Cocoa powder has existed for centuries and been well-liked by the general public. It adds a rich flavor and color to your desserts, cakes, or can be made into a nice cup of hot cocoa.
There are 2 main types of cocoa powder that are currently available on the market – natural and Dutch-processed. Dutch-process is adding an alkalizing agent to neutralize the acidity of the cocoa and hence raising the pH from 5 to about 7. This makes the powder darker and the flavorless bitter.
In addition to being delicious, cocoa powder also has health benefits.
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Top 16 Best Cocoa Powder Reviews In 2020
Anthony’s Organic Cocoa Powder
This product from Anthony’s is certified USDA Organic by CCOF. It has no preservatives and no artificial ingredients. The powder also has not been alkalized or Dutch-processed.
The cocoa beans are harvested from Latin America.
It offers health benefits for containing natural antioxidants and magnesium.
The powder is delicious and can be added to your smoothies, coffee, oatmeal, or cocoa sauces.
Pros
- Baked products rise properly as the powder isn’t Dutch-processed
- The patch is small and compact
Cons
- Can be a bit dried
Product Specs
| Weight | 907g per bag |
| Dimension | 4 x 2 x 2 inches |
| Ingredients | Organic cocoa |
Ghirardelli Cocoa Powder
This premium baking cocoa from Ghirardelli is ideal for chocolate-flavored baking – offered in a resealable pouch. Made from 100% cocoa beans, this powder preserves the true essence of these roasted beans.
The company Ghirardelli has had a long tradition of making high-quality cocoa products. Based in San Francisco, they take pride in putting their hearts into making the best possible products for their customers.
All the beans are harvested and manufactured sustainably to help protect the environment.
Pros
- Taste great and work well with baking
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- May have less flavor than other cocoa powders
Product Specs
| Weight | 8 oz. per bag |
| Dimension | 8 x 5.9 x 1.8 inches |
| Ingredients | 100% cocoa |
Cacao Barry Cocoa Powder
This cocoa powder is premium quality from Barry – renowned French chocolatier. It has a bright and intense deep red color – which is perfect for coating chocolate truffles or dusting on cakes, tarts, and other desserts. It can also be made into chocolate sauces or a delicious mug of cocoa.
Its flavor is that of rich chocolate and bitter.
It should be stored in a cool dry place. Avoid direct sunlight.
The powder is kosher.
Pros
- Refined powder
- Bitter flavor without being acrid
Cons
- Packaging sometimes gets damaged
Product Specs
| Weight | 2.2 pounds per bag |
| Dimension | 11.7 x 6.4 x 2.7 inches |
| Ingredients | 100% cocoa |
Droste Cocoa Powder
This cocoa powder from Droste is pure and imported directly from Holland.
It has no added sugar and is Dutch-processed to reduce its bitterness and acidity. The powder is dark-colored and has a deep, chocolatey flavor.
The product is packaged in a cardboard box.
Pros
- Dutch cocoa powder
- The rich and chocolatey flavor
Cons
- Cardboard box packaging may get damaged during shipment
Product Specs
| Weight | 8.8 oz. per box |
| Dimension | 6.2 x 3.7 x 2.2 inches |
| Ingredients | Cocoa powder |
Hershey’s 8 oz Cocoa Powder
This cocoa powder from Hershey’s is made from 100% cocoa. It is natural and unsweetened.
It is gluten-free and OU Kosher certified.
The powder can be used to make lots of baked goods such as cookies, cakes, brownies, and more.
Hershey’s is a reputable brand and has had a long history of making cocoa-based products. You can buy them as 8-ounce cans in a pack of 6.
Pros
- The powder is 100% cocoa with no added preservatives or sugar
- It is healthy as it contains flavonoids
Cons
- The color may not be dark enough. You may need to mix with a different cocoa
Product Specs
| Weight | 8 oz. per can |
| Dimension | 3.9 x 3.5 x 4.7 inches |
| Ingredients | 100% cocoa |
Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder
This powder from Hershey’s has a special dark chocolate flavor.
It is both OU Kosher certified and gluten-free.
The powder is perfect for baking goods like brownies or cakes. It can also be made into beverages.
The can contains 8 ounces of cocoa powder that combines Dutch processed with natural powders.
Pros
- Blended pure cocoa
- Suitable for those who want to try a mixture of both
- Gluten-free
- Milder flavor
Cons
- Packaging sometimes get damaged during shipment
Product Specs
| Weight | 8 oz. per can |
| Dimension | 8 x 6 x 3 inches |
| Ingredients | Cocoa – Dutch processed and natural |
The Cocoa Trader’s Cocoa Powder
Utilizing a European style of cocoa processing, this powder from The Cocoa Trader changes from a neutral brown or reddish tint to strong black color. It is commonly used as a coloring agent to make the darkest chocolate cake you’ve ever made. Also, you can mix it with brown Dutch-processed cocoa for even better results.
