Blog7 Best Cocoa Powders in India for Baking and Drinks [August, 2024]
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Cocoa powder is a vital ingredient for baking delicious chocolate treats and making rich chocolate drinks. With its deep chocolatey taste and velvety texture, cocoa powder adds a special richness to cakes, cookies, brownies, muffins, and more. There are many cocoa powder brands available in the Indian market, but it’s important to choose one that is high-quality, healthy, and suits your taste preferences.
In this article, we will discuss the key factors to consider when buying cocoa powder and recommend the best cocoa powder in India for baking, drinks, and more.
Factors to consider when buying best cocoa powder.
Types of Cocoa Powder
There are various types of cocoa powder to choose from:
- Natural unsweetened cocoa powder – Has a bitter, acidic taste. Best for recipes that need pure chocolate flavor.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder – Alkalized to neutralize acidity, has a milder taste. Imparts a richer color.
- Black cocoa powder – Heavily Dutched, with very dark color. Used to make black-colored baked goods.
- Cacao powder – Made from raw cacao beans, more bitter than cocoa powder.
Ideal Cocoa Percentage
Look for cocoa powder with at least 22% cocoa content for full chocolate flavor. Higher percentage like 100% indicates pure cocoa with intense flavor.
Added Sugars
Choose unsweetened cocoa powder which has no added sugars. Avoid sweetened cocoa powder if you want to control sugar intake.
Certified Organic
Opt for certified organic cocoa powder for the healthiest choice that is free of chemicals.
Packaging
Cocoa powder should come in an airtight container to prevent moisture and preserve freshness. Resealable pouches are also a good choice.
7 Best Chocolate Powder Brands in India
Cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate taste to desserts and beverages. Here are 7 of the best chocolate powder brands in India that are must-try.
Comparison of Top Cocoa Powder in India
| Brand | Type | Cocoa % | Certification | Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadbury’s | Natural | 22% | – | Jar |
| Hershey’s | Natural | – | – | Bottle |
| Weikfield | Natural | 22% | – | Jar |
| Urban Platter | Natural | 100% | Non-GMO | Pouch |
| Healthy Hive | Dutched | – | Gluten-free | Pouch |
| Artha Natural | Natural | 100% | – | Pouch |
| Sattvic Foods | Raw cacao | 100% | Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-free | Pouch |
1. Hershey’s
The Hershey Company offers an exemplary and compelling variety of tastes with chocolates, candy and beverages. It is amongst the best cocoa powder in India. Hershey’s Special Dark Baking Cocoa is wholesome, naturally rich, unsweetened, and appetising. This chocolate powder has a commendable mixability. Therefore, it is suited for making amazing hot chocolate, frostings, and desserts.
What’s Great?
- It is natural and ideal for weight management from quitting sugar.
- It is high in dietary fibre and antioxidants and helps the body fight free radicals.
2. Cadbury’s
Cadbury is a distinguished chocolate label in the world. It is also known as one of the best cocoa powder in India. Cadbury’s cocoa powder comes in a well thought packaging. Although pocket-friendly, Cadbury’s cocoa powder mix is an authentic chocolate powder that has been processed from the finest cocoa beans. Use it to make a hot chocolate beverage or use other chocolate recipes to make mouthwatering smoothies, cakes, and more.
What’s Great?
- The finest cocoa beans, which have a rich, intense, and chocolaty flavour.
- This cocoa powder by Cadbury is packaged in an airtight jar with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Weikfield
Weikfield has come to be one of the best cocoa powder in India. Weikfield’s product offers the flavour of the best cocoa beans. It is aromatic and has a satisfying texture for baking. This less-fat cocoa powder is also easy to blend. Therefore, it is ideal for making chocolate-flavoured delicacies, desserts, and sauces.
What’s Great?
- It is low in fat. The calories from this cocoa powder are packed with healthy chemicals.
- It easily blends and liquefies fast.
4. HealthyHive
HealthyHive brand offers an expansive range of food products that have been greatly preferred in India. It is considered one of the best cocoa powder in India. It imparts an appetising flavour as well as a darker colour to the product. The powder is unsweetened, Dutch and gluten-free. It comes in a convenient, airtight, packed and reusable stand-up pouch.
What’s Great?
- Gluten-free and unsweetened
- No artificial flavours and colours
5. Urban Platter
Urban Platter has evolved to become India’s leading brand of gourmet products. The brand is based in Maharashtra and markets online. Urban Platter also has one of India’s best cocoa powder brands. Its cocoa powder is made from the finest cocoa beans. It has a naturally rich taste and a robust chocolate flavour without any sugars and preservatives.
