Chocolate and coffee are cravings many people love indulging in. After all, what could be better than a cup of coffee with chocolate on the side? Why, a Pocket Coffee, of course! This bite of goodness is ideal for any situation. However, how much caffeine is in this confection, and is it healthy to eat?
What’s a Pocket Coffee?
A Pocket Coffee Espresso is a Ferrero brand. It’s a bite-sized chocolate with a syrupy espresso center originating in Italy. You can end the day with an after-dinner Pocket Coffee espresso or pop one in your mouth during lunch to boost your mood.
In Italy, this chocolatey confection appears during the fall season, with a gelato version appearing during summer. The espresso center uses an Arabica blend, with varieties originating from Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia and Santo Domingo.
Ferrero’s Rise in the USA
Ferrero was established in Alba, Italy in 1946. It has since grown to be one of the largest packaged sweets companies. US chocolate connoisseurs can enjoy Ferrero brands like Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, and Kinder Chocolates, which recently entered the US market.
Many might not know that Fererro entered the US market in 1969, their first product being the Tic Tac mints. It soon grew to include the above mentioned products and options like Butterfinger, CRUNCH, and Keebler.
In 2021, Ferrero and its related brands stood at the top of the confectionary industry, with $1,758.8 million in sales. That’s over $50 million more than the second-place brand, Mars, and almost $300 million more than the third-place brand, Hershey.
What Am I Eating?
This chocolate is a favorite among chocolate and coffee lovers. It isn’t simply a coffee-flavored chocolate but a true blend of espresso and chocolatey goodness. However, how much caffeine does it contain, and how much can you eat?
Caffeine Content
When you look at the ingredients, it states that 54% is coffee (broken down in sugar and liquid coffee at 34%), and 23% is extra chocolate. The caffeine content of this chocolate is equal to one-third of an espresso. With an espresso of around 63 mg per shot, Pocket Coffee’s caffeine content is approximately 20 mg per chocolate.
Too Much Caffeine?
Many people are more health-conscious, implementing supplements into their diets and eating healthy foods. However, you deserve a treat occasionally, so let’s see whether this chocolate is ideal. The question is, does 20mg of caffeine negatively affect my health? The answer is no if taken in moderation.
Studies show that 400mg daily isn’t dangerous; it equals about four to five cups of coffee. This relatively low caffeine content means you can safely enjoy your Coffee Pocket, or even multiple, without too much caffeine in your day.
Take a Bite of Italy
Pocket Coffee is a delicious snack at any time of the day. While all coffee and chocolate products, especially this treat, should be consumed in moderation and knowing your body’s limits, nothing keeps you from enjoying this taste of Italy. Treat yourself to this chocolate.
