ).

Please let us know if you are sensitive to caffeine or if it makes you feel bad. Have you ever “overdosed” on caffeine? Does caffeine get you through the day?

Are Chocolate-covered Espresso Beans Contain Caffeine? The Best Guide for You! (2021)

FAQ

Are chocolate covered espresso beans high in caffeine?

The caffeine content in chocolate covered espresso beans can vary depending on the type and size of the bean and the thickness of the chocolate coating. On average, each bean contains about 5-10 milligrams of caffeine. For context, a standard cup of coffee has about 95 milligrams.

How many chocolate covered espresso beans equal a coffee?

It’s worth noticing here that, depending on its thickness, the chocolate might contain more caffeine than the coffee bean. Since the typical mug3 of coffee is about 120 mg of caffeine, it’s roughly equivalent to the caffeine levels of 30 of these theoretical chocolate-covered beans.

Can I eat chocolate covered espresso beans at night?

Chocolate Espresso Beans & Caffeine The mocha-like flavor is easy to enjoy, but it is important not to eat too many in the evening. Similar to coffee, Dilettante’s Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans are caffeinated. However, eating espresso beans whole provides more energy than drinking a cup of coffee.

How much caffeine is in an espresso coffee bean?

There is about 6 mg of caffeine in a single coffee bean. However, this also depends on the coffee bean that is measured. While Arabica has about 12 milligrams per gram, Robusta has about 22 mg of caffeine per gram.