Are you struggling to find the best-unsweetened cocoa powder for baking? If so, look no further because we have created a list of top options to consider. Happy baking!
Don’t have time to read? Here’s a quick summary of the products we recommend.
Best Unsweetened Baking Cocoa Powder
Gluten-free Cocoa Powder by Anthony’s
This Anthony’s delicious and dark cocoa powder is perfect for experiments in baking. It is an organic product that is also gluten-free to get the best possible taste from it.
It is imported from South America, which is the land of cocoa, so there is no need to worry about this powder’s quality and taste. The brand promises high-quality ingredients which you are going to adore.
This cocoa powder is perfect for baking, so feel free to add it to your brownies, cookies, or pastries. It will bring richness and nutrients such as vitamins and minerals to any food of your choice.
If health is one of your concerns, this cocoa powder can be an excellent choice for you. In addition to being gluten-free and non-alkalized, it is also organic. There are no pesticides or dangerous chemicals used to produce this cocoa powder. What more could you ask for in a cocoa powder brand!
This brand offers its cocoa powder in a 2-lb bag, so it will be very convenient for you if you use it daily.
Pros
- Unsweetened
- It comes in a big packaging
- Organic
- Gluten-free
- Non-alkalized
Cons
- This cocoa powder has not been treated for its acidity, so it may be a little bit dry
- A small portion of users have complained about this cocoa powder not having as much flavor as some other brands
100% Natural Unsweetened Cocoa by Hershey’s
If you are looking for quality unsweetened cocoa that will bring your dessert to a whole new level, this one is made by Hershey’s. This famous brand made in the US promises top products everyone will love.
In addition to being unsweetened and 100% natural, this cocoa powder is gluten-free, so it is perfect for you, even among those who should watch their diet. You will be able to bake delicious cakes without having to worry about possible health implications.
Read Also: Where to Find Cocoa Powder in the Grocery Store
This cacao powder is versatile, so you can also use it to make rich and creamy hot chocolate. There are endless possibilities for food preparation when the ingredients are top quality.
This product is certified by OU Kosher and will go well with any ingredients you choose. It comes in a pack of 6, each weighing 8 oz. Now is the perfect time to start baking for your whole family!
Pros
- Unsweetened
- Natural
- Gluten-free
- It comes in a pack of 6, so it is ideal for everyday users
Cons
- Some users have reported that this powder is not of a very dark color
- According to a small portion of users, the cans arrived open
8-ounce Unsweetened Cocoa Powder by Ghirardelli
This Ghirardelli cocoa powder can be an excellent choice for you if you like making rich chocolate desserts. It comes in an 8-ounce pack, so it is also perfect for baking.
The brand boasts of hand-selecting its cocoa beans with care so that you will be getting an excellent product. Also, the beans are slowly blended into the finest powder to ensure you will get a rich taste no one will resist.
If you try making deserts with this cocoa powder, you will get a perfectly deep and velvety taste of chocolate. This powder offers the flavor of roasted chocolate, so it will make your desserts taste amazing even if you are not a very skilled baker.
The Ghirardelli cocoa powder is versatile and can be used for baking and hot chocolate. However, it may be too strong for those who are not accustomed to cocoa’s rich, unsweetened taste. It is also non-alkalized, so it is perfect for health-conscious people.
This powder is a great addition to any kitchen because it comes in resealable bags, which will allow easy measuring, storing, and scooping.
Pros
- Natural
- Unsweetened
- Roasted chocolate flavor
- It comes in resealable bags
- Non-alkalized
Cons
- According to some users, the bags can be difficult to reseal
- Some people may find hot chocolate made from this cocoa powder too bitter
Superfood Unsweetened Cocoa Powder by Superwell
If you are looking for cacao powder that can be safely used daily, this one by Superwell may be a great choice for you. This brand offers a product that is 100% pure, non-GMO, gluten and kosher-free, and vegan.
