Cacao

• Itchy skin or hives
• Nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting
• Nasal congestion or a runny nose
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)

Yes, it’s possible to develop a cacao allergy suddenly, even if you’ve consumed chocolate or cacao products without issues before. Allergies can emerge at any stage of life due to changes in the immune system.

Individuals with a family history of food allergies or who already have other allergies are more likely to develop a cacao allergy. Children sometimes outgrow food allergies, but adults can develop them at any time.

The primary way to manage a cacao allergy is to avoid consuming cacao and products containing cacao. Reading labels, asking about ingredients when eating out, and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies are key strategies.