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Cocoa is a small tree from which seeds are obtained, and from them — cocoa. It is valued not only for its taste, but also for its wide range of uses, primarily in the confectionery industry. Its health properties are also important. How to choose high-quality cocoa, which is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals, and also has antioxidant properties? The article will talk about the types, prices and rules for selecting a product and present a rating of the best cocoa according to experts and customer reviews.

Criteria for choosing cocoa

Cocoa is a dark brown powder that is made from cocoa seeds. They are cleaned, sorted, roasted, crushed and degreased. The cocoa fat that is produced during the process is cocoa butter, which is widely used in cosmetics and cooking. Cocoa has many beneficial properties, so it is recommended to use it in moderation during diets. It is important to choose the classic version of cocoa without sugar.

When choosing cocoa of good quality, you should pay attention to the composition of the product. Many cheap instant drink options contain a high concentration of additives such as flavorings, sugar, salt, and calcium carbonate. The best cocoa is the one that has no additives and is high in cocoa beans. The darker and richer the color of the powder, the better. In addition, it must have an extremely bitter taste and a strong aroma. The ideal option would be raw unprocessed cocoa in the form of a whole grain or powder. A granular drink is often found on sale — it is less intense in taste and color, and contains sweeteners. This is made to drink cocoa with milk, as children love it. Granulated cocoa contains no more than 10% real bitter cocoa.

Types of cocoa

Cocoa varies depending on where it was grown, weather conditions, soil, and the methods used to ferment and dry the beans. The taste and aroma of the product is influenced by the type of trees, the composition and quality of the soil, the weather and the altitude above sea level. Cocoa beans obtained from the same tree can vary significantly in taste.

There are 3 main types of trees from which cocoa is obtained:

• Criollos — its seeds are very valuable. The cocoa obtained from this tree is of high quality, and the tree itself is overly sensitive to diseases and external factors. He is also called the «Prince of Cocoa».
• Forastero is one of the most popular types of cocoa beans. The species is very hardy and disease resistant.
• Trinitario is a combined type that combines valuable taste qualities.

The best natural cocoa

THEOBROMA

It is a product obtained from the processing of cocoa beans. Each sip of the drink will allow you to enjoy the soft, slightly bitter taste and feel the rich aroma. A glass of nutritious cocoa for breakfast will provide a surge of energy and strength for the whole day, and with regular use of the drink, it can affect the immune system, blood circulation, mental and physical abilities. Used in confectionery.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Italy
Volume	1 kg
Additional Information	raw, natural
fat content	10-12%

Review: “I tried different types of cocoa, but this one is the best. I didn’t have time to brew, as everyone is already running to the kitchen, the aroma is on the whole apartment. I made the right choice, even though the price bites a little.”

Barry Callebaut

This brand’s cocoa powder is 100% pure cocoa. African beans made the color and texture of cocoa rich and fragrant. Thanks to the traditional recipe, cocoa is produced in accordance with all international norms and rules. Qualitatively crushed grains are easily combined with liquids, not only warm, but also cold, which will delight housewives when creating desserts, cookies, cakes and ice cream. The unique taste makes it an indispensable attribute of any dish.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Belgium
Volume	0.4 kg
Additional Information	powder, cooking required
fat content	22%

Review: “Husband bought home cocoa. I have not used this brand before, but I can say that it is very tasty. A pronounced taste makes you make another cup of drink. I add it to my baked goods.»

CANDY

In stores, grated cocoa is rarely found. This product is obtained by processing cocoa beans into cocoa butter. They are first fried at high temperatures, then crushed. This product is the basis for the production of confectionery. Its composition is 100% cocoa, in which there are no dyes and preservatives. It is well absorbed by the body, increases efficiency, strengthens the immune system, improves metabolic functions.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Armenia
Volume	1 kg
Additional Information	grated cocoa
fat content	12%

Review: “Natural and high quality product. My wife and I bought it on the Internet, now we drink it instead of tea. One spoon is enough to make a rich and aromatic drink. My wife sometimes throws in cupcakes and other baked goods.”

PRIMACAO

High-quality cocoa powder, which is produced exclusively from fresh and selected cocoa beans, which have previously undergone a fermentation procedure. This type of product differs from its predecessors in its consistency. It can be mixed with classic powder and added to confectionery, but it is recommended to use it in its pure form for a drink. This is the only way to enjoy its taste.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Bulgaria
Volume	0.5 kg
Additional Information	cocoa powder, not alkalized
fat content	10-12%

Review: “A friend brought cocoa from abroad. I have never been a big fan of this product. But when she made me cocoa with milk, I immediately changed my mind. It didn’t taste so good to me. Now I ask her to bring me cocoa as often as possible.

