The 10 Best Cocoa Powders
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Ideal for everything from whipping up a sumptuous cake to adding depth to your morning coffee, cocoa powder is a key ingredient in countless recipes. Here you'll find both Dutch-processed and natural varieties to suit myriad dietary and cooking needs. We've also included dark, red, and lightly-colored selections, as well as gourmet offerings and more affordable options for everyday baking. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Cacao Barry Extra Brute
2. The Cocoa Trader Black
3. Ghirardelli Majestic
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.
Special Honors
Red Velvet NYC For those who want to experiment, but don't have the pantry necessities or know-how, Red Velvet NYC is a baking kit service that brings step-by-step recipe cards and pre-measured ingredients straight to your door via several subscription plans. It's designed to make the baking experience fun and easy for beginners. You can choose from cookies, cupcakes, and cake subscriptions, or choose individual kits. They have kits for children too. redvelvetnyc.com
4. Terrasoul Superfoods Raw
5. Valrhona Pure
6. Wild Foods Organic
7. Guittard Rouge Unsweetened
8. Anthony's Culinary Grade
9. Droste Holland
10. Hershey's Special Dark
Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.