Choosing high-quality cocoa powder in a store is not easy, the shelves are full of packages, and the composition does not always correspond to reality. Often, manufacturers, in order to obtain an invigorating aroma and taste, add flavors and dyes to the product, which are harmful to health. This article presents a rating of natural cocoa powders that are safe, contain vitamins and will benefit lovers of hot chocolate drinks.
Criterias of choice:
- quality of processing;
- variety;
- place where cocoa beans are grown;
- level of alkalization.
Processing quality
As a rule, cocoa is considered to be a product of plant origin. 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 gentle, 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 the beneficial substances were not preserved in the powder. Also, this powder will contain flavors, dyes and other harmful food additives.
Alkalinity
When making 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 quite quickly, which will add convenience to preparation. But regardless of the above advantages, there is one big disadvantage. 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 have 2 categories: elite and classic. The elite category corresponds to expensive, high-quality goods. The classic category corresponds to products designed for the mass consumer. Aroma is influenced by many factors, such as soil, climatic conditions, etc.
Sugarless
Orgtium Cocoa grated in pieces
pros
- Very rich taste
- Completely natural product
- Contains antioxidants
- Good for the cardiovascular system
- Natural noble bitterness
- Nice slightly viscous texture
Minuses
- Price
From 209 ₽
Unusual in appearance, in the form of pieces of natural chocolate, which need to be dipped into milk and stirred until it completely melts. The result is hot chocolate that is natural, rich, and packed with healthy oils and antioxidants. It is more viscous than the usual drink, does not contain sugar, and when prepared, the aroma becomes more intense and fills the entire room.
Kommunarka Cocoa powder for cooking, package
pros
- Pleasant light aroma
- Rich taste
- Fine, easily soluble powder
- Good composition
- Suitable for baking
Minuses
- Soft packaging
From 87 ₽
Natural product, produced in Russia, without harmful substances. According to reviews, different batches taste different. You can cook as directed on the package, or simply add hot liquid and stir. Packaged in a soft foil bag, which breaks easily after opening. Does not contain harmful components, easily dissolves in hot milk or water.
There are several high quality cocoa varieties:
- "Farastero" - Brazil. The taste is tart, but not bitter, the aroma is fruity;
- "Criollo" - Central and Southern Africa. The taste is pleasant, slightly bitter, the aroma is floral;
- "Trinnitario" - Sri Lanka. Wide range of flavors: nut, 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 cases when manufacturers simply write on the packaging that this product is natural, but you should not believe such labels, it is a hoax. The packaging must have the “organic” sign.
Comparison of the best products
When studying the samples, we compared the type and volume of packaging, composition, energy value and average price range. For a visual comparison, all these criteria are included in a general table:
| Model | Package | Weight, g | Calorie content, kcal | Compound | Price, rub |
| "Golden Label" | cardboard box | 100 | 350 | cocoa powder, vanilla flavoring | 64-125 |
| “Russia is a Generous Soul!” | zip package | 100 | 268 | cocoa powder | 52-100 |
| "Kommunarka" | plastic bag | 150 | 328 | cocoa cake (partially defatted cocoa mass by pressing), vanillin flavoring | 84-93 |
| "Royal" | cardboard box | 100 | 316 | natural cocoa powder | from 59 |
| "Golden Anchor" | cardboard box | 100 | 312 | natural cocoa powder | 59-77 |
| "Nikitich" | zip package | 100 | 420 | natural cocoa powder | from 93 |
| "Orgtium" | cardboard box | 100 | 400 | natural cocoa powder | 130-172 |
| "Dr. Oetker" | plastic bag | 50 | 235 | alkalized cocoa powder | 90-101 |
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 making creams and baking. The taste is creamy chocolate, the smell is delicate and rich. The preparation method is simple, you need to add cocoa powder and cook it until it boils, if there is not enough sugar, add to taste.
Characteristic:
Release form: sachet.
Product weight: 150 g.
Ingredients: cocoa cake, vanillin flavoring.
Average price: 100 rub.