What’s Great?
- Merely one tablespoon of the cocoa powder from Urban Platter is enough to make treats chocolaty.
- It can be used in place of any regular chocolate powder to cut down the sugar and calories.
6. Artha Natural
Artha Naturals is well-known for its organic and genuine products. It is also India’s one of the best cocoa powder. It has a rich flavour and is manufactured from high-quality ingredients that have diverse health benefits. Artha Natural sells natural Dutched cocoa powder that has a variety of uses, including beverages, baking, and others. The powder can be blended easily hence it is ideal for smoothies and other delicious beverages as well.
What’s Great?
- Artha Natural Cocoa Powder is manufactured from 100% cocoa.
- It can be used to prepare a variety of rich and delectable culinary treats.
7. Sattvic Foods Cacao Powder
Sattvic Foods is a well-known brand for its quality products and customer support. They are particularly famous for their gluten-free, vegan and raw foods. With its non-alkalise, pure cacao powder Sattvic Foods has become one of the best cocoa powder selling in India. It offers the taste of real cacao. Further, it is enriched with antioxidants and flavonoids.
What’s Great?
- Due to its healthy, high-fat, Sattvic Foods Cacao Powder is ideal for moist brownies and fudgy cookies.
- Unsweetened and high in fibre
Other Recommended Cocoa Powder in India
- looms & weaves Kerala Cocoa Powder – Organic, unsweetened, from Kerala cocoa beans
- Mason & Co Artisanal Indian Cocoa Powder – Organic, ethically sourced, non-alkalized
- Bliss of Earth Natural Cocoa Powder – Natural, unsweetened, smooth texture
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cocoa Powder
- For baking, pick 22% natural cocoa powder like Cadbury’s or Weikfield.
- For drinks, try 100% natural/raw like Urban Platter or Sattvic Foods.
- Check certifications like organic, gluten-free as per your needs.
- Compare aroma, taste, texture before buying.
- Choose reputed brands for the best quality.
Difference between Cocoa Powder and Hot Chocolate Powder and which are the best hot chocolate powder in the market ?
While both cocoa powder and hot chocolate powder contain cocoa solids, they differ in a few key ways. Cocoa powder is made from roasted and ground cacao beans, providing a concentrated chocolate flavor for baking and drinks. It has a rich, intense chocolate taste and bitterness. Hot chocolate powder contains cocoa powder as the base, but also includes sugar, extra cocoa butter, milk powders, and flavorings like vanilla. This creates a sweetened chocolate drink mix that easily dissolves in milk or water. The added dairy and sugars give hot chocolate powder a milder, creamier chocolate taste compared to unsweetened cocoa powder. So cocoa powder provides pure chocolate flavor, while hot chocolate powder makes an easy comforting beverage.
Here are the best hot chocolate powder available in the market today.
| Brand | Product | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campco | Hot Chocolate Drink Powder Pack of 2 | Rs 300/2 packs | 4.4/5 stars |
| Cadbury | Hot Chocolate Drink Powder Mix 200g | Rs 180/100g | 4.3/5 stars |
| Hershey’s | Hot Chocolate Drink Powder Mix 250g | Rs 202/100g | 4.3/5 stars |
| Auric | Ashwagandha Hot Chocolate 250g | Rs 289/100g | 4.2/5 stars |
| Tiggle | Dark Hot Chocolate Powder 10 Cups | Rs 279/100g | 4.0/5 stars |
| Cocosutra | Hot Chocolate Mix Combo Pack of 4 | Rs 432/400g | 4.0/5 stars |
Conclusion
Chocolate is a desired sweet treat that no one can say no to. Also, various studies indicate that it contains compounds that benefit our health. When chocolate is turned into cocoa powder, it can be used in healthy treats. It imparts a host of desserts and baked goodies. Therefore, we have recommended the best cocoa powder in India on the market that can be added to the pantry and be trusted with health and taste.
FAQs about Best Cocoa Powder
Q. Which brand has the best cocoa powder in India?
A. Hershey’s, Cadbury’s, Weikfield and Urban Platter are among the top cocoa powder brands.
Q. What’s the most nutritious cocoa powder in India?
A. Sattvic Foods organic raw cacao powder is the most nutritious given it’s unprocessed.
Q. Where to buy Cadbury’s cocoa powder online?
A. Cadbury’s cocoa powder is easily available on BigBasket, Amazon, Flipkart, JioMart and Cadbury’s website.
Q. Is dutched cocoa powder healthy?
A. Dutched cocoa powder is considered slightly less healthy than natural cocoa powder. But Healthy Hive dutched powder is a good gluten-free option.
