Cocoa Powder (Theobroma cacao L., Malvaceae)
Cocoa powder is produced by pulverizing the press cake obtained after expressing cocoa butter from cocoa liquor. It may be natural (acidic pH) or alkalized (“Dutch-process,” neutral–slightly basic pH) to tune color, flavor, and dispersibility. It serves as a flavoring and color contributor in foods and beverages and as a functional cosmetic ingredient.
Caloric Value (Per 100 g Of Product)
Natural, low-fat (10–12% fat): ~200–260 kcal/100 g.
Extra-low-fat (8–10% fat): ~190–240 kcal/100 g.
High-fat grades (20–24% fat): ~360–480 kcal/100 g (energy scales with lipids).
At typical inclusion levels, energy contribution depends on dose and recipe.
Key Constituents
Flavanols: catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidins; levels generally decrease with strong alkalization.
Methylxanthines: theobromine (predominant) and low caffeine; mild stimulant effect in humans.
Residual lipid fraction: cocoa butter containing SFA (saturated fatty acids; high oxidative stability—dietary balance advisable), MUFA (mono-unsaturated fatty acids; may support oxidative stability), traces of PUFA (poly-unsaturated fatty acids; more oxidation-prone).
Fiber: high, mainly insoluble; contributes structure and water binding in doughs.
Minerals: notable magnesium and potassium; iron and calcium vary.
Volatiles: pyrazines, aldehydes, short-chain acids from fermentation and roasting.
Analytical markers: TPC (total phenolic content), flavanol profile by HPLC, theobromine/caffeine, pH, fineness (D90), color (Lab*).
Production Process
Fermentation and drying of beans at origin.
Roasting to develop aroma and reduce volatile acidity.
Breaking and winnowing of nibs; optional alkalization (nibs or liquor) with carbonates to adjust pH/color.
Grinding to liquor and pressing to separate butter and press cake.
Pulverization and micronization of cake; sieving/blending to standardize pH, color, and particle size.
Quality control and barrier packaging in compliance with GMP/HACCP.
At the end of the processing you get a dough that will serve for all subsequent processing, but especially for the most important the :
Cocoa paste or cocoa mass
From this pasta that results in a very bitter taste, they are made with various processes:
- Cocoa butter : obtained by pressure and heat
- Cocoa powder : with fine grinding until you get a soluble powder in water.
Sensory And Technological Properties
Aroma/color: alkalized powders are darker with deeper roast notes; natural powders are brighter, more acidic/fruity.
Dispersibility: improved by alkalization (wetting/suspendability); natural powders sediment more readily.
Leavening interaction: pH drives chemical leavening; natural (acidic) supports bicarbonate alone, alkalized requires acid balance in formula.
Food Applications
Cocoa beverages and RTD mixes; baked goods (cookies 2–6%, cakes 5–12%), creams/fillings 3–8%, ice-cream/dairy 0.5–2.5%, cereals/snacks 1–5%, toppings/sauces 1–3%. Choose natural vs alkalized according to target color, flavor, and formulation pH.
Nutrition And Health
Cocoa powder contains flavanols with in-vitro antioxidant activity; any health claims require prior authorization. Theobromine is a mild stimulant for humans but hazardous to pets—keep cocoa away from animals. Strong alkalization can markedly lower flavanol content.
Quality And Specifications (Typical Topics)
Total fat: 8–10% (extra-low-fat), 10–12% (low-fat), 20–24% (high-fat).
pH: natural ~5.2–6.0; alkalized ~6.8–8.1 (supplier-specific).
Moisture: typically ≤ 7.5%; particle size fine (e.g., D90 < 75 μm).
Theobromine/caffeine: theobromine ~1.5–3%; caffeine lower.
Contaminants: manage cadmium/lead, OTA; absence of Salmonella; pesticides/solvents within limits.
Color: Lab* control and visible-band absorbance for lot-to-lot consistency.
Storage And Shelf Life
Protect from light, humidity, and off-odors; use low-permeability barrier packs with reduced headspace (DO).
Avoid condensation and repeated temperature cycling; maintain controlled RH to prevent caking.
Rotate inventory using FIFO; reseal promptly after use.
