15 Best Cocoa Powders For Desserts In 2024
Specialty: Integrative NutritionTiffany Wooten is a certified Holistic Health Coach, recipe developer, and video creator who helps in creating a balanced meal and shares simple, seasonal, healthy recipes, tips, and prep ideas. She focuses on prepping ingredients that can be used in multiple ways throughout the week and shares her healthy shortcuts with tons of meal ideas.
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In This Article
If you are a baking enthusiast, here’s our list of the best cocoa powders that you can add to your pantry. Having a premium cocoa powder with the right amount of bitterness is a must if you’re a baker or a confectionary specialist. It is the main ingredient in many delicious desserts. You may choose to add it to cakes, brownies, cookies or enjoy it in a cup of hot chocolate. With various alternatives available, you can explore our list of best-selling products to enhance your dessert’s taste and color.
Top Picks
15 Best Cocoa Powders To Make Delicious Desserts In 2024
1. Best With Antioxidants:Anthony’s Organic Cocoa Powder
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 7,426 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
The organic cocoa powder from Anthony’s Store is enriched with magnesium and antioxidants. It is an unsweetened and non-alkalized product with 10 to 12% fat content. The plant-based raw powder has several essential vitamins and is suitable for food styling, making chocolates, and baking other recipes. Have a look at this review video showcasing a tester’s experience to learn more about the aromatic product.
Features
- Gluten-free and organic
- USDA-certified
- Free of conservatives
- Contains no artificial ingredients
"My kitchen is never without this cocoa - it's a staple for my chocolate granola and a secret to my vibrant smoothies. The pure chocolate flavor makes my cakes and other chocolate recipes a hit. I also use it in frosting, which comes out smooth."
2. Best Food Colorant:The Cocoa Trader Dutch Processed Black Cocoa Powder
This cocoa powder by the trusted brand Hershey’s contains 100% natural cacao, an ideal ingredient for several desserts and drinks. It includes six eight-ounce cans of unsweetened cocoa powder that gives a creamy and aromatic flavor. You can use these perfectly balanced and sweet powder for baking several desserts. Here is a review video showcasing a tester’s experience to help you make an informed decision.
Features
- Suitable as a food colorant
- Rich in iron and magnesium
- Ensures rich flavor
- Inlcudes a satisfaction guarantee
"I have tried various cocoa powders, but this one made me fall in love with it because of its taste. It has no bitter taste and makes the recipes taste delicious. I also use it to make a hot cup of chocolate at night."
3. Best Gluten-Free:Hershey’s Natural Unsweetened Cocoa
Hershey’s cocoa powder contains 100% natural cacao, an ideal ingredient for several desserts and drinks. It includes six eight-ounce cans of unsweetened cocoa powder that gives creamy, aromatic, and rich chocolate flavor. You can use these perfectly balanced and sweet powders for baking several desserts, including chocolate cakes. Here is an informative video that tells you more about the product.
Features
- Gluten-free powder
- Kosher-certified
- Highly versatile ingredient
- Comes in a resealable can for retained freshness
"I love this cocoa for its taste and quality, which blends well with my chocolate recipes. The set included both regular and dark cocoa to cater to different recipe needs. However, I sometimes felt the taste was slightly bitter. Adding a little sugar may help with it."
Anthony’s Organic Cocoa Powder Best With Antioxidants | The Cocoa Trader Dutch Processed Black Cocoa Powder Best Food Colorant | Hershey’s Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Best Gluten-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4 x 2 x 2 inches | 21.3 x 14.2 x 4.8 inches | 3.94 x 3.54 x 4.72 inches |
| Weight | 2 Pounds | 1 Pounds | 3 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 7,426 | 1,234 | 1,809 |
| Price | $16.99 | $18.99 | $35.72 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Quick tip4. Best Quick-Dissolving:Ghirardelli Majestic Premium Cocoa Powder
The premium and majestic 32oz pack of unsweetened cocoa powder has no alkali or sugar. You can use it to add a deep chocolate flavor to cookies, cakes, hot chocolate, and fudge. The flavorful product is easy to dissolve and blends well with all your favorite dishes.
Features
- Kosher-certified
- Free of alkaline
- Rich and robust flavor
- Dutch-processed
"I am satisfied with the flavor and taste of this cocoa powder with a deep chocolate taste. It enhances my baked recipes, and I also use it in protein shakes as well. I recommend trying this with milk and sugar."
5. Best Non-GMO:Droste Cocoa Powder
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 2,045 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
The pure Dutch-processed cocoa powder comes in a three-box pack of 8.8oz each. It is gourmet standard powder, imported directly from Holland. The powder is suitable for baking cookies and other rich flavor desserts. You can also mix the cocoa powder in your hot cocoa to make it more aromatic and enhance its taste.
