Ingredient · Updated

Cocoa Butter

Positive in 66 products

Found in 66 productsSee all

What is Cocoa Butter?

Cocoa butter is a natural fat extracted from cocoa beans. It has a creamy texture and is known for its characteristic chocolatey aroma. The production process involves fermenting, drying, roasting, and pressing cocoa beans to separate the fat, which becomes cocoa butter.

It is used widely in the food and cosmetic industries due to its smooth texture and stable fat content. Although it is high in saturated fats, some studies suggest that cocoa butter may have a neutral effect on cholesterol levels. It is often included in formulations for its moisturizing properties in skincare and for adding a creamy mouthfeel in chocolates.

When you see cocoa butter on a label, it's primarily serving as a texture enhancer and flavor component. It is generally considered a safe and stable ingredient with a long shelf life.

Commonly found in: chocolates, confections, baked goods, cosmetics, skin care products

Benefits

  • Cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids that can help with skin moisturization.
  • Contains some antioxidants that may support heart health when consumed as part of dark chocolate.
FDA

Cocoa butter is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food products.

Research

There is some evidence suggesting cocoa butter may have positive effects on skin health and neutral effects on heart health, but more research is needed.

Vegan

Cocoa butter is plant-derived and is considered vegan.

Sources: CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 · Cocoa and Chocolate in Human Health and Disease

Scout's take

Natural traditional fat pressed from cacao.

The case against

High in calories and saturated fats, which may impact heart health if consumed excessively.

from the analysis of Iq Bar: Peanut Butter Chip Bar 1.6 Oz · echoed in 3 other analyses

High in calories, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.

from the analysis of Peak Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch · echoed in 2 other analyses

High in saturated fats, which may contribute to heart disease if consumed excessively.

from the analysis of Good & Gather Semi Sweet Chocolate Morsels

High in saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation.

from the analysis of Barebells Cookies & Cream Protein Bar

The case for

Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, supporting heart health and providing a pleasant texture.

from the analysis of Barebells Cookies & Caramel Protein Bar · echoed in 6 other analyses

Contains healthy fats that support skin health and provide a smooth texture to chocolate products.

from the analysis of Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups · echoed in 1 other analysis

Provides a smooth texture and contains stearic acid, which does not raise cholesterol levels.

from the analysis of Good & Gather Milk Chocolate Morsels

Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants that may support heart health and reduce inflammation.

from the analysis of Lot Of 2 Choceur Aldi Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Bag Fair Trade

Provides healthy fats that can support skin health and improve the texture of chocolate.

from the analysis of Lily's 40% CHOCOLATE & MILK, CARAMELIZED & SALTED

More from Scout's analyses

Cocoa butter is a natural fat extracted from cocoa beans, rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. It is minimally processed and adds a creamy texture and flavor to products. Cocoa butter can support skin health and provide a source of energy.

from the analysis of Once Upon a Farm Cinnamon Roll Bar

Cocoa butter is a natural fat extracted from cocoa beans, known for its rich flavor and texture. It contains healthy fats and antioxidants that may support heart health. Its processing involves minimal refinement, preserving its beneficial properties.

from the analysis of Milky Way Chocolate Stars Cereal

Cocoa butter is a natural fat extracted from cocoa beans, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. It is minimally processed and provides a smooth texture and flavor to chocolate products. It is a source of stearic acid, which may support heart health.

from the analysis of Barebells Peanut Butter Protein Bar

All 66 products with Cocoa Butter

+ 42 more products in the Scout app

Where Cocoa Butter shows up

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