Cocoa "Kommunarka"
Advantages:
- low price;
- natural composition;
- high-quality processing;
- pleasant taste and smell;
- large volume;
- positive reviews.
Flaws:
- there is a small amount of flavoring;
- slightly too much fat.
Products of the 21st century
Has a natural composition. Increases immunity, improves cardiovascular function and has a tonic effect, energizing for the whole day. It also has a good effect on brain function. Despite the fact that the packaging says powder, it actually 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 and exquisite taste. This cocoa is used to make chocolate, baked goods, etc. The country of manufacture is Russia.
Characteristic:
Release form: doy-pack.
Product weight: 400 g.
Ingredients: 100% cocoa, caffeine, minerals, calcium, magnesium, vitamins.
Average price: 300 rub.
cocoa Products of the 21st century
Advantages:
- low price;
- natural composition;
- high-quality processing;
- pleasant smell and taste;
- large volume;
- positive reviews.
Flaws:
- there are pieces;
- does not dissolve well.
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 sickly sweet. Powder without pieces with a uniform structure. Widely used in the preparation of delicious creams, baked goods, and cakes. Method of preparation: pour water or heated milk, add 2-3 tablespoons of powder and boil well. Add sugar if there is not enough.
Characteristic:
Release form: box.
Packaging: 100 g.
Contains only cocoa powder.
Average cost: 60 rub.
Cocoa powder "Market Perekrestok"
Advantages:
- low price;
- positive reviews;
- natural composition;
- high-quality processing;
- pleasant smell and excellent taste;
- does not contain sugar.
Flaws:
- the amount of fat is exceeded.
Hershey's cocoa
Made in America. The big plus is that the packaging says absolutely everything about this drink and even recipes for making chocolate and various baked goods. The structure is soft, sometimes you can find lumps. Method of preparation: for one glass of milk there are approximately two tablespoons of the product and you can add sugar to taste. Has the ability to boost immunity and add energy throughout the day. Quite often you can find a fake, so you should be more careful in your choice and consider the packaging.
Characteristic:
Release form: plastic jar.
Packaging: 226 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder processed with soda.
Average cost: 400 rub.
Hershey's cocoa
Advantages:
- good composition;
- positive reviews;
- pleasant taste and smell;
- high-quality processing;
- large volume.
Flaws:
- high probability of buying a fake;
- relatively high price.
S. Pudov.
Often this product is used for any sweet dishes, for example, cakes, cream, muffins, etc. The taste is pronounced, refined, the smell is rich, chocolate. The composition is natural, without any harmful components or 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 disadvantages is the packaging material, it is cardboard, which means cocoa can spill out of some lye. 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.
Packaging: 70 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder, traces of milk, peanuts, nuts, sesame, etc.
Average price: 110 rub.
S. Pudov. cocoa
Advantages:
- low price;
- good composition;
- dissolves well;
- pleasant smell and taste;
- positive reviews.
Flaws:
- 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 category 1 of bean varieties, namely elite. Accordingly, these beans have undergone high-quality processing, the taste of this drink is harmonious, sweet, and the smell is alluring and delicious. The composition is natural, does not have any harmful substances or components, and does not contain sugar. The packaging is cardboard and does not have a special fastener, which is inconvenient. If the package is opened, it will be difficult to seal it tightly, which means evaporation will occur. Therefore, after purchase, you must take into account that the powder will have to be stored in another container. The beans are well processed, finely ground, without lumps. You can also make many sweet dishes from it.
Characteristic:
Release form: cardboard box.
Packaging: 200 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder, vitamin E, phosphorus.
Average price: 270 – 480 rub.
Royal forest cocoa
Advantages:
- compliance with the quality of the product and its price;
- positive reviews;
- excellent taste and rich aroma;
- the composition is completely natural;
- high-quality processing.
Flaws:
- not convenient packaging.
Cocoa "Royal Premium"
This drink is very beneficial for the body. It has a beneficial effect on the immune system, adds energy, enhances brain function and has an antidepressant effect. This powder contains many useful microelements, such as zinc and iron. The packaging is as convenient as possible. A large and dense bag with a special clasp at the top. This drink is produced in Russia, in Moscow. The color of the powder is dark brown, like dark chocolate, and the aroma has hints of vanilla. Speaking of dark chocolate, this cocoa tastes like dark chocolate. There may be a lot of sediment left at the bottom of the cup.
