Rating of the best cocoa powders in 2022

In the 21st century, cocoa has become popular. It is able to compete with coffee. A pleasant smell, sweet taste, improved mood and cheerfulness in the morning will provide a boost of energy throughout the day. The drink has a huge assortment in stores. Many buyers are asking questions: “How to learn how to choose cocoa? What to pay attention to? What is cocoa? Unfortunately, when choosing, you can easily come across a fake. To dispel doubts, below are the selection criteria and the rating of quality cocoa, which will help you find the right product.

Benefit and harm:

Cocoa has some wonderful health benefits:

• reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• is an antidepressant;
• normalizes bowel function;
• reduces the likelihood of cancer cells.

Unfortunately, this drink can become a source of allergies, so it is contraindicated for allergy sufferers and pregnant women.

Types of cocoa powders:

• natural. In the process of pressing cocoa beans, a small residue remains, this is cocoa powder. The color of this powder is light brown. When cooking, it should be boiled, because just like that it will not dissolve, but will remain at the bottom of the mug.
• alkalized. Alkaline solutions are used during the processing. The color is dark brown, the smell is bright, the taste is rich, it dissolves easily in water.

Criterias of choice:

• processing quality;
• grade;
• a place where cocoa beans are grown;
• level of alkalization.

Processing quality

As a rule, it is believed that cocoa is a product of plant origin. If a sticker with the sign “RAW” is visible on the packaging of cocoa, then you can safely buy. This icon means high quality, the processing was soft, at a low temperature, which means that the useful substances remained in this powder. If there is no this sticker, then the heat treatment was tough, and the useful substances were not preserved in the powder. Also, this powder will contain flavors, dyes and other harmful food additives.

Alkalization

In the manufacture of powder, alkaline solutions are often used to reduce the level of acidity in cocoa beans.Compared to ordinary cocoa, this one will have a pleasant, bright aroma, and the taste will be rich. The product will dissolve fairly quickly, which will add convenience in preparation. But regardless of the above pluses, there is one big minus. The benefits of such a powder will be minimal, because. grains will be subjected to severe heat treatment.

Place of production

Natural beans are brought from only 3 cities in Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire. Processing takes place in Brazil, Malaysia, Venezuela and Indonesia.

bean variety

Cocoa beans have 2 categories: elite and classic. The elite category corresponds to expensive, high-quality goods. Classical correspond to goods designed for the mass consumer. Aroma is influenced by many factors, such as soil, climatic conditions, etc.

There are several high-quality varieties of cocoa:

• Farastero - Brazil. The taste is tart, but not bitter, the aroma is fruity;
• Criollo - Central and South Africa. The taste is pleasant, slightly bitter, the aroma is floral;
• Trinnitario - Sri Lanka. A wide range of flavors: nutty, caramel, almond, etc. Aroma of fruits and flowers.

Environmental friendliness

Most brands, to indicate the environmental friendliness and naturalness of their product, put the “organic” sign. There are times when manufacturers simply write on the packaging that this product is natural, but you should not believe such inscriptions, this is a hoax. The package must be labeled "organic".

Rating of the best cocoa powders

Cocoa "Kommunarka"

According to experts, this drink is considered the highest quality compared to others. Natural, high-quality, safe cocoa powder. It can be found in many recipes for creams and pastries.The taste is creamy chocolate, the smell is delicate and rich. The method of preparation is simple, you need to fill in cocoa powder and cook it until it boils, if there is not enough sugar, add to taste.

Characteristic:

Release form: sachet.

Item weight: 150g

Ingredients: cocoa cake, vanillin flavoring.

Average price: 100 rubles.

• low price;
• natural composition;
• quality processing;
• pleasant taste and smell;
• large volume;
• positive reviews.

• there is a small amount of fragrance;
• slightly overweight.

Products of the 21st century

Has a natural composition. Increases immunity, improves cardiovascular work and has a tonic effect, energizes for the whole day. It also has a good effect on the functioning of the brain. Despite the fact that the packaging says powder, in fact, it also contains pieces of cocoa beans. The pieces do not completely dissolve and remain at the bottom, but this does not spoil the impression of the taste itself. According to buyers, the drink has a pleasant smell, exquisite taste. With the help of this cocoa, chocolate, pastries, etc. are made. The country of the manufacturer is Russia.