Ecuador

Natural cocoa powder made from unroasted cocoa beans. The production technology allows you to store all the nutrients and minerals in the best possible way. Perfect for making hot drinks and chocolate. Useful substances that remain after processing have a positive effect on the immune system and mood of a person, thought processes, and physical activity. The manufacturer has created an individual package design, several volume options for comfortable use.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Ecuador
Volume	1 kg
Additional Information	grated in pieces, from uncooked beans
fat content	fifteen%

Review: “I bought cocoa in a store, recently appeared. I bought it for baking, but decided to try it as a drink. I really liked the taste, I make it with milk for children, I can’t pull it by the ears. High quality and delicious food.»

Royal

Natural cocoa powder is made from a variety of elite Criollo beans. It has a pleasant and rich chocolate taste. Premium quality product. Its composition includes only natural ingredients rich in antioxidants. One spoon of the product is enough to brew a delicious drink. Well suited for home-made confectionery, drinks, natural chocolate.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Colombia
Volume	0.2 kg
Additional Information	natural cocoa powder for cooking
fat content	20-22%

Review: “We bought cocoa in a supermarket, I decided to brew it. It dissolves quickly in water and tastes like hot chocolate. It is convenient to use when baking, so its color becomes more chocolate, rich.”

Idigo

Cocoa product is made from the ripened fruits of cocoa beans. They contain a large amount of antioxidants, some of which have special properties that are very beneficial for the body. It is recommended to include in the diet of young children, the elderly to support body tone. With active mental activity and physical work, this product should be the basis of the diet.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Russia
Volume	0.1 kg
Additional Information	traditional ground cocoa
fat content	12%

Review: “Bought cocoa for the kids for breakfast. I really like the taste and smell, completely harmless to babies. I brew daily with cookies. The kids are happy and so is the mother.

Nikitich

Cocoa has a characteristic aroma and taste, without unnecessary flavors and dyes. Finely ground beans have antioxidant properties that help improve blood circulation. Due to the low level of caffeine, even children are allowed to consume it. The active substances that are part of the product increase the working capacity of a person, stimulate mental activity, and improve physical indications. Cocoa with milk is the best option against depression.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Russia
Volume	0.1 kg
Additional Information	beans, unroasted, powdered
fat content	ten%

Review: “As a cocoa lover, I really liked the product. True, I have to add sugar, because I like very sweet things. Satisfied with the taste. I got a good drink for a good price.”

Pure Cocoa

The cocoa product is produced according to German technology and fully meets international standards. Beans from Vietnam are used for production. The manufacturer has created a wide range of flavors, so the buyer will be able to choose the right option for himself. It is used to make cold drinks, as well as ingredients for baking, sweets and desserts. The rich color is reminiscent of real chocolate.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	France
Volume	0.2 kg
Additional Information	dark chocolate powder
fat content	20-22%

Review: “Cocoa was brought from the Dominican Republic. It is presented in many variations, but we chose without any additives. We drink coffee instead. Very tasty, healthy product, improves mental activity.”

Ivory Coast

Cocoa powder is intended for preparation of hot drinks. An exquisite variety of ultra-finely ground cocoa beans gives the product a special rich taste and aroma, and a slight bitterness adds piquancy. Manufacturers have worked on the packaging design to create not only taste, but also aesthetic pleasure. Cocoa quickly dissolves in water, does not form a precipitate, and in most cases is used in home and industrial baking.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Netherlands
Volume	1 kg
Additional Information	grated cocoa
fat content	53%

Review: “As soon as I saw this brand of cocoa in the store, I immediately bought it. I love it very much for its unique composition, light bitterness. Husband loves with milk, as well as children. A quality product that deserves attention.”

The best instant cocoa

Carraro Cacao Amaro

Bitter, soluble cocoa powder is widely used in beverages and culinary arts. The drink has a pleasant, rich taste, its aroma can be heard over long distances. Consumers were very interested in the brand of this product, so the manufacturer created a wide range of flavors, different package sizes. Easily brewed. It can be used both independently and with various additives.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Italy
Volume	0.25 kg
Additional Information	dark chocolate instant powder
fat content	27%

Review: “In search of good and high-quality cocoa, I tried many flavors, but the choice was stopped on this type. Has a rich chocolate aroma. Mixed in different proportions, both with water and with milk, it dissolves perfectly, does not settle.”

