Coco Butter

Cocoa butter is the fat extracted from cocoa beans. It is a natural vegetable fat that gives chocolate its smooth texture and melt-in-your-mouth quality. The beans are fermented, dried, roasted, and then ground into a paste, from which the cocoa butter is pressed out.

Cocoa butter is primarily used as a fat in chocolate and confectionery to provide a smooth texture, creamy mouthfeel, and characteristic snap. It's also found in baked goods, ice cream, and some lotions and cosmetics. Its high melting point contributes to the solid structure of chocolate at room temperature.

Cocoa butter is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is primarily composed of saturated and monounsaturated fats. While it contains antioxidants, its health impact at typical consumption levels is not a major focus of regulatory review. JECFA has evaluated cocoa butter and did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified).