Ingredient

Unsweetened Cocoa

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

What it is

Unsweetened cocoa is made from roasted cocoa beans, which are ground into a powder after their fat content (cocoa butter) is removed. It has a rich, bitter chocolate flavor and is a key ingredient in many chocolate-flavored products.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use unsweetened cocoa primarily for its intense chocolate flavor and dark color. It is a fundamental ingredient in baked goods like cakes, cookies, and brownies, as well as in beverages and confectionery.

Health notes

Unsweetened cocoa is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It contains flavanols, which are plant compounds studied for potential antioxidant effects. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated cocoa and its components. Research into the health effects of cocoa flavanols is ongoing, with some studies suggesting benefits at typical dietary intakes, while others show mixed results.

Allergen info

Unsweetened cocoa is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing Unsweetened Cocoa

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Coconut Chips Bare Foods Co. Coconut Chips Wholesome Snacks High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 533kcal 6.7Protein 30Fat 63.3Carbs Dark Chocolate Caramel Popcorn, Dark Chocolate Lily's Sweets Dark Chocolate Caramel Popcorn, Dark Chocolate Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 393kcal 7.1Protein 28.6Fat 64.3Carbs Buff Bake, LLC. Buff Bake, Cookie Protein Almond Spread Cookies & Biscuits 594kcal 34.4Protein 40.6Fat 25Carbs The French Patisserie, Inc. Looka Patisserie, Mousse Cake, Tiramisu, Coffee And Mascarpone, Tiramisu, Coffee And Mascarpone Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 318kcal 4.5Protein 18.2Fat 34.1Carbs The French Patisserie, Inc. Looka Patisserie, Ganache Cake, Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Other Frozen Desserts High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 395kcal 5.3Protein 23.7Fat 39.5Carbs Buff Bake, LLC. Protein Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Nut & Seed Butters 625kcal 34.4Protein 43.8Fat 21.9Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Hummus, Twisted Chocolate Dips & Salsa 286kcal 3.6Protein 14.3Fat 39.3Carbs The French Patisserie, Inc. Milk Chocolate And Caramel Mousse Cake, Caramel & Chocolate Other Frozen Desserts High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 311kcal 4.4Protein 17.8Fat 31.1Carbs Ugly Dawg Foods Inc Grandma's Chocolate Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in cholesterol — 36% DV per serving 412kcal 5.3Protein 24.6Fat 43.9Carbs Mozian & Associates, Inc. Mexican Chocolate Brookie Dough Crusts & Dough 368kcal 7.1Protein 10.7Fat 60.7Carbs Atlas Biomechanics Cake, Chocolate Banana Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 363kcal 3.7Protein 15.8Fat 45.6Carbs Deep Chocolate Brownie, Deep Chocolate Have Your Cake Kitchen, LLC Deep Chocolate Brownie, Deep Chocolate Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 426kcal 5.6Protein 20.4Fat 57.4Carbs

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.