Munne

High quality instant cocoa product made from selected cocoa varieties. It contains: sugar, lecithin, salt, vanillin and beans. The powder is made from the chocolate tree. To begin with, the fruits are cut down, then manually split into small chips and dried. After such processing, cocoa acquires the desired aroma and taste. This product will delight you with a thick aroma with delicious sweet notes.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Dominican Republic
Volume	0.25 kg
Additional Information	instant
fat content	17-19%

Review: “We decided to replace the usual coffee with cocoa. I will say that the experiment was a success. I feel much better than coffee. Delicious, sweet drink for every day.

Van Houten

This brand of cocoa will bring chocolate notes to gray and boring everyday life. It contains 16% cocoa, which has a rich texture and unique taste. The product is created on the basis of international standards and meets all quality criteria. A balanced composition will appeal to lovers of sweets. To taste, it can be supplemented with nuts, marshmallows or original syrup. Special taste criteria open up if the product is brewed with milk.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Sweden
Volume	1 kg
Additional Information	instant cocoa powder
fat content	12%

Review: “Ran out of old coffee, and had to be puzzled by a new package. I wanted to keep the amount smaller, but not much to lose the quality of the product. I took cocoa of this brand and did not regret it, I liked it very much. The taste and aroma is amazing. Now I will take it on a regular basis.”

Monbana

Cocoa of this brand is a product with a rich history, because very soon the company will cross its milestone of 100 years. This fact could not but affect the quality of the goods. Monbana is made from exclusive varieties of beans harvested by hand. In its taste there are gentle notes of cream, and a slight bitterness makes it spicy. This product will appeal even to those who have not previously been a fan of cocoa. Perfect for reading your favorite book with a cup of hot drink.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Italy
Volume	0.2 kg
Additional Information	coarse grinding powder
fat content	eleven%

Review: “I bribed the convenient packaging. I love to collect all sorts of jars, bottles. Cocoa is enough for several months. It is very easy to drink, especially after a hard day at work.”

Nesquik Opti Start

A glass of cocoa drink for breakfast will help the child quickly cheer up, and in combination with milk — get a dose of useful minerals and vitamins that contribute to the favorable activity of the body throughout the day. It includes OPTI-START — a special complex of vitamins that make milk even more useful, giving the baby the necessary substances for healthy growth and development. It also has iron, zinc and potassium.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Hungary
Volume	0.38 kg
Additional Information	instant powder
fat content	twenty%

Review: “My kids ask me to make Nesquik every morning. We have been drinking this drink for many years. Sweet, dissolves quickly, pleasant chocolate aftertaste. A great option not only for children, but also for adults.”

sun food

Cocoa powder is made from the finest cocoa beans. Thanks to the cold pressing process, the amount of fat is significantly reduced. With all this, the beneficial properties of the product and the natural taste of raw beans are preserved. An organic product is an incredibly healthy food that is rich in minerals and promotes normal growth and development, strengthening the nervous system. Cocoa can be brewed with water, milk, and even yogurt.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	USA
Volume	0.45 kg
Additional Information	organic cocoa powder
fat content	9%

Review: “My husband and I switched to proper nutrition. We are very careful in our choice of products. Therefore, we chose an organic drink, without additives. It is easy to drink, saturates with vitamins and microelements. Very like».

DGF Extra Noir

Cocoa powder contains 12% cocoa butter. It has a rich taste and aroma, and its intense black color cannot leave indifferent lovers of fine products. The product is popular in the confectionery business for creating a rich dark color for culinary masterpieces. To soften the taste, you just need to mix it with another type of cocoa or milk. Produced by a famous French company.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	France
Volume	1 kg
Additional Information	soluble powder
fat content	10-12%

Review: “I used another cocoa before, but the store recommended this. I myself am not a fan of this drink, but the children love it very much. I decided to brew — the aroma was on the whole apartment, better than from coffee, I tried it very much. We have been drinking for 3 months, a very large package.”

Cacao Barry Plein Arome

Cocoa powder with a pronounced taste. Its peculiarity is in the rich color and aroma of roasted beans. The alkalized powder helps to cover the truffles qualitatively and evenly. Alkalization helps to reduce the acidity level of the product, destroys the bitter and sour taste, and also speeds up the cooking procedure, without pre-boiling the liquid. Widely used in cooking.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	France
Volume	1 kg
Additional Information	alkalized powder
fat content	22-24%

Review: “We bought cocoa to make chocolates. It turned out very tasty sweets, with a slight bitterness, it is a pleasure for tea. The texture of the cocoa is very pleasant and dissolves easily with cold ingredients.”

