Contains Less Than 2%: Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is made from dried, roasted cocoa beans. The beans are ground into a paste, and then most of the cocoa butter (fat) is removed. The remaining solids are pulverized into a fine powder.

Cocoa powder is used to add a chocolate flavor and brown color to foods. It is commonly found in baked goods, desserts, and beverages. Manufacturers also use it in savory dishes like sauces and spice blends to add depth of flavor.

Cocoa powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It contains flavanols, which are plant compounds that may have antioxidant properties. Research into the health effects of cocoa flavanols is ongoing, with some studies suggesting potential benefits for heart health, while others show mixed results. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated cocoa and its components.