Characteristic:

Release form: doypack.

Item weight: 400 g.

Ingredients: 100% cocoa, caffeine, minerals, calcium, magnesium, vitamins.

Average price: 300 rubles.

• low price;
• natural composition;
• quality processing;
• pleasant smell and taste;
• large volume;
• positive reviews.

• pieces are present;
• dissolves poorly.

Cocoa powder "Market Perekrestok"

Complies with all safety requirements, which means you can use it with peace of mind. The amount of fat in the composition is slightly above average, but not critical.The color of the drink is dark brown, the taste is rich, but the smell is cloyingly sweet. Powder without pieces with uniform structure. Widely used in the preparation of delicious creams, pastries, cakes. Method of preparation: pour water or warmed milk, add 2-3 tablespoons of powder there and boil well. Add sugar if not enough.

Characteristic:

Release form: box.

Packing: 100 g.

Contains only cocoa powder.

Average cost: 60 rubles.

• low price;
• positive reviews;
• natural composition;
• quality processing;
• pleasant smell and excellent taste;
• does not contain sugar.

• excess fat.

Hershey's cocoa

Produced in America. A big plus is that absolutely everything about this drink is written on the packaging, and even recipes for making chocolate and various pastries. The structure is soft, sometimes lumps can be found. Method of preparation: for one glass of milk there are about two tablespoons of the product and sugar can be added to taste. It has the ability to increase immunity, and add energy for the whole day. Quite often you can find a fake, so you should be more careful about the choice, consider the packaging.

Characteristic:

Release form: plastic jar.

Packing: 226 g.

Ingredients: cocoa powder processed with soda.

Average cost: 400 rubles.

• good composition;
• positive reviews;
• pleasant taste and smell;
• quality processing;
• large volume.

• more likely to buy a fake;
• relatively high price.

S. Pudov.

Often this product is used for some sweet dishes, for example, cakes, cream, cupcakes, etc.The taste is pronounced, refined, the smell is rich, chocolate. The composition is natural, without any harmful components and flavors. Because the powder is fine and soft, it dissolves well, gives energy for the rest of the day and contains useful minerals. This drink can be easily ordered online. One of the small minuses is the packaging material, it is cardboard, which means that cocoa can spill out of some crack. Method of preparation: one spoon is enough for a cup, add sugar to taste. The color is light brown, and the taste is slightly pronounced.

Characteristic:

Release form: cardboard box.

Packing: 70 g.

Ingredients: cocoa powder, traces of milk, peanuts, nuts, sesame, etc.

Average price: 110 rubles.

• low price;
• good composition;
• dissolves well;
• pleasant smell and taste;
• positive reviews.

• small volume;
• bad packaging;
• one spoon is not enough for a rich taste.

royal forest

This cocoa powder is produced in Colombia. The product from this manufacturer belongs to the 1st category of bean varieties, namely the elite. Accordingly, these beans have undergone high-quality processing, the taste of this drink is harmonious, sweet, and the smell is alluring, tasty. The composition is natural, does not have any harmful substances, components, does not contain sugar. The packaging is cardboard and does not have a special fastener, this is an inconvenience. If the package is opened, it will be difficult to pack hermetically, which means that evaporation will occur. Therefore, after the purchase, it must be borne in mind that the powder will have to be stored in a different container. The beans are well processed, finely ground, without lumps. You can also make many sweet dishes from it.

Characteristic:

Release form: cardboard box.

Packing: 200 g.

Ingredients: cocoa powder, vitamin E, phosphorus.

Average price: 270 - 480 rubles.

• compliance with the quality of the goods of its price;
• positive reviews;
• excellent taste and rich smell;
• the composition is completely natural;
• quality processing.

• not convenient packaging.