Julius Meinl Kakao Mix

Classic cocoa powder, which has a slightly tart taste with a noticeable bitterness, which gives the product a special charm and piquancy. In combination with water, you can get a sharp, rich drink. Add milk — and a creamy note appears in it, which is ideal for desserts. Hot drinks come in many varieties. It has a homogeneous consistency, without lumps and impurities.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Austria
Volume	1 kg
Additional Information	chocolate cocoa drink
fat content	12%

Review: “I fell in love with this cocoa firm from the first spoon. For the first time I tried cocoa at a party, then I decided to buy myself. I really like the taste of chocolate, as I myself am a chocolate lover. I add to baking.

bourbon

A novelty of the domestic market is a hearty and tasty Japanese drink. The milk component of the product gives it a delicate taste, calorie content and enriches the body with calcium. Sold in small portion packs. This is a great alternative for breakfast for a person who needs energy and strength for the whole day. Cocoa beans saturate the product with nutrients. The pleasant texture of cocoa, which dissolves easily in cold liquids, appeals not only to children, but also to adults.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Japan
Volume	0.24 kg
Additional Information	instant cocoa with milk
fat content	10-12%

Review: “We could not choose cocoa for a long time and decided to try this. I brew with milk, do not add sweeteners, as it is already so sweet. Easy to drink, kids ask for more. I won’t say that it’s healthy, but it’s tasty if you drink it in small doses.”

The best cocoa for baking

Equal Exchange Organic

This popular chocolate hot cocoa is made using organic cocoa (cocoa beans) grown by Conacado farmers in the Dominican Republic, sugar cane from small farmers in Paraguay, and organic milk powder in the USA. This is a fairly popular delicacy that is easy to prepare. The drink is tasty and rich in taste with a light creamy aftertaste.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	USA
Volume	0.34 kg
Additional Information	cocoa powder
fat content	ten%

Review: “I really liked the cocoa, dense in texture. I brew 2 tablespoons per cup of milk. Reminds me of hot chocolate. Relaxes better than a hot bath.”

IRCA

Natural alkalized premium product has a pronounced taste and delicate chocolate aroma. It has a rich color with a reddish tint that does not fade during the preparation of cakes, cookies, desserts. Practical packaging, high fat content of the product makes it extremely popular among chefs and lovers of home baking. Suitable for decorating and giving a pleasant taste sensation to sweets.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Italy
Volume	1 kg
Additional Information	alkalized powder
fat content	22-24%

Review: “I am a professional baker. I use cocoa of this brand for work, as it showed itself very well during baking and in cold desserts. Fine grinding helps to effectively dissolve the product even in very cold milk. It turns out beautiful, rich pastries.”

Dr. Oetker

Cocoa from a German manufacturer is ideal for any baking, both at home and in a professional kitchen. Dark with a reddish tint, the color guarantees an excellent result for any product. Pairs well with hot drinks and cold desserts. A quality product containing 22% cocoa butter. The product is used in various variations: for muted or vice versa saturation of tastes.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Germany
Volume	0.5 kg
Additional Information	cocoa powder
fat content	22.5%

Review: “I use cocoa for cake icing, eclairs and other goodies. Easily dissolves, has a pronounced chocolate taste, fits well on the finished product.”

ROYAL FOREST

Cocoa powder is made from Criollo cocoa beans. Has a pleasant chocolate aftertaste. The product is rich in antioxidants. It is widely used in the confectionery business at a professional level and at home. It contains no flavorings and preservatives, so the product is considered completely organic. Aesthetic packaging, a variety of tastes will impress connoisseurs of fine drinks.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Colombia
Volume	0.2 kg
Additional Information	soluble
fat content	12%

Review: “Ordered cocoa online. This is my favorite drink. I want to say that the choice did not disappoint, delicate taste, easy to prepare, but a slight bitterness is present, only it rather adds spice. Sometimes I add it to baked goods.

Russia Generous soul

The product contains 70% cocoa, which will delight connoisseurs of drinks with a rich taste. Natural components of the product make it more attractive in appearance. It is quickly brewed on the basis of milk or water, used for baking or decorating, making homemade chocolate or cold desserts. Delicious and nutritious product will fill the child with strength and energy before the start of the day.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Russia
Volume	0.1 kg
Additional Information	cocoa powder
fat content	7%

Review: “Russia Generous Soul is my favorite brand of goods. Always distinguished by high quality, which can be attributed to cocoa. I use the product for truffles and their sprinkling. They come out very saturated, bitter, home-style tasty.