Q. Which brand has the best cocoa powder for baking?
A. For baking, Hershey’s, Cadbury’s and Weikfield natural cocoa powders with 22% cocoa work very well.
So choose the ideal cocoa powder brand based on your needs and flavor preferences. Whip up chocolatey bakes, drinks and more with these high-quality options.
Q. How to make hot chocolate with cocoa powder?
To make hot chocolate with cocoa powder, combine 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder per cup of milk or milk alternative in a small saucepan. Slowly heat the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once hot but not boiling, remove from heat. Add sugar or other sweetener to taste and stir until dissolved. For richer hot chocolate, melt a little dark chocolate into the hot milk too. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows or chocolate shavings if desired.
Q. How to make chocolate from cocoa powder?
To make chocolate from cocoa powder, mix 1 cup cocoa powder and 1/3 cup powdered sugar or coconut sugar in a bowl. Melt 1/3 cup coconut oil or cacao butter in a double boiler. Pour the melted oil/butter into the cocoa powder mix and stir until a smooth paste forms. For milk chocolate, stir in 2 tablespoons powdered milk. Pour the chocolate paste into molds and refrigerate until set. You can customize the chocolate flavor with extracts like vanilla or orange and vary the sweetener amount.
Q. How to make hot chocolate without cocoa powder?
To make hot chocolate without cocoa powder, melt chocolate chips or baking chocolate in milk over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Use 2-3 ounces of chocolate per cup of milk. For a creamier drink, melt the chocolate with a tablespoon of butter. Sweeten to taste with sugar or other sweeteners. Flavorings like vanilla, cinnamon, orange, peppermint or coffee can also be added. Top with whipped cream and additional chocolate shavings.
Q. How to make dark chocolate from cocoa powder?
To make dark chocolate from cocoa powder, mix 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder with 1/4 cup powdered sugar or coconut sugar. Melt 1/2 cup coconut oil or cacao butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder mixture until smooth. For a deeper chocolate flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules. Pour the chocolate into molds and let set in the refrigerator before unmolding. The higher cocoa content creates an intensely chocolatey dark chocolate.
Q. How to make chocolate sauce from cocoa powder?
To make chocolate sauce from cocoa powder, whisk together 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk or cream over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, stirring often, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil until melted and smooth. Add vanilla extract to taste. For a salted caramel flavor, stir in a pinch of sea salt. Drizzle the sauce over ice cream, fruit or desserts.
Q. Which chocolate powder is best for milk?
For making chocolate milk, hot cocoa powders that easily dissolve in milk or water tend to work best. Powders like Cadbury Drinking Chocolate, Nestlé Nesquik, Ovaltine Malt Chocolate, and Carnation Hot Cocoa Mix dissolve smoothly when whisked into cold or hot milk. They contain cocoa powder as well as added sugar, milk powders, and flavorings like vanilla or malt that create a sweet, creamy chocolate milk when mixed with milk. Unsweetened cocoa powder can also be used but may not fully dissolve.
Q. How to make chocolate milkshake with cocoa powder?
To make a chocolate milkshake with cocoa powder, combine 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup sugar and a pinch of salt in a blender. Pour in 2 cups cold milk and blend until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved. Add 3-4 big scoops of vanilla ice cream and blend again until thick and creamy. For extra chocolate flavor, melt 1 ounce dark chocolate and blend into the milkshake. Top with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles or shaved chocolate before serving.
Q. What are the benefits of cocoa powder?
Some benefits of cocoa powder include:
- High in antioxidants like polyphenols and flavanols to help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
- May improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Contains fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and other minerals.
- Boosts mood and brain function because it contains stimulants like theobromine and phenylethylamine.
- Has anti-aging effects on skin because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Adds great chocolate flavor to smoothies, baked goods, drinks and desserts.
Q. Can I drink cocoa powder everyday?
Drinking cocoa powder daily is generally safe for most people. Cocoa is high in antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that can promote better health when consumed regularly. Around 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder per day reaped the most benefits in studies. Excessive amounts of over 10 tablespoons may cause digestive issues due to its high fiber and fat content. People sensitive to stimulants like caffeine may want to limit intake, especially in the evenings. Otherwise, drinking cocoa powder daily can be a nutritious habit as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Q. Which hot chocolate powder is best in India?