Cocoa "Royal Premium"

This drink is very beneficial for the body. It has a beneficial effect on immunity, adds energy, enhances brain function and has an antidepressant effect. The composition of this powder includes many useful trace elements, such as zinc and iron. The packaging is very convenient. Large and tight bag with a special fastener on top. This drink is produced in Russia, in Moscow. The color of the powder is dark brown, like dark chocolate, and notes of vanilla are felt in the aroma. Speaking of dark chocolate, this cocoa tastes like dark chocolate. A lot of sediment may remain at the bottom of the cup.

Characteristic:

Intake form: sachet.

Packing: 100 g.

As part of cocoa powder, zinc, melanin, vitamins E, C, B1, B2, PP, iron.

Average price: 60 rubles.

• low price;
• quality processing;
• natural composition;
• positive reviews;
• bright taste and rich smell;
• convenient packaging.

• little information about the product.

Red October "Golden Label"

One of the most popular products. Produced for a long time, time has shown positive results. The taste is invariably natural, so similar to the taste from childhood. The type of packaging has not changed since the very beginning of the release. The composition does not contain harmful components, but only the powder itself and a drop of flavor, which gives the smell of vanillin.Cooking method: boil the drink in milk or water, add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa and bring to a boil. The color of the powder corresponds to the color of milk chocolate. The powder is perfectly even, smooth and without lumps. The taste will be rich and persistent. This powder is great for creams. A big plus of the drink is that it can be consumed by pregnant women. It even promotes the elimination of toxins from their body.

Characteristic:

Release form: cardboard box.

Packing: 100 g.

Ingredients: cocoa powder, vanillin flavor.

Average price: 60 rubles.

• low price;
• positive reviews;
• there is a stability of taste and smell;
• no contraindications;
• does not contain sugar;
• natural composition.

• inconvenient packaging;
• more likely to buy a fake.

caffarel

The producer of this drink is Italy. The packaging is pleasantly surprising, it is original and beautiful. Unlike most other packages, and these are cardboard boxes and bags, here the powder is packaged in iron jars. This cocoa is considered the most famous and elite in all of Italy. For more than two centuries, it has occupied leading positions in the ranking of similar products. The color is dark brown. The powder itself is made from the highest grade of cocoa beans. It is used for a variety of purposes - making coffee, hot chocolate, etc. The sweet smell of this drink and beckons to itself. Taste is able to bring a person back to the time of the existence of the Soviet Union, it is so much like him.

Characteristic:

Release form: iron jar.

Packing: 200 g.

Ingredients: cocoa powder, sugar, salt, vitamins A, E, PP, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron and zinc, calcium.
Average price: 650 rubles.

• convenient and original packaging;
• long shelf life;
• pleasant taste and unforgettable smell;
• positive reviews;
• composition is completely natural.

• high price;
• contains sugar and salt.

Nesquik

This brand has long become popular in Russian production. The color of this powder resembles milk chocolate, and the smell is sweet and rich. The drink is very popular among the children's audience, although parents often drink it. Cocoa contains many useful and not very substances. Method of preparation: add 2 tablespoons of the powder to hot milk and stir. You can add water, but the taste will not be as rich. Cocoa boosts immunity, energizes for the whole day.

Characteristic:

Release form: plastic jar.

Packing: 250 g.

Ingredients: sugar, cocoa powder, salt, iron, zinc, vitamins C, B1, D, cinnamon.

Average price: 145 g.

• low price;
• rich taste, sweet smell;
• positive reviews;
• convenient packaging;
• easily soluble.

• not quite a natural composition.

How to make cocoa at home?

Ingredients:

• milk (200 ml);
• sugar (1 tablespoon);
• cocoa (1 tablespoon);
• cinnamon;
• vanillin.

First you need to pour milk into a small saucepan. Put it on the stove and start boiling it. In the process of heating the milk, add the ingredients, cocoa, then sugar with cinnamon and vanilla. Then everything should be thoroughly mixed and bring the resulting liquid to a boil. Bring to a boil with a whisk, mix the whole mass so that lumps do not form. After holding the pan for another 2 minutes, remove from the stove. Cooking is over. Enjoy your meal.

A wide range of cocoa powders on the Russian market allows any consumer to find their drink. Given the usefulness of the drink and the simplicity of its preparation, you can satisfy any, even the most demanding taste, both for kids and adults.