Organica for all Criollo

It is an ideal alternative to industrial cocoa. It is used to make smoothies, hot chocolate and other nutritious drinks. The product is included in the diet of connoisseurs of healthy food and vegetarians. From cocoa of this brand, very tasty homemade cakes and sweets are obtained. It is prepared on the basis of water, milk of different varieties or yogurt. Produced from rare varieties of Criollo cocoa bean.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Peru
Volume	0.15 kg
Additional Information	organic raw cocoa powder
fat content	20-22%

Review: “Very tasty organic cocoa. I use it not as tea leaves, but in its raw form — I make homemade sweets. They fly off the table in minutes. I like the tart taste, without sweeteners and dyes.”

Mehmet Efendi Kurukahveci

Turkish-made cocoa is made from first-class Dutch beans. It is very finely ground and has a rich aroma and pleasant taste. The Turkish drink is produced according to an ancient Dutch recipe, which results in a high quality liquid with spicy notes. It is used in culinary business in the preparation of various drinks, both cold and hot.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Turkey
Volume	0.25 kg
Additional Information	finely ground cocoa powder
fat content	17-19%

Review: “I have known this brand for a very long time and I buy cocoa only from this brand. Repeatedly added to cakes — the cakes are made dark brown, with a chocolate flavor. I brew for children on the basis of milk.

fine life

Cocoa powder is made from the well-known Theobroma tree, which is popularly called the Chocolate Tree. The plant is found in tropical regions around the globe. The beans give cocoa a rich brown color that is easily cooked with milk or water. It does not contain sugar, flavor enhancers, so if the drink seems too strong, you can add a few tablespoons of sugar. It has a chocolate taste and a pleasant aroma.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Russia
Volume	0.3 kg
Additional Information	cocoa powder
fat content	10-12%

Review: “After drinking another type of cocoa, it seems very strong and tart, but this feeling disappears from the 2nd mug. The main thing is to brew correctly — if you want a more delicate taste, you need to add milk, more tart — more cocoa.

S. Pudov

Cocoa of a domestic producer has a rich color and a pleasant aroma. The high quality product is on par with all well-known foreign brands. The technology of making cocoa allows you to save useful substances and vitamins in it. A good option to emphasize the sophistication of homemade pastries, to make a hot or cold drink more spicy. A large package is enough for a long period of use.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Russia
Volume	1 kg
Additional Information	cocoa powder
fat content	fifteen%

Review: “I buy cocoa for the kids. I brew with coconut milk — this is how the whole taste of cocoa and its pleasant aroma are revealed. Children are energized for the whole day, and I also like to drink a cup or two. He did well in baking.»

caffarel

A high-quality brand of cocoa that is distinguished by its beautiful dark brown color and delicate aroma. Suitable for making cocoa, hot drinks, confectionery. The company occupies a leading position in the market, produces high quality confectionery products. It contains vitamins B, C, A, as well as iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. A cup of aromatic drink can make the day better than the previous one, more cheerful and energetic.

Characteristic	Meaning
Producing country	Italy
Volume	0.2 kg
Additional Information	cocoa powder
fat content	20-22%

Review: “Real natural cocoa, easy to drink and brew, sometimes lumps come across, but they dissolve quickly. I prepare a drink on water, it turns out strong with bitterness, I add milk to children. Cupcakes are dark brown, beautiful icing for a cake, rich in color. In all respects, only pluses.”

Benefit and harm

Cocoa contains a high level of flavonoids, which effectively cope with cancer cells. They protect the body from stress, and a large amount of antioxidants helps keep the skin young and beautiful. The product contains magnesium, which is responsible for the healthy state of the circulatory system, regulates cholesterol levels, protecting against blood clots. Due to the presence of phenylethylamine, similar to endorphin, mood and well-being improve. It acts as an aphrodisiac that determines the level of arousal and desire.

Caffeine has a stimulating effect. Do not forget that its level is much lower than in coffee. Minerals such as silicon, zinc, magnesium reduce fatigue and increase concentration. Theobromine contained in cocoa effectively copes with cough. Widespread in the field of cosmetology. Vitamin E has a firming, cleansing effect on the skin.

However, there are contraindications for use. Due to the content of caffeine, the product is not recommended for people with hypertension. Before buying, you need to familiarize yourself with the composition, because many manufacturers produce a cocoa product with a high content of additives that can cause adverse reactions.

Cocoa is a delicious, popular nutrient-packed nutritional supplement. You should not deny yourself your favorite delicacy, because in the right doses it will not harm your health, but on the contrary, it will enrich you with vitamins and minerals. The body and health will be in good shape if you choose high-quality dark, bitter cocoa.

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