Cocoa powder has many health benefits, so that you will be getting a premium-quality baking ingredient as well as various antioxidants. Your skin will feel rejuvenated, and your mood and energy levels will be significantly improved with daily use.
Read Also: Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix Brands to Try
The brand offers a USDA-certified cacao powder that is obtained from small farms for optimal quality. Because it is organic and hand-harvested, this powder has preserved its original flavor and nutrients, which you will benefit from. It is also tested in the laboratories to ensure maximum possible quality.
In addition to a baking ingredient of great quality, you will be getting a free e-book with more than 37 recipes which will also help you bring your cooking to a whole new level. There are various kinds of recipes included, so you will get enough options no matter if you are following a raw, juice, or vegan diet.
If you decide to buy this product, you will also get a 30-day money-back guarantee to ensure you are shopping safely without any risk.
Pros
- Unsweetened
- Organic
- Gluten-free
- It comes with a free e-book
- Tested for purity
Cons
- A small portion of users has complained about whether this cacao powder has been turned into cocoa during roasting.
Cocoa Powder by Droste
If you are a fan of high-quality cocoa powder, you will love this one by Droste. You will be able to make delicious desserts, such as brownies and cakes. Be ready to wow everyone with how delicious your food is.
This cocoa powder is very fine, so it is ideal for baking. It is an unsweetened, non-GMO powder that those on gluten-free diets can use.
The Droste cocoa powder is imported directly from The Netherlands and treated for its acidity. It will boost the flavor of your treats. Be prepared to get asked about the recipes you used!
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Great for baking
Cons
- The packaging is a cardboard box which can cause a mess in the kitchen and transport.
Organic Unsweetened Cocoa Powder by Volupta
In case you would like to get an unsweetened cocoa powder that will give you a rich flavor, then this one by Volupta may be an excellent choice for you.
This cocoa powder is versatile, so you can use it for baking and smoothies. You can improve the taste of your delicious desserts with it or add it to your smoothies for additional health benefits, such as antioxidants which keep your skin younger and make you more energized.
You can be sure that everyone will love your food because this cocoa powder has a rich flavor that is also very intense. Even though it is unsweetened, it is not too bitter like some other cocoa powders out there.
If you decide to get this product, you will get a very good value for money and will bring your baking to a whole new level. The only ingredient in this powder is cacao so that you will be getting a great taste and maximal health benefits.
This cacao powder is organic, and it respects free trade, so it is great if you care about your health and the environment. It comes in compact packaging, easy to use for everyday scooping.
Pros
- Unsweetened
- Organic
- Respects fair-trade
- 100% cocoa powder
Cons
- A small portion of users has complained about the aftertaste when using this cocoa powder.
Cocoa Powder by Valrhona
This extremely fine cocoa powder that is suitable for baking will make any dessert taste like heaven. It is made from pure cocoa, so its flavor is very powerful.
This cocoa powder is also versatile, so aside from baking, you can use it to make hot chocolate or whatever you would like. It is a basic ingredient in any kitchen, so it is great for beginners in baking.
The Valrhona cocoa powder is Dutch-processed to get a delicious fine powder of a very dark color. There is no added sugar, so you can get to enjoy the perfect taste of cocoa in your baked treats or any other food.
Because this is a dry ingredient, there is a slight chance of receiving a slightly damaged package. Otherwise, it would be best to store this cocoa powder in a cool and dry place to keep its quality.
Pros
- Unsweetened
- Dutch
- Dark cocoa
- Very fine powder
- Great for both baking and hot chocolate
Cons
- According to some users, the package may be slightly damaged
- Some users have reported that the powder works better when mixed with some other brands
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder by The Cocoa Trader
This unsweetened cocoa powder is a great choice for you if you want to incorporate the dark powder into your baking to create even more beautiful-looking treats. Only authentic beans are used in the process of making this cocoa powder.
This cocoa powder gives your dessert a very dark color which will certainly make everyone wonder what’s the secret behind your delicious treats. You can also make hot chocolate or similar drinks because this cocoa powder is easily dissolvable in hot liquids.
