Theobromine, formerly known as
xantheose, is a bitter
alkaloid of the
cacao plant, with the chemical formula
C7H8N4O2. It is found in
chocolate, as well as in a number of other foods, including the leaves of the
tea plant, and the
kola (or cola) nut. It is classified as a
xanthine alkaloid, which also include the similar compounds
theophylline and
caffeine. The compounds differ in their methylation.