Ranking of the best cocoa powders in 2020

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

Benefits and harms:

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 it will not just dissolve, but will remain at the bottom of the mug.
• alkalized. During processing, alkaline solutions are used. The color is dark brown, the smell is bright, the taste is rich, it easily dissolves in water.

Criterias of choice:

• processing quality;
• grade;
• place of growing cocoa beans;
• alkalization level.

Processing quality

Cocoa is generally considered to be a vegetable product. If you can see a sticker with the “RAW” sign on the cocoa package, then you can safely buy it. This icon means high quality, the processing was soft, at a low temperature, which means that the beneficial substances remained in this powder. If this sticker is not present, it means that the heat treatment was harsh, and 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 acidity level in cocoa beans. Compared to regular cocoa, this one will have a pleasant, bright aroma, and the taste will be rich. The product will dissolve rather 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 the grains will be subjected to severe heat treatment.

Place of production

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

Bean variety

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

There are several high quality cocoa varieties:

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

Sustainability

Most brands put the “organic” mark to indicate the environmental friendliness and naturalness of their product. 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 packaging must have the "organic" sign.

Rating of the best cocoa powders

Cocoa "Kommunarka"

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

Characteristic:

Release form: sachet.

Item weight: 150 g.

Ingredients: cocoa cake, vanillin flavor.

Average price: 100 rubles.

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

• there is a small amount of flavoring;
• the amount of fat is slightly exceeded.

21st century products

Has a natural composition. Increases immunity, improves cardiovascular function and has a tonic effect, energizes the whole day. It also works well for the brain. Despite the fact that powder is written on the package, in fact, it also contains pieces of cocoa beans. The pieces do not dissolve completely and remain on the bottom, but this does not spoil the impression of the taste itself. According to buyers, the drink has a pleasant smell, exquisite taste. This cocoa is used to make chocolate, baked goods, etc. The country of origin is Russia.

Characteristic:

Release form: doy-pack.

Product weight: 400 g.

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

Average price: 300 rubles.

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

• there are pieces;
• dissolves poorly.

Cocoa powder "Market Perekrestok"

It meets 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 sugary sweet. Powder without lumps with a uniform structure. It is widely used in the preparation of delicious creams, baked goods, 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;
• high-quality processing;
• pleasant smell and great taste;
• does not contain sugar.

• the amount of fat is exceeded.

Hershey's cocoa

Made 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. Has the ability to boost immunity, and add energy for the whole day. Quite often you can find a fake, so you should be more careful with the choice, consider the packaging.

Characteristic:

Release form: plastic jar.

Packaging: 226 g.

Ingredients: cocoa powder treated with soda.

Average cost: 400 rubles.

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

• there is a high probability of buying a fake;
• relatively high price.

S. Pudov.

Often this product is used for any sweet food, such as cakes, cream, muffins, 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 drawbacks is the packaging material, it is cardboard, which means that cocoa can spill out of some kind of crack. Method of preparation: one spoon is enough for a cup, add sugar to taste. The color is light brown and the taste is mild.

Characteristic:

Release form: cardboard box.

Packing: 70 g.

Ingredients: cocoa powder, traces of milk, peanuts, nuts, sesame seeds, 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 goods from this manufacturer belong to the 1st category of varieties of beans, namely elite. Accordingly, these beans have undergone high-quality processing, the taste of this drink is harmonious, sweet, and the smell is inviting, 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 the inconvenience. If you open the package, it will be difficult to seal it tightly, which means that evaporation will occur. Therefore, after 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. It can also be used to make many sweet dishes.

Characteristic:

Release form: cardboard box.

Packaging: 200 g.

Ingredients: cocoa powder, vitamin E, phosphorus.

Average price: 270 - 480 rubles.

• compliance with the quality of the product and its price;
• positive reviews;
• excellent taste and rich smell;
• the composition is completely natural;
• high-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, strengthens the brain and has an antidepressant effect. This powder contains many beneficial trace elements such as zinc and iron. The packaging is as convenient as possible. Large and tight bag with a special top closure. This drink is produced in Russia, in Moscow. The color of the powder is dark brown, like dark chocolate, and there are notes of vanilla in the aroma. Speaking of dark chocolate, this cocoa tastes like dark chocolate. There can be a lot of sediment at the bottom of the cup.

Characteristic:

Inlet form: sachet bag.

Packing: 100 g.

The composition contains cocoa powder, zinc, melanin, vitamins E, C, B1, B2, PP, iron.

Average price: 60 rubles.

• low price;
• high-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. It has been 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 from the very beginning of the release.The composition does not contain harmful components, but only the powder itself and a drop of flavoring, which gives the smell of vanillin. Method of preparation: cook the drink in milk or water, add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa and bring to a boil. The color of the powder matches 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 helps to eliminate 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 persistence of taste and smell;
• no contraindications;
• does not contain sugar;
• natural composition.

• inconvenient packaging;
• there is a high probability of buying a fake.

Caffarel

The producer of this drink is Italy. The packaging is pleasantly surprising, it is original and beautiful. Unlike most other packages, which are cardboard boxes and sachets, 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 beckons to itself. Taste is able to bring a person back during the existence of the Soviet Union, it is so much like him.

Characteristic:

Release form: iron jar.

Packaging: 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;
• the composition is absolutely natural.

• high price;
• contains sugar and salt.

Nesquik

This brand has long been 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 so many substances. Method of preparation: add 2 tablespoons of powder to hot milk and stir. You can add water, but the taste will be less intense. 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 entirely natural composition.

How to make cocoa at home?

Ingredients:

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

First you need to pour the milk into a small saucepan. Put it on the stove and start boiling it. While heating the milk, add the ingredients, cocoa, then sugar with cinnamon and vanilla. Then everything should be thoroughly mixed and the resulting liquid should be brought to a boil. Bringing to a boil with a whisk, mix the whole mass so that no lumps form. After holding the pan for another 2 minutes, remove from the stove. The preparation is over. Enjoy your meal.

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