Common questions

Is Cocoa Powder healthy?

Cocoa Powder scores 82/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cocoa powder is minimally processed, retaining its natural antioxidants and flavonoids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and mood enhancement.

How processed is Cocoa Powder?

Cocoa Powder is NOVA Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cocoa Powder's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cocoa counts in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

GREEN & BLACK'S ORGANIC CHOCOLATE DRINK COCOA POWDER 125.000 GR

Green & Black's

Ghirardelli CHOCOLATE UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER

Ghirardelli

$34.16

Healthworks Cacao Powder (32 Ounces / 2 Pounds) (2 x 1 Pound Bags) Cocoa Chocolate Substitute Certified Organic Sugar-Free, Keto, Vegan & Non-GMO Peruvian Bean/Nut Origin

Healthworks

HERSHEY S Baking Chocolate Natural Unsweetened Cocoa 226g/8oz. {Imported from Canada}

Hershey's

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Cocoa Powder

Name: Cocoa Powder
Brand: Western Family

Western Family

Good

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1

Harmful ingredients 0

Owned by Topco

Category Chocolate

Summary

This cocoa powder is minimally processed, retaining its natural antioxidants and flavonoids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and mood enhancement. The ingredient list is clean, with only cocoa and a small amount of sodium carbonate, which is used to balance acidity. Its high fiber content and lack of harmful additives contribute to its high score.

Key ingredients 2

Cocoa

Good

Cocoa is a natural source of antioxidants and flavonoids, which have been linked to various health benefits. It is minimally processed, retaining most of its beneficial compounds. Cocoa can support cardiovascular health and improve mood due to its theobromine content.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to caffeine-related side effects such as jitteriness or insomnia.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Contains flavonoids that can enhance brain function and mood.

See more about Cocoa →

Sodium carbonate

Neutral

Sodium carbonate is used as an alkalizing agent to balance the acidity of cocoa. It is a common food additive with no significant health concerns when used in small amounts. It helps improve the solubility and flavor profile of cocoa.

See more about Sodium carbonate →

Processing

Group 1 · Minimally processed

Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

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