Ingredient

Cocoa Mass Processed With Alkali

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
Manufacturers use it to create a smoother texture and richer, darker color in chocolate …

What it is

Cocoa mass processed with alkali, also known as Dutch-process cocoa, is made from cocoa beans that have been washed with a solution of alkaline salts. This process reduces the acidity of the cocoa, mellows its flavor, and darkens its color, making it smoother and less bitter than natural cocoa powder.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use it to create a smoother texture and richer, darker color in chocolate products. It is commonly found in baked goods like cookies and cakes, as well as in candies, ice cream, and hot cocoa mixes.

Health notes

Cocoa mass processed with alkali is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. The alkaline processing may reduce the levels of certain beneficial compounds found in natural cocoa, such as flavanols. However, cocoa and cocoa products are generally considered safe when consumed in typical amounts. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated cocoa and cocoa products, but no specific health concerns are typically associated with its use as an ingredient at normal levels.

Allergen info

Cocoa mass processed with alkali is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Cocoa Mass Processed With Alkali

Compare products →
Brown & Haley Dark Chocolate, Buttercrunch Toffee Chocolate High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in added sugars — 40% DV per serving 525kcal 2.5Protein 35Fat 57.5Carbs Brown & Haley Thins Dark Chocolate Bites, Dark Chocolate Wild Berry, Dark Chocolate Wild Berry Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 475kcal 5Protein 27.5Fat 65Carbs Bacci Chocolate Design Traditional Peanut Butter Cup Candy High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 513kcal 10.3Protein 33.3Fat 53.9Carbs Brown & Haley The Original Buttercrunch Toffee Collection, Sea Salt Caramel Roca, Almond Roca, Dark Roca Candy High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving 556kcal 5.6Protein 38.9Fat 52.8Carbs Life's Grape Dark Chocolate Dipped Vine-Dried Grapes, Dark Chocolate Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 391kcal 4.3Protein 19.6Fat 69.6Carbs Brown & Haley Brown & Haley, Roca Collection The Original Butter Crunch Toffee Candy High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 556kcal 5.6Protein 38.9Fat 52.8Carbs Safeway, Inc. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Creme Center Enrobed In Dark Chocolate And Sprinkled With Crushed Peppermint, Dark Chocolate Chocolate High in added sugars — 46% DV per serving 378kcal 2.7Protein 12.2Fat 67.6Carbs Brown & Haley Peppermint Bark Premium Chocolate, Peppermint Bark Candy High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in added sugars — 42% DV per serving 525kcal 5Protein 32.5Fat 60Carbs Marich Confectionery Company Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cashews, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in added sugars — 38% DV per serving 509kcal 8.8Protein 35.1Fat 50.9Carbs Marich Confectionery Company Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans, Dark Chocolate Espresso Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in added sugars — 44% DV per serving 480kcal 6Protein 28Fat 64Carbs Marich Confectionery Company Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzels, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in added sugars — 40% DV per serving 500kcal 8Protein 28Fat 60Carbs Cape Cod Provisions, LLC. Chocolate Cherries & Berries Candy, Chocolate Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 467kcal 3.3Protein 23.3Fat 66.7Carbs

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.