The Top 8 Cocoa Powders for 2022

Did you know that cocoa powder was referred to as “Food of the Gods” by the Mayans?

Cacao powder and other cacao-bean derivatives are among the world’s most popular foods. They are said to offer several health and social advantages.

Cocoa, for example, improves cognitive and cardiovascular health, and individuals like socializing over a cup of hot chocolate or chocolate pastries. Don’t pass up the advantages of this exquisite cuisine.

In this post, we will look at some of the finest cocoa powders available on the market. We also provide advice on how to choose the best cocoa powder. This page defines the most often used cocoa terms, including cacao, cacao powder, Dutch-cocoa, brute cocoa, hot chocolate, hot cocoa, and drinking chocolate.

8 Best Cocoa Powders Reviews

The following is a review of our top eight Amazon selections for the finest cocoa powders.

1. Best Overall: HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Baking Cocoa

Hershey’s Dutch-cocoa is a sugar-free and fat-free powder designed exclusively for baking. This dark cocoa has a deep chocolaty flavor and is made from cacao.

It’s adaptable and may be used in a variety of applications, including baking and drinks. It is perfect for vegans and health-conscious individuals.

Pros

• Composed entirely of cacao
• May be used in a variety of dishes.
• It has a deep chocolate flavor.
• Sugar-free, gluten-free, and unsweetened
• There is no sodium in this product.

Cons

• There have been reports of broken packing during delivery.

Information about nutrition

One spoonful of this cocoa powder has 10 calories. It has 3g of carbs, 10% of the daily value for iron, and 3% of the daily value for potassium.

2. Best Budget Choice: Barry Cocoa Powder

Barry extra brutal cocoa powder provides a deep chocolate flavor and taste. It may be mixed into coffee, used to create hot chocolate, or baked with. It is free of soy, vegetarian, kosher, and GMO. It has a high fat content since it is brute.

Pros

• Has a fantastic flavor
• 100% cocoa
• While creating drinks, it dissolves easily.
• May be used in a variety of dishes.

Cons

• Inadequate packing

Information about nutrition

The calories in 100g of Barry cocoa powder are 384. This meal has 23g of fat, 8.8g of carbs, and 18.9g of protein.

3. Best Premium Choice: Divine Cocoa Powder

The Heavenly chocolate cocoa is created from cocoa beans that have been hand-picked, carefully fermented, then alkali treated. It is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It does, however, include allergies such soy, wheat, and milk.

Pros

• Cocoa that has been fairly traded
• There are no artificial colors, preservatives, or tastes.
• Ideal for baking and drinks.
• It has a chocolaty taste and a smooth texture.

Cons

• Allergens are present (soy, gluten, and lactose)
• A little costly

Information about nutrition

A teaspoon has 20 calories, 1g fat, 1g carbs, 2g fiber, 1g protein, and 8% DV iron.

4. Navitas Organics Cacao powder

The cocoa powder from Navita Organics is prepared from unroasted, cold-pressed organic cacao beans. It has more magnesium, iron, fiber, and flavanols than normal chocolate and is thus more healthy. The 100% cacao powder may be used in a variety of dishes, such as smoothies, hot chocolate, brownies, and porridge.

Pros

• Has more nutrients than normal chocolate.
• It has a deep chocolate flavor.
• May be used in a variety of dishes.
• USDA organic certification
• Non-GMO, kosher, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients

Cons

• It smells like charred wood.
• The packaging has a warning about the presence of hazardous chemicals in the product.

Information about nutrition

A 15g portion has 60 calories. It has 1.5g of fat, 8g of carbs, 5g of dietary fiber, and 4g of protein. It has a high calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and flavanol content.

5. Rodelle Gourmet Baking Cocoa

This is baking cocoa powder that has been Dutch-processed. It’s dark and has a strong chocolate taste. It may be used in a variety of dishes, including smoothies, cocoa drinks, and brownies. It is gluten-free and non-GMO.

Pros

• Cocoa powder for special baking
• May be used in a variety of dishes.
• Composed entirely of cacao
• Gluten-free and non-GMO
• It has a deep chocolate flavor.

Cons

• Non-organic
• When used in drinks, it clumps up.

Information about nutrition

There are 20 calories in per 6g serving. It has 1g of fat, 3g of carbs, 1g of protein, and 15% iron.

6. Ghirardelli Unsweetened Dutch Process Cocoa

Ghirardelli unsweetened natural cocoa powder comes in a resealable bag for convenient scooping, measuring, and storing. It may be used in a variety of dishes, including molten chocolate cakes and brownies. It has a strong chocolate flavor.

Pros

• Natural unsweetened cocoa
• Useful for baking and other recipes.
• It has a deep chocolate flavor.
• It includes a scooping spoon.

Cons

• A little costly

Information about nutrition

A tablespoon has 15 calories. It has 1g of fat, 3g of carbs, 2g of fiber, 1g of protein, and 4%DV iron.

7. Valrhona Pure Cocoa Powder

This cocoa powder is 100% Dutch-processed and has a rich flavor and delicate texture. It has no sugar. It may be used to make mousse, hot chocolate, truffles, and gourmet cuisine.

Pros

• That tastes fantastic.
• It has a deep red-brown chocolate hue.
• May be used in a variety of dishes.
• It contains a lot of iron.

Cons

• There are various Valrhona counterfeit items on the market.

Information on Nutrition

A serving of 40g has 180 calories. It has 9g of fat, 16g of carbs, 11g of dietary fiber, 9g of potassium, 6% of the daily value for calcium, and 150% of the daily value for iron.