Characteristic:
Inlet form: sachet bag.
Packaging: 100 g.
Contains cocoa powder, zinc, melanin, vitamins E, C, B1, B2, PP, iron.
Average price: 60 rub.
Cocoa "Royal Premium"
Advantages:
- low price;
- high-quality processing;
- natural composition;
- positive reviews;
- bright taste and rich aroma;
- convenient packaging.
Flaws:
- 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 since the very beginning of production. 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: brew the drink with 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. The big advantage of the drink is that it can be consumed by pregnant women. It even helps eliminate toxins from their body.
Characteristic:
Release form: cardboard box.
Packaging: 100 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder, vanillin flavoring.
Average price: 60 rub.
Red October "Golden Label" cocoa
Advantages:
- low price;
- positive reviews;
- stability of taste and smell is observed;
- no contraindications;
- does not contain sugar;
- natural composition.
Flaws:
- 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 packaging, which is 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. It has occupied a leading position in the ranking of similar products for more than two centuries. The color is dark brown. The powder itself is made from the highest grade cocoa beans. It is used for a variety of purposes - making coffee, hot chocolate, etc. The sweet smell of this drink beckons. Taste can take a person back to the time of the existence of the Soviet Union, it is so similar to it.
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 rub.
Caffarel cocoa
Advantages:
- convenient and original packaging;
- long shelf life;
- pleasant taste and unforgettable smell;
- positive reviews;
- The composition is absolutely natural.
Flaws:
- 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 children, although parents often drink it. Cocoa contains many both useful and not so useful substances. Method of preparation: add 2 tablespoons of powder to hot milk and stir. You can add water, but the taste will not be as rich. Cocoa improves immunity and energizes you for the whole day.
Characteristic:
Release form: plastic jar.
Packaging: 250 g.
Ingredients: sugar, cocoa powder, salt, iron, zinc, vitamins C, B1, D, cinnamon.
Average price: 145 g.
Nesquik cocoa
Advantages:
- low price;
- rich taste, sweet smell;
- positive reviews;
- convenient packaging;
- easily soluble.
Flaws:
- not entirely natural composition.
What to look for when choosing
Cocoa should taste bitter.
A cup of cocoa in the morning can lift your spirits and give you strength. This drink contains many vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and fatty acids. It has soothing, antiseptic, analgesic properties.
Cocoa powder is made from the fruit of the chocolate tree. They are fried, the oil is squeezed out, and the cake is crushed and dried. It retains many of the beneficial properties of beans. But depending on the processing method, the powder may differ in color, aroma, and taste. To choose a quality product, you need to know what it should be.
- Color ranges from light to dark brown. May be reddish or almost black in color. There should be no gray tint.
- Cocoa should smell like chocolate. If vanilla is added, it should be a little so that it does not interrupt the natural aroma. Other odors are not acceptable.
- Cocoa should taste bitter. It is better to feel the taste of bitter chocolate rather than milk chocolate.
- The powder itself should be homogeneous, without lumps or foreign inclusions. If you take a pinch and rub it, it should stay on your fingers. At the same time, a slight oiliness is felt.
- The composition should not contain foreign ingredients. Only vanilla and granulated sugar are allowed. Sometimes vitamins and soy lecithin are added to cocoa drinks. All other ingredients reduce the quality of the product.
- The mass fraction of fat should be above 15%. This means that the powder is made from cocoa beans and contains oils. But many who watch their figure appreciate low-fat products, their fat content is 10-12%.
It is important to pay attention to the packaging. For a quality product, it contains complete information about the place of production, expiration dates, and composition. It is desirable that the method of preparing the drink be described.
The packaging itself should be sealed and easy to open and close. The best options are glass or plastic jars, as well as foil bags with a Zip lock.
