Ingredient

Cocoa Beans

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Cocoa beans, or their derivatives like cocoa powder and cocoa butter, are primarily used …

What it is

Cocoa beans are the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, native to Central and South America. After harvesting, the beans are fermented, dried, roasted, and ground into a paste called chocolate liquor. This liquor is the base for all chocolate products.

Why it's used

Cocoa beans, or their derivatives like cocoa powder and cocoa butter, are primarily used to provide the characteristic flavor and color of chocolate in a wide variety of foods. They are essential in products such as chocolate bars, cookies, cakes, ice cream, and beverages.

Health notes

Cocoa beans are recognized as a food ingredient and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. They contain flavanols, which are plant compounds studied for potential antioxidant effects. Research into the health effects of cocoa consumption is ongoing, with some studies suggesting benefits related to heart health, but more research is needed to confirm these effects and determine optimal intake levels. JECFA has evaluated cocoa and cocoa products.

Allergen info

Cocoa beans are not one of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing Cocoa Beans

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
MARCHE DE PARIS Authentic French Macarons Cookies & Biscuits High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving 389kcal 11.1Protein 11.1Fat 63.9Carbs 100% Pure Ground Cocoa Beans, Ghana French Roast CRIO BRU 100% Pure Ground Cocoa Beans, Ghana French Roast Coffee 240kcal 0Protein 41.6Fat 12Carbs Dark Chocolate Gelato, Dark Chocolate DOLCEZZA Dark Chocolate Gelato, Dark Chocolate Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 184kcal 4.6Protein 8.1Fat 20.7Carbs PUMP STREET CHOCOLATE Jamaica Chocolate, Jamaica Chocolate 488kcal 9.4Protein 37.6Fat 48.4Carbs Amazonas Imports, Inc. Premium Orgeat Drink Mix Powdered Drinks 421kcal 10.5Protein 15.8Fat 68.4Carbs Sulpice Chocolat Amande Milk Chocolate, Toasted Almonds & Sea Salt Chocolate High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 560kcal 10Protein 40Fat 50Carbs Theo Chocolate, Inc. Theo, Milk Chocolate, Congo Coffee & Cream, Congo Coffee & Cream Chocolate High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 524kcal 9.5Protein 35.7Fat 52.4Carbs Theo, Milk Chocolate, Salted Vanilla Caramel, Salted Vanilla Caramel Theo Chocolate, Inc. Theo, Milk Chocolate, Salted Vanilla Caramel, Salted Vanilla Caramel Chocolate High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 400kcal 1.7Protein 23.3Fat 46.7Carbs Theo Chocolate, Inc. Theo, Caramel Dark Chocolate, Salted Vanilla, Salted Vanilla Chocolate High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 383kcal 1.7Protein 23.3Fat 46.7Carbs Lighthouse Memories Hachez, Superior Dark Chocolate, Mango-Chili, Mango-Chili Chocolate High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 575kcal 10Protein 47.5Fat 25Carbs Lighthouse Memories Hachez, Classic Premier Cru 88% Cocoa Superior Bitter Chocolate Chocolate High in saturated fat — 75% DV per serving 700kcal 10Protein 57.5Fat 15Carbs Bar Codes Talk, Inc. Mole Poblano Gourmet Cooking Sauce, Mole Poblano Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 88kcal 1.8Protein 2.6Fat 14.0Carbs
Cocoa Butter (201 products) Cane Sugar (115 products) Sugar (92 products) Soy Lecithin (62 products) Ground Vanilla Bean (60 products) Sea Salt (54 products) Water (53 products) Salt (47 products) Dark Chocolate (42 products) Vanilla Extract (40 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.