Allergens And Safety
Cocoa is not a major allergen; control potential cross-contamination with milk/tree nuts in multi-line facilities. Trace heavy metals can occur and should be managed via supplier qualification. Keep out of reach of pets (theobromine).
INCI Functions In Cosmetics
Typical entries: Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Powder; Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract; Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Shell Powder.
Roles: antioxidant, skin conditioning, masking; shell powder serves as a fine mechanical exfoliant.
Troubleshooting
Caking/compaction: high RH or moisture uptake → improve barrier, add desiccants, sieve before use.
Poor dispersibility: natural powder in cold water → pre-blend with sugars/fats, increase shear, consider alkalized grades.
Color/flavor too light: acidic pH or low dose → select darker grades or raise dose within sensory limits.
Excess bitterness/astringency: intense natural powder → balance with fats/sugars or use lighter roast/partially alkalized profiles.
Sustainability And Supply Chain
Responsible sourcing (traceability, voluntary certifications, biodiversity and labor safeguards), reduced factory impacts (water savings, effluent management to BOD/COD targets), and by-product valorization (husks for fuel/amendments). Recyclable packaging and controlled temperature/humidity logistics support stability and lower impact.
Conclusion
Cocoa powder combines robust cocoa aroma, tunable color, and useful technological functions across many applications. Performance depends on pH, fineness, processing (natural vs alkalized), control of moisture/oxygen, and tight process and quality standardization.
Mini-Glossary
SFA — Saturated fatty acids (e.g., palmitic/stearic): High oxidative stability; moderate intake in diet advisable.
MUFA — Mono-unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., oleic): May support favorable lipid profile and oxidative stability.
PUFA — Poly-unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., linoleic): Functional but more prone to oxidation; protection recommended.
TPC — Total phenolic content: Global, non-specific phenolic indicator (Folin–Ciocalteu).
HPLC — High-performance liquid chromatography: Quantifies flavanols/alkaloids and other markers.
OTA — Ochratoxin A: Mycotoxin to be controlled in beans and powders.
D90 — 90th-percentile particle diameter: Fineness metric; lower values aid smooth mouthfeel.
Lab* — CIELAB color space: L* lightness, a*/b* chromatic axes; used for color control.
DO — Dissolved oxygen: Reducing headspace oxygen helps limit oxidation.
RH — Relative humidity: Control to prevent caking and quality loss.
aw — Water activity: “Free” water fraction related to stability and microbiology.
GMP/HACCP — Good manufacturing practice / Hazard analysis and critical control points: Preventive quality systems with defined CCP.
BOD/COD — Biochemical/chemical oxygen demand: Wastewater organic-load indicators.
FIFO — First in, first out: Inventory rotation prioritizing older lots.
Cocoa studies
References__________________________________________________________________________
Montagna MT, Diella G, Triggiano F, Caponio GR, De Giglio O, Caggiano G, Di Ciaula A, Portincasa P. Chocolate, "Food of the Gods": History, Science, and Human Health. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 6;16(24):4960. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16244960.
Abstract. Chocolate is well known for its fine flavor, and its history began in ancient times, when the Maya considered chocolate (a cocoa drink prepared with hot water) the "Food of the Gods". The food industry produces many different types of chocolate: in recent years, dark chocolate, in particular, has gained great popularity. Interest in chocolate has grown, owing to its physiological and potential health effects, such as regulation of blood pressure, insulin levels, vascular functions, oxidation processes, prebiotic effects, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism. However, further translational and epidemiologic studies are needed to confirm available results and to evaluate other possible effects related to the consumption of cocoa and chocolate, verifying in humans the effects hitherto demonstrated only in vitro, and suggesting how best to consume (in terms of dose, mode, and time) chocolate in the daily diet.
Ferri C, Desideri G, Ferri L, Proietti I, Di Agostino S, Martella L, Mai F, Di Giosia P, Grassi D. Cocoa, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health. J Agric Food Chem. 2015 Nov 18;63(45):9901-9. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b01064.
Abstract. High blood pressure is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events worldwide. Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that cocoa-rich products reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. According to this, cocoa has a high content in polyphenols, especially flavanols. Flavanols have been described to exert favorable effects on endothelium-derived vasodilation via the stimulation of nitric oxide-synthase, the increased availability of l-arginine, and the decreased degradation of NO. Cocoa may also have a beneficial effect by protecting against oxidative stress alterations and via decreased platelet aggregation, decreased lipid oxidation, and insulin resistance. These effects are associated with a decrease of blood pressure and a favorable trend toward a reduction in cardiovascular events and strokes. Previous meta-analyses have shown that cocoa-rich foods may reduce blood pressure. Long-term trials investigating the effect of cocoa products are needed to determine whether or not blood pressure is reduced on a chronic basis by daily ingestion of cocoa. Furthermore, long-term trials investigating the effect of cocoa on clinical outcomes are also needed to assess whether cocoa has an effect on cardiovascular events. A 3 mmHg systolic blood pressure reduction has been estimated to decrease the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. This paper summarizes new findings concerning cocoa effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular health, focusing on putative mechanisms of action and "nutraceutical " viewpoints.
Jean-Marie E, Jiang W, Bereau D, Robinson JC. Theobroma cacao and Theobroma grandiflorum: Botany, Composition and Pharmacological Activities of Pods and Seeds. Foods. 2022 Dec 8;11(24):3966. doi: 10.3390/foods11243966.
Abstract. Cocoa and cupuassu are evergreen Amazonian trees belonging to the genus Theobroma, with morphologically distinct fruits, including pods and beans. These beans are generally used for agri-food and cosmetics and have high fat and carbohydrates contents. The beans also contain interesting bioactive compounds, among which are polyphenols and methylxanthines thought to be responsible for various health benefits such as protective abilities against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders and other metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Although these pods represent 50-80% of the whole fruit and provide a rich source of proteins, they are regularly eliminated during the cocoa and cupuassu transformation process. The purpose of this work is to provide an overview of recent research on cocoa and cupuassu pods and beans, with emphasis on their chemical composition, bioavailability, and pharmacological properties. According to the literature, pods and beans from cocoa and cupuassu are promising ecological and healthy resources.
Tan TYC, Lim XY, Yeo JHH, Lee SWH, Lai NM. The Health Effects of Chocolate and Cocoa: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2021 Aug 24;13(9):2909. doi: 10.3390/nu13092909.
Abstract. Chocolate has a history of human consumption tracing back to 400 AD and is rich in polyphenols such as catechins, anthocyanidins, and pro anthocyanidins. As chocolate and cocoa product consumption, along with interest in them as functional foods, increases worldwide, there is a need to systematically and critically appraise the available clinical evidence on their health effects. A systematic search was conducted on electronic databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) using a search strategy and keywords. Among the many health effects assessed on several outcomes (including skin, cardiovascular, anthropometric, cognitive, and quality of life), we found that compared to controls, chocolate or cocoa product consumption significantly improved lipid profiles (triglycerides), while the effects of chocolate on all other outcome parameters were not significantly different. In conclusion, low-to-moderate-quality evidence with short duration of research (majority 4-6 weeks) showed no significant difference between the effects of chocolate and control groups on parameters related to skin, blood pressure, lipid profile, cognitive function, anthropometry, blood glucose, and quality of life regardless of form, dose, and duration among healthy individuals. It was generally well accepted by study subjects, with gastrointestinal disturbances and unpalatability being the most reported concerns.
Schwan RF, Wheals AE. The microbiology of cocoa fermentation and its role in chocolate quality. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2004;44(4):205-21. doi: 10.1080/10408690490464104.
Abstract. The first stage of chocolate production consists of a natural, seven-day microbial fermentation of the pectinaceous pulp surrounding beans of the tree Theobroma cacao. There is a microbial succession of a wide range of yeasts, lactic-acid, and acetic-acid bacteria during which high temperatures of up to 50 degrees C and microbial products, such as ethanol, lactic acid, and acetic acid, kill the beans and cause production of flavor precursors. Over-fermentation leads to a rise in bacilli and filamentous fungi that can cause off-flavors. The physiological roles of the predominant micro-organisms are now reasonably well understood and the crucial importance of a well-ordered microbial succession in cocoa aroma has been established. It has been possible to use a synthetic microbial cocktail inoculum of just 5 species, including members of the 3 principal groups, to mimic the natural fermentation process and yield good quality chocolate. Reduction of the amount of pectin by physical or mechanical means can also lead to an improved fermentation in reduced time and the juice can be used as a high-value byproduct. To improve the quality of the processed beans, more research is needed on pectinase production by yeasts, better depulping, fermenter design, and the use of starter cultures.