Also, the flavor of this Dutch-processed powder becomes smooth, mellow, and earthy.
The powder offers many health benefits as it contains many flavonoids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Among the many benefits are boosting your immune system, promoting a healthy heart, and increasing your mood and energy.
Aside from using it to bake cakes, you can also dissolve it in hot water to make a cup of hot cocoa that is super tasty.
Pros
- Black cocoa powder
- Can be used as food coloring for chocolate cakes
Cons
- The pack weighs 16 ounces – which is quite a lot if you only need a little for baking
Product Specs
| Weight | 16 oz. per bag |
| Dimension | |
| Ingredients | Cocoa – Dutch processed |
Wild Foods Cacao Powder
This Raw Organic cacao powder from Wild Foods is cold-pressed and made in an artisan way by small-scale farmers. The quality is better than most mass-produced cocoa powders nowadays.
The cocoa beans are harvested close to the farms to ensure a simple supply chain and better transparency as to the methods of manufacturing. The powder is naturally cold-pressed, not Dutch-processed. There are no added chemicals, solvents, or harsh high-heat processes.
It is non-GMO, USDA Organic certified, vegan, and paleo. It is also packed with nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals – magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, copper, potassium, chromium, and phosphorus.
Pros
- Healthy
- Delicious
Cons
- The price may be slightly expensive
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.8 pounds per bag; other weights available |
| Dimension | |
| Ingredients | Cocoa – natural |
Valrhona Pure Cocoa Powder
Valrhona cocoa powder stands out with its mahogany color. It is made from 100% pure cocoa and has no added sugar.
Being Dutch-processed, the powder can be used in dessert recipes such as truffles, mousse, or made into hot cocoa.
The brand has a long tradition and has been serving confectioners and chefs since 1922. To best store this product, you should place it in a dry, cool place at between 16 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Pros
- Fine dark cocoa
- Unsweetened and Dutch-processed
Cons
- Like other products, it may arrive with damaged packaging
Product Specs
| Weight | 8.8 oz. per can |
| Dimension | 4.6 x 4.4 x 2.5 inches |
| Ingredients | 100% cacao |
Guittard Cocoa Powder
Guittard Cocoa Rouge is an all-time favorite of many professional pastry chefs for its intense bittersweet flavor that highlights the full essence of chocolates. It perfectly complements the other ingredients when you bake.
Its unique taste makes it more suitable for baking than making hot cocoa.
It is gluten-free and peanut-free.
Pros
- Unique bittersweet flavor
- Unsweetened and Dutch-processed
Cons
- Different flavor to other cocoa powders. Some may not like the taste
Product Specs
| Weight | 8 oz. per can |
| Dimension | |
| Ingredients | Cocoa – Dutch processed |
Superwell Organic Cacao Powder
Superwell is a reputable brand around the world that produces premium superfoods. The cacao/cocoa beans are first harvested by hand from small organic farms in Peru, naturally fermented, Dutch-processed, and pressed into nutrient-packed powder. The final products are lab tested for purity.
This cocoa powder is USDA Certified Organic, pure, and natural. It is also vegan, GMO-free, and kosher.
The powder is rich in nutrients – such as magnesium, fiber, calcium, zinc, iron, and potassium. It helps you boost energy, improve mood, and slow aging.
What’s more? There is a free e-book included with more than 37 recipes for you to choose from.
Pros
- Organic and rich in flavor
- Fairtrade
- Tested for heavy metals at the lab
- Affordable price
Cons
- The roasted cacao may not appeal to some people
Product Specs
| Weight | 15 oz. per bag |
| Dimension | 0.5 x 8 x 4 inches |
| Ingredients | Organic cocoa |
Ghirardelli Majestic Cocoa Powder
Ghirardelli Majestic Premium cocoa powder is ideal for baking as it contains 20 – 22% cocoa butter.
The cocoa powder is Dutch-processed and has no added sugar making it slightly difficult to dissolve for hot cocoa.
The product comes in a pack measuring 32 ounces.
Pros
- Pure cocoa powder
- Contains 20 – 22% cocoa butter
Cons
- Does not dissolve as easily for hot cocoa
Product Specs
| Weight | 32 oz. per bag |
| Dimension | 7 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches |
| Ingredients | 100% cocoa |
King Arthur Flour Cocoa Powder
Bensdorp cocoa powder from King Arthur Flour (from Holland) is European-styled and unsweetened. It has a mahogany color and a rich, full flavor. This Dutch chocolate company has had 175 years of tradition.
The cocoa beans are harvested from the West African region. They are then alkalized (Dutch-processed) to become darker in color and earthier in flavor.
The powder is packed with nutrients. Its fat content is from 24 to 26 percent.
Pros
- Taste and smell delicious
Cons
- Not gluten-free
Product Specs
| Weight | 15.2 oz. per bag |
| Dimension | |
| Ingredients | Cocoa – Dutch processed |
Rodelle Organic Cocoa Powder
This Gourmet cocoa powder from Rodelle is 100% USDA certified organic. The cocoa beans are harvested from the West African region, Dutch-processed, and then put into re-sealable bags.
