Hershey's Cocoa Processed With Alkali

Hershey's 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 beans, making them less bitter and darker in color. It is made by treating cocoa solids with a food-grade alkaline agent, such as potassium carbonate.

This ingredient is added to foods to provide a rich chocolate flavor and a darker color. It is often used in baked goods like cakes, cookies, and cupcakes, as well as in chocolate-flavored cereals and snacks. The alkalization process also helps cocoa powder mix more easily with liquids.

Cocoa processed with alkali is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated cocoa and its derivatives. The alkalization process may reduce the levels of certain beneficial compounds found in natural cocoa, but the impact on health at typical consumption levels is not considered significant. Evidence regarding specific health effects is mixed and ongoing.