Can chocolate and cocoa powder cause eczema?

Written by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated December 13, 2021

Answer:

Yes. They are both relatively high in nickel and can cause allergic contact dermatitis in people who are nickel-sensitive or have a nickel allergy. (If you are allergic to milk, also be aware that even some dark chocolates contain milk). In fact, in response to this question, ConsumerLab.com checked the nickel content of several cocoa and dark chocolate products and found much higher levels of nickel than known to exist in milk chocolate and other foods. Just one serving of dark chocolate, for example, contained about as much nickel as an adult gets per day from all other foods and beverages combined. More about this concern, and details about dietary factors that might help reduce nickel absorption, are found in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs & Supplements Review >>