Chocolate Allergens 

Chocolate can contain many allergens, including:

• Corn

  Corn is used in many white chocolates and some chocolates contain high-fructose corn syrup.

• Wheat and gluten

  Filled chocolates often use flour or wheat starch as a binder, which can affect people with celiac disease or wheat allergies. 

• Milk

  Most chocolate contains milk, which can cause allergic reactions in people with dairy allergies.

• Soy lecithin

  This emulsifier is used to keep chocolate solid at room temperature, but it can cause problems for people with soy allergies.

• Peanuts and tree nuts

  Many chocolates contain peanut butter or whole nuts, and even if chocolate doesn't contain nuts, it might come into contact with nut remnants during manufacturing.

Chocolate allergies are rare, affecting less than 1% of the population. However, symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. 

Symptoms of a chocolate allergy include:

• Itching or hives

• Coughing

• Shortness of breath

• Sneezing

• Runny or blocked nose

• Stomach pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Swelling of the lips, face, and eyes 

If you experience any of these symptoms after eating chocolate, you should seek urgent medical attention