3 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

The bottom line is that you will have to "play detective." Keep a food diary. Read labels... and look especially for cocoa, chocolate, and things like cocoa butter in lotions and personal products. Do some sleuthing on the Internet and see learn the names of some additives and byproducts of chocolate, and look for those in your ingredients lists. It may be that you will be able to eat certain chocolates and not others, depending on their composition. For me, since I can never be certain what else is in the chocolate concoction, I avoid them all.

Recently I learned that there is now a landscaping mulch that contains chocolate derivatives. This mulch is supposed to smell good and be a deterrent to garden pests at the same time. It is also toxic to dogs and cats... and you should know that chocolate itself is toxic to dogs and should never be allowed to your pet. Chocolate is now used in a variety of non-food items, so pay attention to what you are touching and using in your everyday routine.

Should your diagnostics reveal that you truly are allergic to chocolate, all is not lost. If you can't have the "real thing," carob makes a fairly acceptable substitute, as in carob brownies, carob hot "cocoa" and more. There are carob chips that resemble chocolate chips, but again, check the ingredients list to make sure there are not other additives that would give you trouble.

I have adjusted to not having chocolate. It seems to bother those around me who are enjoying their candy, cookies and soda far more than it does to me. I have found other ways to satisfy my sweet tooth and cravings. Some day I may arm myself with my Epi-pen and a piece of "pure chocolate" and see what happens, but for now, I am getting by without chocolate in my diet. However when I get to heaven, all bets are off! I plan to pig out on chocolate chip cookies, fudge, colas and more. Not only will I not have to worry about an allergic reaction, but the calories won't count, either!

Learn more about this author, Debbie Robus.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about What you need to know about chocolate allergy?
We want to hear your view. Write now!