Ingredient

Contains 2% Or Less: Cocoa 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 cocoa processed with alkali to achieve a richer, darker chocolate color and …

What it is

Cocoa processed with alkali, also known as Dutch-process cocoa, is cocoa powder treated with an alkaline solution. This process neutralizes the natural acidity of cocoa, making it darker in color and milder in flavor. It also helps cocoa powder dissolve more easily in liquids.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use cocoa processed with alkali to achieve a richer, darker chocolate color and a smoother, less bitter taste in baked goods. It's commonly found in cakes, cookies, brownies, and chocolate-flavored beverages. Its lower acidity also affects how it reacts with leavening agents in baking.

Health notes

Cocoa processed with alkali is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. The process may reduce the levels of certain beneficial compounds found in natural cocoa, but the impact on health at typical consumption levels is considered minimal. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated cocoa and its derivatives, but no specific health concerns are widely attributed to this processed form at typical intake levels.

Allergen info

Cocoa itself is not one of the nine major allergens. It is typically gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur during processing.

Products containing Contains 2% Or Less: Cocoa Processed With Alkali

Compare products →
HOSTESS Frosted Mini Donuts, Frosted Mini Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving High in added sugars — 34% DV per serving 491kcal 3.5Protein 29.8Fat 54.4Carbs The Schwan Food Company Jack Nicklaus, Ice Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 260kcal 4.1Protein 13.7Fat 31.5Carbs Hostess Brands, LLC Frosted Donuts, Frosted Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving 456kcal 3.5Protein 24.6Fat 54.4Carbs Hostess Brands, LLC Caramel Fudge Covered Cake With Caramel Creme Filling, Caramel Fudge Covered With Caramel Creme Filling Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving High in added sugars — 66% DV per serving 444kcal 2.8Protein 23.6Fat 59.7Carbs Hostess Brands, LLC Frosted Mini Donuts Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 500kcal 4.2Protein 31.2Fat 52.1Carbs Hostess Brands, LLC Sweetsixteen Frosted Mini Donuts Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 500kcal 4.2Protein 31.2Fat 52.1Carbs Hostess Brands, LLC Mini Donuts, Frosted Strawberry Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 500kcal 4.2Protein 31.2Fat 52.1Carbs Hostess Brands, LLC Frosted Mini Donuts, Frosted Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving High in added sugars — 34% DV per serving 491kcal 3.5Protein 29.8Fat 54.4Carbs 7-Eleven, Inc. Frosted Donuts Yellow Cake Donuts With Chocolate Frosting, Chocolate Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 440kcal 4Protein 30Fat 50Carbs Hostess Brands, LLC Chocolate & Vanilla Iced Marble Pound Cake Slice, Chocolate & Vanilla Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in added sugars — 58% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 390kcal 4.8Protein 19.1Fat 49.5Carbs 7-Eleven, Inc. Frosted Yellow Cake Donuts With Chocolate Frosting, Frosted Yellow Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 440kcal 4Protein 30Fat 50Carbs Hostess Brands, LLC Iced Marble Chocolate & Vanilla Pound Cake Slice, Iced Marble Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in added sugars — 58% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 390kcal 4.8Protein 19.1Fat 49.5Carbs

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.