Why Does My Stomach Hurt After Eating Chocolate?

Chocolate is associated with love, comfort, and indulgence. It is often the first thing we offer to loved ones during times of celebration and even sadness. Despite all the positive emotions associated with chocolate candies and other treats, some people have a chocolate sensitivity or allergy.

Experiencing a stomachache after eating chocolate can turn those positive associations into negative ones. To combat stomach pain immediately after eating foods containing chocolate, opt for chocolate that is low in sugar and free of allergens like milk.

Is Chocolate Healthy?

Many of us consider chocolate bars, chocolate ice cream, and chocolate milk to be the main sources of dietary chocolate. However, you do not have to consume sugary foods to get the chocolate flavor you desire.

Chocolate comes from cocoa beans, which grow on cocoa trees. This is where hot cocoa gets its name. Fortunately, cocoa has some health benefits. According to Harvard Health Publishing, studies on cocoa suggest that it improves cognitive functions due to its flavanol content.

Cocoa is also used to make cacao nibs and cacao powder, a chocolate-tasting food that is rich in antioxidants. It is also a source of numerous minerals, such as iron, copper, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Commercial chocolate, however, is not as nutrient dense. Most chocolate bars contain added ingredients like sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, milk fat, vegetable oils, and more. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a 40-gram (g) serving of chocolate, which is approximately three pieces, contains the following:

• Calories 220
• Protein 5g
• Fat 15g
• Carbohydrates 19g
• Fiber 1g
• Sugar 16g

Stomachache After Eating Chocolate

Chocolate sensitivity is rare, so many cases of chocolate sensitivity are usually attributed to lactose intolerance or milk allergies. This is one possible explanation for stomach pain immediately after eating chocolate products.

According to Mayo Clinic, allergies to cow’s milk is one of the most common food allergies in children. If someone is allergic to milk, an allergic reaction typically occurs immediately after consuming food containing the allergen. Stomach pain immediately after eating chocolate can be a symptom of dairy allergy, though abdominal cramps can be a sign that takes longer to develop.

If milk chocolate is the culprit, you can consider switching to dark chocolate to alleviate stomachaches after eating chocolate. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that many dark chocolate products actually contain milk. They found that 15 percent of dark chocolates with the labels “dairy-free” or “lactose-free” actually contained milk. People with milk allergies are advised to consume dark chocolate with caution.

Chocolate Sensitivity and Allergies

If you develop a stomachache after eating chocolate, there could be multiple culprits. Cleveland Clinic notes that dairy products, as well as foods containing excess salt, fat, and high-fructose corn syrup, can cause stomach pain. Many chocolate products contain some, if not all, of these triggers.

Sugar can be another cause of stomach pain immediately after eating chocolate. Too much sugar can cause stomachaches as well as other consequences such as obesity and other health problems, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Whether due to a chocolate sensitivity, milk allergy, or ingredients that upset your digestion, experiencing a stomachache after eating chocolate is uncomfortable and disappointing. If you are not allergic to chocolate, consider eating it in moderation to avoid negative reactions.