8. Chatfield’s Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Chatfields cocoa powder is unsweetened and natural. It may be added to drinks or baked goods. It’s a dark brown hue with a strong chocolate taste. It’s low in fat and high in iron.

Pros

• Iron-rich food
• Low-fat and sugar-free
• Vegan and gluten-free options
• Has a fantastic flavor

Cons

• There have been reports of broken packing during delivery.

Information on Nutrition

A serving of 6g has 25 calories. It has 0.5g of fat, 3g of carbs, 2g of fiber, 2g of protein, and 20% DV iron.

Cocoa Powder Buying Guide and FAQ

The following information will assist you in selecting the best cocoa powder for your needs, as well as answers to the most often asked cocoa-related questions.

Things to Consider When Buying Cocoa

Consider the following factors while selecting a cocoa powder:

• Whether or not you are concerned about your health. Use unsweetened natural cocoa powders if you’re watching your calories, sugar, and fat consumption. Alternatively, Dutch chocolate and naturally sweetened cocoa will suffice. Certain cocoa powders are also dairy-free, soy-free, and GMO-free.
• Preferred flavor. Natural unsweetened cocoa has a harsh, acidic flavor, while Dutch-cocoa is mellow with a chocolaty flavor.
• Purpose. Some baking and beverage recipes call for natural unsweetened cocoa, while others prefer Dutch-processed cocoa.
• Budget. There is a vast variety of cocoa powders available on the market at various price points. Decide your budget and look for one that meets your taste and composition preferences, intended use, and budget.

Cacao vs Cocoa Powder

Cacao and cocoa are both made from cacao beans that have been stripped of their cocoa butter. The fundamental difference between them is the technique of processing, nutritional content, color, and flavor.

Cacao is more pure and healthy than cocoa. Cacao is prepared from roasted cacao beans with no extra ingredients. It has a bitter flavor and is lighter in color. Cocoa, on the other hand, is manufactured from fermented and subsequently roasted cacao beans that have been treated at very high temperatures. Typically, sugar and milk powder are added to cocoa powder to make it less bitter and deeper in color.

Difference Between Natural and Dutch-Processed Cocoa

Natural cocoa is ordinary cocoa powder made from fermented, then roasted, high-temperature processed beans. Dutch-processed cocoa is produced in the same manner as natural cocoa, except the cacao beans are treated with an alkalizing chemical.

Natural cocoa has a greater acid content, a lighter color, a bitter taste, and a stronger chocolate flavor due to the difference in processing. Dutch-processed cocoa, on the other hand, has a neutral PH, a deeper color, a mild taste, and, strangely, a richer chocolate flavor.

Hot Cocoa, Hot Chocolate, and Drinking Chocolate

Hot chocolate, hot cocoa, and drinking chocolate are all words that are sometimes used interchangeably. Yet, although they are all produced from cocoa beans, they vary somewhat.

Hot chocolate is another name for drinking chocolate. It’s made with full-fat chocolate. This implies you’re drinking chocolate powder and solids derived from cacao beans that haven’t been drained of their cocoa butter. Drinking chocolate is often produced by combining pure chocolate liquor or solids with hot milk or water.

Hot cocoa, on the other hand, is created by combining cocoa powder with hot water or milk and sugar. Some producers mix milk powder and sugar with cocoa powder to make it ready to drink. To suit your taste, you may add additional sugar and milk to the beverage.

Cocoa Powder Storage

Cocoa powder should be stored in an airtight jar in your pantry at room temperature. Do not freeze or refrigerate cocoa powder since it will become damp, which might lead to mold growth. Cocoa powder may be kept properly for up to three years.

Cocoa Health Benefits

Iron, selenium, zinc, and magnesium are among the minerals and flavonoids found in cocoa. As a result, coca has a plethora of health advantages, including:

• Enhances cognitive health, memory, and focus
• The minerals strengthen the immune system.
• Cocoa contains anti-cancer effects.
• Magnesium helps muscles and nerves work properly. It also lowers the likelihood of neurological problems.
• Zinc aids with wound healing.
• Flavonoids reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Cocoa contains theobromine, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cacao is low in sugar and fat, making it ideal for weight reduction.

How Many Types of Cocoa Powders Are There?

Cocoa powders are classified into three types: brutal, Dutch-processed, and natural cocoa. Alkalized cocoa powders include brute and Dutch cocoa powders. They are manufactured from high-fat cacao beans (with a fat level of 22-14%).

Nevertheless, brute cocoa has a stronger chocolate flavor and is darker in color (nearly black), while Dutch cocoa has a gentler chocolate flavor and is lighter in color. Natural cocoa has a harsh flavor and is not alkalized. It is lighter in color and has a reduced fat content (10-12%).

Conclusion

When selecting a cocoa powder, consider the primary reason you need it, your chosen flavor, and if you prefer healthier choices.

Cocoa and cacao powders have several health advantages, including anti-cancer effects. So go ahead and indulge in some, whether as hot chocolate, hot cocoa, or baked goods.

Hersheys Premium Dark Baking Cocoa is our favorite cocoa powder. Although it is mostly used in baking, it may also be utilized in a variety of beverage recipes. Moreover, since it is sugar-free and fat-free, it is a healthy cocoa powder alternative.

Cocoa Powder FAQs

Which is better, cocoa or cacao?

It all depends on what you want. Having said that, cacao is purer and more healthy. Cacao has more nutrients, fiber, and flavonoids. Cocoa, on the other hand, is lower in nutritious value, and some cocoa powders have additional sugar and milk powder.

Is unsweetened cocoa powder healthy?

Unsweetened cocoa is more nutritious than sweetened cocoa. It has no sugar and hence has less calories.