Some unscrupulous manufacturers sell carob under the guise of real cocoa. These are crushed carob fruits. They are a little similar to cocoa beans, but do not have the same rich chocolate taste and aroma. They do not contain theobromine and caffeine, so the drink has no tonic effect.
How to prepare cocoa at home?
Ingredients:
- milk (200 ml);
- sugar (1 tbsp);
- cocoa (1 tbsp);
- cinnamon;
- vanillin.
First you need to pour the milk into a small saucepan. Place it on the stove and start boiling it. While heating the milk, add the ingredients, cocoa, then sugar with cinnamon and vanilla. Next, mix everything thoroughly and bring the resulting liquid to a boil. Bring to a boil, stir the entire mixture with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming. After holding the pan for another 2 minutes, remove from the stove. Cooking is complete. Bon appetit.
The 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 ease of its preparation, you can satisfy any, even the most demanding taste of both children and adults.
The best and most delicious cocoa for children in Russian stores, according to customers
Special attention should be paid to children's cocoa. And on the same Ozone you can find the best offers from domestic and foreign manufacturers.
Nesquik Opti-Start
Consumers gave Nesquik Opti-Start baby cocoa 5 out of 5 stars. A kilogram pack of powder costs from 360 to 450 rubles. Its contents are enough for 74 servings.
Buyers praise the quality of the finished drink, its organoleptic properties: taste, aroma, color. Children are simply delighted with Nesquik, what else do you need?
Nesquick cocoa from the world famous manufacturer Nestle needs no introduction. All children, and sometimes even adults, know and adore him.
PREMIUM
The maximum number of stars was given by buyers to cocoa powder of this brand.
“It’s not a pity to overpay for such cocoa beans,” consumers say.
Rich taste, 100% solubility without annoying lumps, economical powder consumption. And if we add to all this the complete absence of shortcomings, then the result is simply a divine drink.
UFEELGOOD
For 200 g of UFEELGOOD cocoa you will have to pay from 385 to 490 rubles.
A bit expensive when compared to similar products, but in this case the money spent is definitely worth it. At least, this is what consumers think, who did not find a single flaw in the product. But there are a lot of advantages . And above all, it is the excellent taste of the product when it is already prepared.
A lesser-known manufacturer on the market that produces high-quality products in all respects. It costs a lot, but, as they say, it’s worth it, especially when you consider the completely safe natural composition and excellent organoleptic properties of the finished drink
Based on all of the above, we can say with confidence that it is quite possible to find high-quality cocoa on the shelves of Russian stores. To do this, just get into the habit of systematically studying reviews from real customers and the results of independent checks of domestic laboratories, because only in this way will you protect yourself from low-quality goods, saving your hard-earned money.
Top 5 best brands
It is wise to choose products from trusted brands. Our rating of the best cocoa powder will help you avoid disappointment from your purchase.
Kommunarka
The Minsk company with a retro name tops many ratings. Kommunarka is positioned as a natural, safe product. It is made from selected cocoa beans grown without pesticides, their composition is 99.98%. That's what the factory says. Based on the results of an independent expert review, all indicators declared by the manufacturer are true. The only exception was the fat content: it turned out to be higher than the specified 12%.
Best lists
Based on the results of our investigation, I would like to especially highlight three brands of cocoa powder for cooking. These brands have a good composition and organoleptic properties, which means they can be recommended for purchase.
"Golden Anchor" - value for money
The organoleptic properties of this sample are highly appreciated by the majority of public tasters. According to the manufacturer, the product is made in accordance with GOST, which means it is made from natural cocoa fruits without the addition of carob and other questionable ingredients. The price of the powder is more than affordable: from 59 rubles per pack of 100 g. Considering numerous positive customer reviews, this product deserves to win the category for the best price-quality ratio.
“Kommunarka” - the choice of experts
The Belarusian confectionery factory has long established itself on the positive side and has been confidently holding its own on the Russian market for the last few years. According to the expert analysis of the Roskontrol organization, Kommunarka is a high-quality and safe product without obvious violations, and therefore can be recommended for purchase. Buyers also highly rate this product both in terms of taste and consistency.
