The 10 Best Cocoa Powders
Special Honors
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Editor's Notes
July 15, 2020:
We wanted to ensure we maintained a good balance between un-Dutched and Dutched powders but thought we could use another middle of the road selection that didn't come at a gourmet price, yet had features many people want, like no added fillers or sugar and non-GMO, organic, and fair-trade ingredients. And so we brought on the non-Dutched Terrasoul Superfoods Raw at the expense of the more expensive Rodelle Processed.
If you like the sound of the Terrasoul brand but want something more neutral in flavor, Anthony's Culinary Grade is a solid bet. We added this variation from the company when Anthony's Verified, which is non-alkalized, became unavailable.
We also added bulk 8-ounce packages from Hershey's Special Dark, which should be a boon to any baker who runs through the stuff often. This one is not quite as robust as other dark varieties, but that can be helpful if you're looking for the rich, deep coloring but want a lighter taste. That being said, it does have a slight bitter tang to it, so it's not ideal for putting into coffee or smoothies or anything you would consume without baking first unless you like that flavor profile. For more information on how to use cocoa and cacao powder in treats like cookies, cakes, pancakes, and more, check out our list of baking books.
March 01, 2019:
Cocoa powder is extremely versatile, comes in multiple colors, and is subject to two different processes during its manufacture: Dutch-processing, which balances the pH levels of the beans to give them a milder flavor, and natural, which is preferred by those who don't want to strip it of its natural nutrients. We've included both varieties here, with the Wild Foods Organic being an especially good choice for those who are following special diets, such as paleo. We were sure to include beloved brands like Hershey, Droste, and Ghirardelli, in addition to lauded high-end selections like Valrhona Pure, Rodelle Processed, and Cacao Barry Extra Brute. We placed The Cocoa Trader Black at the number two spot because of its affordability, satisfying taste and its potently dark hue, which is useful for specific recipes and themed treats.