Features
- Unsweetened
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Works well with all baking recipes
"This cocoa powder is my trusted companion for my baking recipes. Its rich flavor enhances the taste of brownies and regular chocolates. I am quite fond of its consistency and quality."
Did you know?6. Best Allergen-Free:Gerbs Dutch Cocoa Powder
Gerbs superior quality Dutch cocoa powder provides a dark color to all your favorite baked items and beverages. The allergen-free unsweetened cocoa powder contains many essential vitamins and is suitable for those requiring a gluten-free diet. This tried-and-tested low-fat cocoa powder has a mildly bitter taste and provides health benefits, such as reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Features
- Safe production
- Free of chemicals and preservatives
- Contains a high concentration of flavanoids
- Consists of minimal fats and no sugar
"I use this cocoa powder for making gluten- and nut-free cookies. It lends them a rich, chocolatey flavor, veering more towards semi-sweet than dark chocolate. I would buy it again."
7. Best Dutch-Processed:Valrhona Pure Cocoa Powder
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 1,507 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
The dark mahogany-colored unsweetened cocoa powder comes in an 8.82-ounce container. It is a Dutch-processed smooth powder with no sugar and has premium quality and taste. The fine powder is packed in a perfect manner with minimal risks of contamination and molds. You can use this dark cocoa powder as a basic ingredient in several baking desserts and hot chocolate recipes.
Features
- Packed in aluminum boxes
- Kosher-certified
- Gluten-free
- Provides intense flavor to chocolate desserts
"This cocoa powder has elevated my cheesecakes, hot cocoas, and macaroons to new heights with its quality and flavor. I'd be using it more often in my baking adventures."
Quick fact8. Best With Rich Dark Flavor:NuNaturals Premium Organic Cocoa Dutch Process Powder
The premium-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder comes in a one-pound resealable bag. It provides a rich dark flavor to all your favorite baked items and drinks. The intense powder provides approximately 76 servings per bag and is suitable for food styling and making brownies, chocolate cakes, smoothies, etc. It has a neutral acidity level and contains all GMO-free ingredients.
Features
- Decent fat content level
- Dissolves easily
- Sugar-free
- Ensures low-calories and low-carb consumption
"This cocoa powder has become a sensation in my kitchen. I use it in my protein shakes and other beverages. I am amazed at how the powder dissolves flawlessly everytime, leaving no residue."
9. Bst For Professional Baking:E Guittard Cocoa Powder
The bittersweet flavor cocoa powder from Guittard is an excellent choice for the professional baking of desserts. It comes in an eight-ounce canister and is suitable for making your favorite cakes, pastries, fudge, brownies, etc. The quality-tested product is manufactured in the US and contains 100% natural cacao that provides benefits against several health issues.
Features
- Unsweetened powder
- Dutch-processed
- Provides a deep and robust flavor
- Contains minimal alkaline
"I have been using this processed cocoa powder for my baking and they turned out delicious. However, it has a slightly oily consistency and a mildly bitter taste. Overall, pretty satisfied with it."
10. Best Roasted And Fermented:Scharffen Berger Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder
The Scharffen Berger cocoa powder is made from beans that are properly roasted and fermented to create a smooth and rich flavor. It provides 15 calories per serving and is suitable for people with diabetes. The six-ounce canister is well-packed, and you can use the finely processed low-fat cocoa powder for hot and cold beverages.
Features
- OU Kosher-certified
- Gluten-free
- Made from premium quality roasted beans
- 100% pure unsweetened cocoa powder
"This cocoa powder makes my protein shakes taste yummy with its rich flavor and chocolate. The freshness of the cocoa may vary sometimes, but when it is fresh, it's perfect. It has improved the essence of my baking. I just wish it was available in a larger size."
11. Best With Alkali:Rodelle Gourmet Baking Cocoa Powder
The Dutch-processed cocoa powder from Rodelle is a dark color ingredient that provides a rich flavor to all your baked items and hot beverages. This dark cocoa powder is available in a 25oz resealable package that ensures retention of fresh cocoa.
Features
- Contains alkali that reduces acidity
- Made from 100% organic cocoa
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Gluten-free
12. Best With Intense Flavor:Hoosier Hill Farm Natural Cocoa Powder
The Hoosier Hill Farm natural cocoa powder, which comes in a 16oz bottle, is a high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder made from 100% pure cocoa solids. It’s an excellent choice for baking and cooking, offering a rich, chocolatey flavor and silky texture ideal for cookies, cakes, brownies, and other baked goods. Furthermore, it’s a great source of flavanol, which helps enhance cardiovascular health.
Features
- Easily resealable package
- Rich in antioxidants
- Gluten-free and vegan
- Consistent, uniform texture
"I love the flavor and consistency of this cocoa powder. It is ideal for homemade hot cocoa and other recipes that needs cocoa. I recommend this one for its flavor, and it has now become a regular in my pantry."