Established in 1936, the company has had more than 80 years of producing high-quality ingredients for professional chefs. You can trust this company and its products!
They are also dedicated to protecting the environment and helping the community. Their machines are wind-powered and a portion of the profits made is donated back to support the growing regions.
Pros
- Flavorsome
- Makes the best hot chocolate
Cons
- Packaging may get damaged at times
Product Specs
| Weight | 25 oz. per bag |
| Dimension | 9 x 3 x 9 inches |
| Ingredients | Cocoa – Dutch processed |
NuNaturals Organic Cocoa Powder
This Premium Organic cocoa powder from NuNaturals helps you make delicious chocolate-flavored drinks and pastries that are also healthy. It easily dissolves in water without the need to stir too regularly, heating or crunching.
The powder comes in as a 1 pound resealable bag that contains 76 servings.
It is Dutch-processed, non-GMO and Fair Trade. The company is certain of their products’ quality. If you are disappointed by anything relating to their products, contact the company for a full refund.
Pros
- Delicious, low-carbs and sugar-free
Cons
- Packaging may get damaged
Product Specs
| Weight | 1 pound per bag |
| Dimension | 6 x 2 x 7 inches |
| Ingredients | Cocoa – Dutch processed |
OliveNation Cocoa Powder
This Callebaut cocoa powder from OliveNation comes in like a chocolate feve (a small bag) that is preferred by professional chefs. Callebaut is a world’s famous brand in making cocoa-based products based in Belgium.
The powder is Dutch-processed and contains 22 to 24% cocoa butter. Its flavor and taste are similar to those of the Royal Dutch from the Bensdorp brand.
It is great for making mousse, creams, biscuits, ice cream, confectionery or hot chocolate.
Pros
- Delicious
Cons
- Very fine powder may get blown away if not careful
Product Specs
| Weight | 1 pound per bag |
| Dimension | |
| Ingredients | Cocoa – Dutch processed, 22-24% fat content |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Cocoa Powder In 2020
Once you’ve finished reading the reviews above, you have a more or less better idea of what product you would like to purchase. There are a few additional things I want to tell you to best help you pick just the right cocoa powder.
Firstly, lots of people are confused about the difference between cacao and cocoa. Although variations exist, most manufacturers consider cacao to be unroasted or less processed beans. They are therefore considered more natural. Once the cacao beans are fermented, they become cocoa.
Next is to tell the difference between Dutch-processed and natural cocoa powders. The key to it is the leavening process – whether the dough rises when you put it in the oven.
The Dutch-processed powder is treated with an alkali to neutralize its acidity and therefore will not react with baking soda. Therefore for proper leavening to occur (i.e. the dough rises), you need to add other acidic ingredients.
Natural cocoa powder reacts well with baking soda to create leavening i.e. the dough rises when it is introduced to heat (oven).
Thirdly, you should learn about storage. To keep cocoa powder at its best, you should keep it in a tight container and place it in a cool place. In this state, the powder can normally last for about 2 years. Don’t put it in the refrigerator as the humidity will spoil the cocoa powder more quickly.
Fourthly, I shall talk about the health benefits of cocoa powder. There are many nutrients – including polyphenols that are natural antioxidants. They help lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. These flavonoids can also lower blood sugar levels and improve brain functioning. There has been some concern as to contamination during processing of this food – however, the level is usually low and much research is being done.
Last but not least, you should read the ‘frequently asked questions’ section below for more information. Good luck!
FAQs
Which brand of cocoa powder is the best?
This varies depending on your preferences. In this review, Anthony Organic’s tops the list. Another well-liked brand is Hershey’s.
What is good cocoa powder?
This depends on your needs. If you like to bake goods, you would choose Dutch-processed powder to have good leavening results. If you want to drink hot cocoa, you may prefer the natural powder that has an earthy taste.
What is better – cocoa or cacao?
Cacao is the purest form of chocolate as it hasn’t been processed the way that cocoa has been. Therefore it is bitter and retains more nutrients. Cocoa has been roasted; Dutch-processed and hence loses some of its nutrients.
Is there a difference between baking cocoa and cocoa powder?
As I’ve mentioned before, cacao powder has been Dutch-processed by adding an alkalizing agent. This makes the powder not react with baking soda and hence leavening does not occur properly. With cocoa powder, it’s the reverse.
What happens if you eat too much cocoa powder?
Cocoa contains caffeine and related chemicals. Eating too much of it can lead to caffeine-related effects such as nervousness, sleeplessness, a fast heartbeat, and an increased need to go to the bathroom.
What kind of cocoa is best for baking?
That is natural cocoa powder that hasn’t been Dutch-processed.
Is Hershey’s cocoa powder healthy?
Yes, it is. There are many benefits such as protecting you from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
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