Have you heard of allergy to chocolates?

Imagine if Willy Wonka had an allergic reaction to chocolate after sneaking that first bite away from his dentist father; the world might never have seen his magical factory or those wild inventions.
Even if you’re not a die-hard chocolate lover, there’s probably a brand or flavour you can’t resist. But for some, indulging in chocolate is nothing more than a distant dream.
Vidhi Bubna, a 24-year-old professional from Mumbai, breaks out in rashes every time she eats chocolate. Despite knowing it’s not good for her, she admits it’s incredibly hard to resist the temptation.
Vidhi isn’t the only one who has to control her chocolate cravings. Yes, cocoa allergy is real.
A true chocolate allergy is rare, affecting less than 1 per cent of the population, but many suffer from chocolate sensitivity.
Dr Nandana Bala, paediatric pulmonologist and allergy specialist at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Bengaluru, tells India Today that an allergy is an immunological process that happens in our body, while sensitivity is a non-immunological process.
“Chocolate allergy is extremely rare, and there are very few cases worldwide reported of chocolate allergy, but chocolate sensitivity, however, is a lot more common.”
Further, Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, lead consultant and HOD of Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, adds, “Chocolate allergy and chocolate sensitivity involve severe reactions, but they significantly differ in their underlying mechanisms and intensity.”
“When it comes to an immune-mediated response, the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies chocolate components as harmful, triggering a defence response. In the case of chocolate sensitivity, there are certain components in cocoa that the body has trouble processing. Hence, it triggers only milder reactions, which are mostly in the form of digestive issues,” the doctor adds.

Chocolate allergy is real, but most people suffer from chocolate sensitivity (Photo: Getty Images)

Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, where a person can undergo even life-threatening anaphylactic shock, whereas chocolate sensitivity can cause mild reactions that mostly include bloating, headaches, and skin irritations.
Meanwhile, Dr Rakesh Gupta, senior consultant, internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, states that while cocoa is the primary allergen in chocolate, other ingredients can also trigger allergic reactions. Common culprits include milk proteins (in milk chocolate), tree nuts, peanuts, soy lecithin, and sometimes wheat or gluten.
Dr Gupta goes on to explain that cocoa allergy is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to specific proteins found in cocoa beans.
The exact mechanism involves the production of IgE antibodies against these proteins, leading to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators upon exposure.
When someone with a cocoa allergy consumes chocolate or cocoa-containing products, the consequences can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions.
“In more severe cases, individuals may experience anaphylaxis, which is characterised by difficulty breathing, throat swelling, and a sudden drop in blood pressure, requiring immediate medical attention,” adds Dr Rajamanya.
The amount of cocoa consumed and the person’s sensitivity can both affect how severe the reaction is.

One can experience mild to severe symptoms due to cocoa allergy (Photo: Getty Images)

Dr Rajamanya says that allergies to cocoa can occasionally evolve, just like allergies to other foods. Some people may outgrow their allergy to cocoa as they grow older, particularly if they were diagnosed as children.
What causes an allergic reaction at one stage of life may no longer cause one later on due to the immune system’s ability to change in response to allergens.
On the other hand, Dr Bala states that since cocoa allergy is rare, the age prevalence is not well understood.
She mentions that, just like any other allergic reaction, cocoa allergy is treated very promptly, with the mainstay of treatment being an injection with adrenaline, used as an emergency measure.
Meanwhile, Dr Gupta feels that, unlike some food allergies that can be outgrown in childhood, cocoa allergy typically persists into adulthood.
“There is currently no cure or treatment to stop allergic reactions to cocoa. Some emerging therapies, such as oral immunotherapy, are being researched for various food allergies, but their effectiveness and safety for cocoa allergy are not yet established,” Dr Gupta says.
Here’s what can be done:
Dr Archana Batra, a Gurugram-based dietitian, says that managing a cocoa allergy can be challenging, but there are several alternatives to cocoa that can be tried:
Additionally, you should not underestimate homemade treats. Making desserts at home allows complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that no cocoa or cross-contaminants are present.
Keeping nutritional considerations in mind is also important. Cocoa is rich in magnesium and antioxidants, so to replace these nutrients, include foods like nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and berries in your diet.
We all know that chocolate means a good mood. Cocoa is often associated with mood enhancement due to its phenylethylamine content. Alternatives include foods rich in tryptophan (like turkey, eggs, and cheese), omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseeds), and complex carbohydrates (like whole grains) that support serotonin production.