13. Best Polyphenol-Rich:Naturevibe Botanicals Cocoa Powder
The 100% organic cocoa powder is a rich flavor ingredient that provides an excellent taste and several health benefits. It helps reduce inflammation, regulate energy, and increase fat oxidation. You can use it in plenty of desserts, such as biscuits, drinks, cakes, and ice cream.
Features
- Rich in polyphenols
- Contains large antioxidants
- Easily resealable package
- Beneficial for weight regulation
14. Best All-Natural:Chatfield’s Cocoa Powder
The unsweetened cocoa powder from Chatfield is an excellent quality product consisting of non-GMO ingredients. It is a Kosher-certified and vegan product and can be used in most baking recipes and beverages. The tried-and-tested all-natural cocoa powder comes in a ten-ounce canister that maintains its freshness for longer.
Features
- Gluten-free
- Contains no alkalines
- Free of artificial ingredients
- Contains no allergens
"I find this cocoa powder as an ideal option when my baking my brownies. It tastes delicious, and I love that it is glutten free."
15. Best Fat-Free:Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder
The smooth and delicious chocolate flavor cocoa powder is made from the aromatic, all-natural Tumaco cocoa beans grown in Southern Columbia. It has a supple amount of fiber content and contains the necessary vitamins and minerals. The unsweetened cocoa powder can be used as an active ingredient in several baking recipes such as cakes, pastries, mousse, fudge, and hot chocolate.
Features
- Contains minimal calories
- Free of fats
- Helps against cholesterol
- 100% organic cacao seeds
"From baking to hot cocoa mixes, this cocoa powder blends well with the recipes, making it a reliable product. It is nutritious and has a rich Columbian rainforest flavor. Although I have tried others, this one remains my favorite."
How To Choose The Right Cocoa Powder?
Here is a list of important factors to consider before buying a premium cocoa powder.
- Purpose: Find the purpose of the cocoa powder and its use before making your final choice. Yc items, go for a versatile powder.
- Type of powder: Cocoa powders are available in two major categories, i.e., natural or Dutch-processed. If you want a lighter, non-alkaline cocoa powder, choose the natural one. Dutch cocoa powder undergoes alkalization and is a bit darker and bitter.
- Calorie level: Pay attention to the number of calories present in the coffee powder. If you want a fat-free product that helps maintain your weight and cholesterol levels, choose the one with the least amount of calories and fat content.
- Packaging: The packaging of the product plays a major role in determining how long it can stay fresh. Consider the one with resealable packaging or that available in an airtight container.
- Health benefits: Several cocoa powders aim at helping against several health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and stress. Be careful while making a purchase decision and buy the one that helps you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between cocoa or cacao?
Cacao is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, while cocoa contains a significant amount of nutrients and vitamins, such as fiber, proteins, iron, and magnesium.
2. How much cocoa powder can I eat daily?
For enhanced health benefits, you should consume 2.5 grams of high-flavanol cocoa powder daily.
3. Does cocoa make it difficult to sleep?
Cocoa powder provides you with better and relaxed sleep. The tryptophan present in the unsweetened cocoa powder makes you sleepier.
4. How many types of cocoa powders are there?
There are three types of cocoa powders: natural, dutch process, and black. Natural cocoa powder is the variant that is generally used in most common recipes.
5. Is unsweetened cocoa powder healthy?
Cocoa powder is can help prevent or treat allergies, inflammatory conditions, anxiety, and oxidative injuries (1). Unsweetened cocoa powder can also improve energy and fat metabolism.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Choosing the right cocoa powder is essential to ensure your baked treats taste delicious. So, we have researched and reviewed multiple products to ensure high quality, flavor, and safety. Each best-selling product comes with detailed features to give you a better understanding. You can also explore the buying guide to choose a suitable product that meets your needs. We have also considered user reviews to help you make an informed choice.
The Bottom Line
Cocoa powder is a must-have in every baking enthusiast’s pantry. To find the right cocoa powder, you must consider various factors, such as calories and the purpose. Cocoa powder might help regulate blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol and tickle the taste buds. If you’re looking for the best options, consider products like Anthony’s Organic Cocoa Powder, enriched with magnesium and antioxidants, and the Ghirardelli Majestic Premium Cocoa Powder, known for its easy dissolving and rich flavor. You may also choose the Droste Cocoa Powder, a gourmet standard unsweetened powder that’s perfect for baking. Make sure you pack it in an air-tight container to keep it fresh for longer.
Infographic: Different Types Of Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is a primary ingredient for several dishes, from tasty desserts to hot beverages. However, there are several types of cocoa powder available. Look through the infographic below to know these types to choose the correct one for your dish.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
References
- Health benefits of cocoa
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24100674/
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