Ingredient

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use cocoa powder primarily for its rich chocolate flavor and dark color. It …

What is Unsweetened Cocoa Powder?

Unsweetened cocoa powder is made from dried, roasted, and ground cacao beans. The fat (cocoa butter) is typically removed, leaving a dry powder. It is the base ingredient for many chocolate-flavored products.

Is Unsweetened Cocoa Powder vegan?

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Unsweetened Cocoa Powder gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Unsweetened Cocoa Powder a major allergen?

Cocoa powder is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens.

What is Unsweetened Cocoa Powder used for?

Manufacturers use cocoa powder primarily for its rich chocolate flavor and dark color.

Is Unsweetened Cocoa Powder safe?

Cocoa powder is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use cocoa powder primarily for its rich chocolate flavor and dark color. It is a key ingredient in baked goods like cakes and cookies, as well as in beverages, desserts, and confectionery.

Health notes

Cocoa powder is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It contains flavanols, which are plant compounds that may have antioxidant effects. Some research suggests potential benefits for heart health and cognitive function, but more studies are needed. JECFA has evaluated cocoa and cocoa products, and EFSA has also reviewed cocoa flavanols. Evidence on health effects at typical consumption levels is still developing.

Allergen info

Cocoa powder is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

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Chocolate Hummus Singles, Chocolate PARK STREET DELI Chocolate Hummus Singles, Chocolate Dips & Salsa High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 281kcal 5.3Protein 14.0Fat 36.8Carbs Dark Chocolate Hummus, Dark Chocolate Topco Associates, Inc. Dark Chocolate Hummus, Dark Chocolate Dips & Salsa 286kcal 3.6Protein 14.3Fat 39.3Carbs Dark Chocolate Hummus, Dark Chocolate Delhaize America, Inc. Dark Chocolate Hummus, Dark Chocolate Dips & Salsa 286kcal 3.6Protein 14.3Fat 39.3Carbs Chocolate Hummus, Chocolate Hy-Vee, Inc. Chocolate Hummus, Chocolate Dips & Salsa 286kcal 3.6Protein 14.3Fat 39.3Carbs Dark Chocolate Hommus With Pretzels Snack Pack, Dark Chocolate Cedar's Mediterranean Foods, Inc. Dark Chocolate Hommus With Pretzels Snack Pack, Dark Chocolate Dips & Salsa High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving 313kcal 6.1Protein 11.1Fat 49.5Carbs Dark Chocolate Hummus With Pretzels, Dark Chocolate Delhaize America, Inc. Dark Chocolate Hummus With Pretzels, Dark Chocolate Lunch Snacks & Combinations High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 318kcal 5.9Protein 10.6Fat 51.8Carbs Dark Chocolate Hommus, Dark Chocolate Cedar's Mediterranean Foods, Inc. Dark Chocolate Hommus, Dark Chocolate Dips & Salsa —kcal 3.6Protein 14.3Fat 39.3Carbs Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Levain Bakery Cookie Company LLC Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies & Biscuits High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 474kcal 10.5Protein 22.8Fat 56.1Carbs Larabar Cocoa Coconut Chew Fruit & Nut Bar GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Larabar Cocoa Coconut Chew Fruit & Nut Bar Processed Cereal Products 466kcal 9.8Protein 24.9Fat 50.4Carbs Dark Chocolate Hummus, Dark Chocolate Wakefern Food Corporation Dark Chocolate Hummus, Dark Chocolate Dips & Salsa 286kcal 3.6Protein 14.3Fat 39.3Carbs Dark Chocolate Hommus, Dark Chocolate Cedar's Mediterranean Foods, Inc. Dark Chocolate Hommus, Dark Chocolate Dips & Salsa High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving 282kcal 4.2Protein 14.1Fat 38.0Carbs Seven Sundays, LLC Seven Sundays, Minne Muesli, Cocoa & Coconut, Cocoa & Coconut Cereal 368kcal 10.5Protein 8.8Fat 61.4Carbs

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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.