Because this cocoa powder has been dutch-processed, its pH has been neutralized, and the result is a fine powder with an earthy mellow flavor.
Cocoa powder can improve the taste of your treats, but it can improve your health as well. It comes with many antioxidants, as well as minerals and vitamins. Potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium work together to help you achieve optimal health. You can get enough nutrients even if you are eating a dessert!
Aside from being used in baking, this cocoa powder can also be used as a coloring agent. You will be able to make cookies or cakes of an incredibly dark color just by adding this ingredient. However, to get better results, you should combine brown cocoa that has been dutch-processed with black cocoa.
This brand of cocoa powder offers its consumers a satisfaction guarantee to ensure safe shopping. If you are not satisfied with the taste of this powder or anything goes wrong in the shipping process, you should contact the company. It promises to make everything alright to keep your trust and satisfaction.
Pros
- Unsweetened
- Dark
- It can be used as a food coloring agent
- The brand offers a satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- This brand of cocoa powder is better for coloring than adding flavor
- It comes in a 1-lb packaging, but only small amounts of the powder are used in baking
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder by E. Guittard
If you are looking for a cocoa powder of a bittersweet flavor that is more suitable for baking than making drinks such as hot cocoa, this one by E. Guittard may be perfect for you.
This brand offers cocoa powder which has been Dutch-processed in the United States. You will get a package of 8 oz if you decide to go with this product which is just enough for all your culinary needs.
Since the flavor is bittersweet, it is different from other cocoa powders available. While it may not be perfect for hot chocolate, it is ideal for baking and will certainly make your desserts more delicious.
Pros
- Unsweetened
- Processed in the US
- Ideal for baking
- Rich taste
Cons
- Not very versatile because of its taste
- According to some users, it is better to use this cocoa powder for baking than make hot drinks.
What to Consider in Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Product Description
It would be best to read the label and the product’s description to make sure your cocoa powder is suitable for baking. Some cocoa powders are better for making hot drinks or simply coloring the food, so they will not work with baked treats.
That’s why you should always be careful when buying this type of ingredient. Also, you need to check whether the cocoa powder has any added sugar. If you are experiencing any allergies, you should check whether the powder contains something you should not consume.
The best cocoa powder should have only one ingredient, and that is, of course, cocoa. If you are concerned about your health, you could always get an organic cocoa powder free from any dangerous chemicals or pesticides.
The Type of Cocoa Powder
Even though all cocoa powders look almost the same, they can be very different in taste and production. The main difference is between natural cocoa powder and Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
Natural cocoa powder usually varies when it comes to color so that it can be reddish, brownish, or even dark brown. Its pH makes it acidic, so it is usually somewhat bitter. However, its taste depends mainly on the type of beans used.
On the other hand, Dutch-processed cocoa powder is treated with a solution that changes its pH from acidic to neutral. This kind of cocoa powder is typically darker than the natural one, and it tends to have a more mellow and smoother taste.
You should be careful when using cocoa powder because you should use the one stated in the recipe. Otherwise, you may not be very successful in making the intended dessert.
Recipes with natural cocoa powder will usually involve baking soda. On the other hand, recipes that require Dutch-processed cocoa powder will typically require baking powder.
Packaging
When it comes to dry ingredients for your kitchen, their packaging is very important. It should be quality-made to prevent any mess. In addition, it should be easy for everyday use.
It would be best to look for a cocoa powder that comes in quality-made packaging. This will make your powder last longer and will prevent it from spilling during the shipping process.
In addition, you should look for a package that allows easy scooping, especially if you intend to use your cocoa powder daily.
Wrap Up
There are many different types of unsweetened cocoa powder out there, even though they may look similar. Not every type is suitable for all your culinary needs, so you should choose the appropriate one according to what you will be making in the kitchen.
We recommend giving Gluten-free Cocoa Powder by Anthony’s a try!
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