Cárdenas A, Mojica L, Coronado-Cáceres L, Castillo-Herrera GA. Unlocking the Alkaloid Biological Potential of Chili Pepper (Capsicum spp.), Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), and Coffee (Coffea spp.) Byproducts: Characterization, Non-Conventional Extraction, Applications, and Future Perspectives. Molecules. 2025 Sep 18;30(18):3795. doi: 10.3390/molecules30183795.
Abstract. Chili peppers (Capsicum spp.), cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), and coffee (Coffea spp.) are important crops worldwide. Nearly 35%, 80%, and 45% of the respective fruits are underutilized or discarded, representing a considerable economic loss. This work reviews and analyzes the environmental factors that influence the concentration of the main alkaloids in these crops, including capsaicin, theobromine, and caffeine. Their reported anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and cytotoxic properties are also reviewed. This work explores strategies for the revalorization of these crops, comparing alkaloid extraction methods that use non-conventional techniques, including supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), high-pressure and -temperature extraction (HPTE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), and pulsed electric field-assisted extraction (PEFAE), and their combination to enhance the recovery of capsaicin, theobromine, and caffeine, leading to sustainable and innovative uses of these crops' byproducts. Capsaicin, theobromine, and caffeine alkaloids are promising ingredients for the development of functional foods, cosmeceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.
Díaz-Valderrama JR, Leiva-Espinoza ST, Aime MC. The History of Cacao and Its Diseases in the Americas. Phytopathology. 2020 Oct;110(10):1604-1619. doi: 10.1094/PHYTO-05-20-0178-RVW.
Abstract. Cacao is a commodity crop from the tropics cultivated by about 6 million smallholder farmers. The tree, Theobroma cacao, originated in the Upper Amazon where it was domesticated ca. 5450 to 5300 B.P. From this center of origin, cacao was dispersed and cultivated in Mesoamerica as early as 3800 to 3000 B.P. After the European conquest of the Americas (the 1500s), cacao cultivation intensified in several loci, primarily Mesoamerica, Trinidad, Venezuela, and Ecuador. It was during the colonial period that cacao diseases began emerging as threats to production. One early example is the collapse of the cacao industry in Trinidad in the 1720s, attributed to an unknown disease referred to as the "blast". Trinidad would resurface as a production center due to the discovery of the Trinitario genetic group, which is still widely used in breeding programs around the world. However, a resurgence of diseases like frosty pod rot during the republican period (the late 1800s and early 1900s) had profound impacts on other centers of Latin American production, especially in Venezuela and Ecuador, shifting the focus of cacao production southward, to Bahia, Brazil. Production in Bahia was, in turn, dramatically curtailed by the introduction of witches' broom disease in the late 1980s. Today, most of the world's cacao production occurs in West Africa and parts of Asia, where the primary Latin American diseases have not yet spread. In this review, we discuss the history of cacao cultivation in the Americas and how that history has been shaped by the emergence of diseases.
Martin MÁ, Ramos S. Impact of cocoa flavanols on human health. Food Chem Toxicol. 2021 May;151:112121. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112121. Epub 2021 Mar 13. PMID: 33722594.
Kerimi A, Williamson G. The cardiovascular benefits of dark chocolate. Vascul Pharmacol. 2015 Aug;71:11-5. doi: 10.1016/j.vph.2015.05.011. Epub 2015 May 27. PMID: 26026398.
Russnes KM, Möller E, Wilson KM, Carlsen M, Blomhoff R, Smeland S, Adami HO, Grönberg H, Mucci LA, Bälter K. Total antioxidant intake and prostate cancer in the Cancer of the Prostate in Sweden (CAPS) study. A case control study. BMC Cancer. 2016 Jul 11;16:438. doi: 10.1186/s12885-016-2486-8.
Cocoa powder 