Some of the best hot chocolate powder brands available in India include:
- Cadbury Drinking Chocolate – Popular traditional powder with creamy, malty chocolate flavor.
- Campco Winner – Smooth drinking chocolate with added vanilla. Gets excellent reviews.
- Hershey’s Hot Chocolate – Classic American brand with rich chocolate taste.
- Tiggle Dark Hot Chocolate – Made from cocoa grown in Tamil Nadu. Intense chocolate flavor.
- Cocosutra – 100% natural vegan drinking chocolate in flavors like mocha, caramel, etc.
- Bournvita and Complan – Malted chocolate health drink powders for kids and adults.
Q. How to make the best hot chocolate with Cadbury powder?
To make hot chocolate with Cadbury drinking chocolate powder:
- Heat 1 cup milk in a small pan until hot but not boiling.
- Add 3-4 heaped teaspoons of Cadbury powder. Whisk vigorously until the powder dissolves.
- Continue heating while stirring for 2-3 minutes until hot and creamy.
- Add sugar or sweetener if desired.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream.
- For thicker hot chocolate, use half milk and half cream. Can also add a chopped chocolate bar.
- For flavored hot chocolate, stir in extracts like vanilla, orange, mint, etc.
Q. What is the best cocoa powder for hot chocolate?
For making hot chocolate, darker, alkalized (or Dutched) cocoa powders are considered the best. Look for natural or dark Dutch process cocoa with 22-24% fat content. Popular brands are Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa and Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Cocoa Powder. The Dutch process reduces bitterness and makes a smoother, not gritty cup of hot chocolate. The higher fat content provides a creamy, indulgent texture. Non-alkalized cocoa can also be used but may have a sharper, more acidic taste.
Q. Which chocolate powder is best for milk?
For making chocolate milk, hot cocoa powders that easily dissolve in milk or water tend to work best. Powders like Cadbury Drinking Chocolate, Nestlé Nesquik, Ovaltine Malt Chocolate, and Carnation Hot Cocoa Mix dissolve smoothly when whisked into cold or hot milk. They contain cocoa powder as well as added sugar, milk powders, and flavorings like vanilla or malt that create a sweet, creamy chocolate milk when mixed with milk. Unsweetened cocoa powder can also be used but may not fully dissolve.
Q. Is chocolate milk powder healthy?
Chocolate milk made from powder can be a relatively healthy drink in moderation. Many commercial chocolate milk powders provide a source of protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and other nutrients from the added milk powders. However, they are often high in added sugars. To make a healthier chocolate milk, choose a low-sugar powder or make your own by blending cocoa powder with milk, a small amount of honey or maple syrup, and a touch of vanilla. Homemade allows you to control the amount of added sugar. Overall, chocolate milk provides hydration and a bit of nutrition, but plain milk is healthier.
Q. Which cocoa powder is best for weight loss?
For weight loss, an unsweetened, non-alkalized (natural) cocoa powder is best. Look for brands with 100% cocoa content and no added sugars or dairy products. The fiber and antioxidants in natural cocoa may provide benefits for weight management. Avoid sweetened cocoa powders meant for making hot chocolate, as the added sugar can be counterproductive for weight loss goals. Using a small amount of unsweetened cocoa in a smoothie or yogurt along with other wholesome ingredients can be a good option when trying to lose weight.
Q. Which cocoa powder is best for cake?
For baking chocolate cakes, an alkalized or Dutch-process cocoa powder works best. The Dutching process reduces bitterness and gives the cocoa a milder, deeper chocolate flavor. Popular Dutch-process cocoas for cakes are Ghirardelli Double Chocolate and Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa. They have a higher fat content around 22-24% to yield moist, tender, rich chocolate cake. Natural cocoa can work but imparts a sharper chocolate taste. Start with 20-40g of Dutch-process cocoa per 100g of flour in cake recipes.
Q. Which cocoa powder is best for health?
For overall health and wellness, an antioxidant-rich natural (non-alkalized) cocoa powder is considered best. Look for 100% raw cacao powders that are unprocessed and retain more polyphenols, flavanols, and other beneficial plant compounds. Popular natural cocoa powder brands with high ORAC antioxidant scores are Navitas Organics, Viva Naturals, and Terrasoul Superfoods. Consuming 1-2 tablespoons of natural cocoa powder daily may provide health benefits from lowering blood pressure to improving cholesterol levels and blood flow.
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