"Orgtium" - premium quality
This product stands apart from the main range of cocoa powders. You don't see it on sale very often and the price is much higher than others. This is due to its excellent quality and environmental friendliness. It is emphasized that cocoa powder is not just natural, but organic, that is, the beans were not treated with pesticides when growing. Fruits from Indonesia are used as raw materials. The color and consistency of the product can be seen through the transparent window of the label, unlike competitors with packaging that is completely hidden from view.
It will be fat!
Cocoa powder is essentially cocoa bean cake. The more valuable cocoa butter is extracted from the beans, the less fat remains in the powder. The drink and other products made from it will be less tasty.
The mass fraction of fat characteristic of cocoa is from 12% to 20%. And two samples did not reach the lower value: “Red Price” , “Cocoa Royal Premium” .
Other samples also showed discrepancies with the markings. Cocoa Royal Premium contains less fat than it claims - more. And as you remember, it is written on the packaging that the cocoa is “reduced in fat.” Obviously, this statement is not true, although from a quality point of view, higher fat content is good.
The comments about cocoa powder from the “Russian / Russia Generous Soul” do not end there. Its active acidity index is 7.8 units. pH, which is higher than cocoa powder should have, but corresponds to alkalized cocoa (a semi-finished confectionery product made by grinding grated cocoa or cocoa nibs treated with carbonic alkali).
The mass fraction of total ash in the same sample also indicates that this is alkalized cocoa powder. However, there is no indication of this in the labeling.
For the identified comments, “Russian / Russia is a generous soul” was added to the List of products with comments.
Cocoa "Kommunarka"
The highest place is occupied by cocoa powder called “Kommunarka”. The results of an independent examination confirm that all indicators of this product meet quality requirements. All data indicated on the label has been confirmed through research, perhaps with the exception of a slightly higher fat content. Cocoa powder is produced by a Belarusian company with the same name. Many people note that they remember and love this taste of cocoa from childhood. Kommunarka cocoa boasts a rich taste and aroma and is easy to prepare. As a rule, not all of the powder dissolves, and after use you can see a little thickness at the bottom of the cup. You don’t have to go shopping for this drink, it’s in every store, its cost is low, a 150-gram package costs about 100 rubles. The powder can be stored for 1 year if all requirements are met.
Pros:
- no harmful chemicals;
sufficient packaging size;pleasant and rich taste;
- low cost;
- contains substances indicated in the labeling;
- harmlessness of the composition.
No cons found.
Cocoa "Market / Crossroads"
The Market/Perekrestok network product can be purchased at a fairly low price, despite which customers like the product for its excellent quality. The powder has a crumbly structure and a uniform dark color. The powder contains only natural ingredients, which is noted on the package and makes the product safe. Suspicion is raised only by the presence of more fat, as determined by the study, than indicated by the manufacturer. Some consumers note the bitter taste and interesting aroma of the powder, but the majority of those who try the drink find it pleasant. In addition, you can make delicious desserts and cookies from the powder of this company. The undoubted advantage of the product can be considered its low price - 62 rubles, which during promotions becomes lower by 20-30 rubles.
Pros:
- natural ingredients;
- low price;
- pleasant powder structure;
- good for making baking mixtures.
Minuses:
- increased fat content.
Red October "Golden Label"
Well-known domestic cocoa powder, tested by generations of consumers, which confirms its quality and good taste, taking us back to childhood. Of course, the appearance of the product packaging leaves much to be desired; the drink is released, as before, in a cardboard box, which easily falls apart, which is very inconvenient during storage. The composition of the future drink is simple: only cocoa powder with the addition of vanillin for flavoring. Preparing it is just as simple, just add water or milk and bring to a boil. If we talk about the quality of the powder, it is crumbly, without lumps or impurities, brown in color, and has a good smell. Many people prepare not only a drink from the powder, but also use it for biscuit desserts. Despite the truly symbolic price of the product - 60 rubles, you can often find its fakes.
Pros:
- natural composition;
- pleasant aroma and taste;
- no lumps;
- low cost.
Minuses:
- cardboard pack;
- You can buy a fake product.
