Best Baking Cocoa of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Baking cocoa is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and richness to a wide range of desserts, from classic chocolate cakes to decadent brownies and cookies. Made from finely ground cocoa beans, this unsweetened powder has a deep, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with sugar, butter, and other ingredients commonly used in baking. Whether you're a professional pastry chef or a home cook looking to elevate your desserts, baking cocoa is an essential pantry staple that will take your creations to the next level.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Viva Naturals Organic Cacao Powder, 8 oz Cover #TOP 1
Viva Naturals Organic Cacao Powder, 8 oz
ftb score rating icon 9.8
King Arthur Black Cocoa Powder for Baking, 14 oz Cover #TOP 2
King Arthur Black Cocoa Powder for Baking, 14 oz
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Anthony's Organic Cocoa Powder, 2 lb Cover #TOP 3
Anthony's Organic Cocoa Powder, 2 lb
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Baking Cocoa

#TOP 1

Viva Naturals Organic Cacao Powder, 8 oz

Viva Naturals Organic Cacao Powder, 8 oz Cover
Viva Naturals Organic Cacao Powder, 8 oz - Unsweetened Cocoa Powder With Rich Dark Chocolate Flavor, Perfect for Baking & Smoothies - Certified Vegan, Keto & Paleo, Non-GMO & Gluten-Free, 227 g

Viva Naturals Cacao Powder is your go-to for rich, dark chocolate flavor without any added sugar. It's perfect for incorporating into smoothies, hot chocolate, or even your favorite baked goods. This finely milled powder blends seamlessly, ensuring a smooth texture in your drinks and recipes. If you're looking for an organic substitute for cocoa powder, this cacao can easily replace it in a 1:1 ratio for cakes and cookies. Plus, it's suitable for various diets, including keto, paleo, and vegan, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.

What We Like
Rich and flavorful
Organic ingredients
Great for baking
Affordable quality
Health benefits
What We Don't Like
Seal may be flawed
Price could be lower
#TOP 2

King Arthur Black Cocoa Powder for Baking, 14 oz

Brown
14 Ounces
King Arthur Black Cocoa Powder for Baking, 14 oz Cover
King Arthur Black Cocoa: Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder for Baking - Intense Dark Chocolate Flavor, Unsweetened, Perfect for Cakes, Cookies & Frosting - 14 oz Resealable Bag

King Arthur Black Cocoa Powder is a Dutch-processed cocoa powder that adds intense color and unsweetened chocolate flavors to your baked goods. It comes in a 14 oz resealable bag, which is about 4 cups of cocoa powder, perfect for your next chocolate-inspired recipe. King Arthur is a 100% employee-owned company, a founding B Corporation, and the nation's premier baking resource. This cocoa powder is produced on equipment that also processes eggs, milk, soy, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, and coconut.

What We Like
Rich chocolate flavor
Excellent quality
Great for baking
Versatile in recipes
Beautiful dark texture
What We Don't Like
May cause digestive issues
Gritty texture
#TOP 3

Anthony's Organic Cocoa Powder, 2 lb

K7-7R56-4LVP
Rich brown
2 Pound (Pack of 1)
Anthony's Organic Cocoa Powder, 2 lb Cover
Anthony's Organic Cocoa Powder, 2 lb, Gluten Free, Non GMO

Anthony's Organic Cocoa Powder is a fine milled cacao that is unsweetened and non-alkalized, with 10-12% fat content. It is batch tested and verified gluten-free, full of antioxidants and magnesium, and great for plant-based, raw, gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and organic recipes. This baking cocoa is a healthy addition to your pantry.

What We Like
Excellent flavor and quality
Large quantity for the price
Organic and no sugar added
Easy to dissolve in liquids
Great for baking and shakes
What We Don't Like
Pouch zipper can be unreliable
Flavor may be lighter than others

365 Organic Cocoa Powder

Brown
8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
365 Organic Cocoa Powder Cover
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Cocoa Powder, 8 Ounce

Introducing 365 Cocoa Powder, brought to you by Whole Foods Market. This premium baking cocoa is made with the finest organic ingredients, meeting the rigorous quality standards set by Whole Foods Market. With over 100 prohibited ingredients, you can trust the quality of this product. Whether you're baking your favorite chocolate cake or making a delicious hot cocoa, this cocoa powder will add a rich and intense chocolate flavor. With 365 Cocoa Powder, you can elevate your baking and cooking experience, making it more enjoyable and satisfying. As an Amazon brand, you can rely on the brand's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

What We Like
Delicious, creamy hot cocoa
Easy to mix in liquids
High-quality cocoa powder
Versatile for various recipes
Reasonable price point
What We Don't Like
Expensive, but worth it
#TOP 5

NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Cocoa Tub

483559966771
Rich Brown
8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Cocoa Tub Cover
NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Cocoa 8 oz. Plastic Canister

NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Cocoa Tub is a baking cocoa that creates rich flavor in desserts, frostings, and beverages. The cocoa is made from a special blend of cocoa beans and is Kosher certified. It is perfect for baking and is also SNAP and EBT Eligible.

What We Like
Large size container
Rich quality and delicious
Easy to cook with
Great price for value
What We Don't Like
Lacks smoothness and richness
#TOP 6

Roots Circle Unsweetened Cocoa Powder 14oz

Roots Circle Unsweetened Cocoa Powder 14oz Cover
Roots Circle Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | Rich Dark Chocolate Flavor, Perfect for Baking, Smoothies, and Hot Cocoa | Premium Quality, Easy Mixing, Gluten-Free, Kosher | Bulk 1 Pack of 14oz

Roots Circle Cocoa Powder offers a rich chocolate flavor that enhances your baking and beverage creations. With its smooth, clump-free texture, you can easily mix it into smoothies or recipes without hassle. This cocoa powder also serves as a healthier alternative for hot cocoa, allowing you to indulge guilt-free. Its versatility means you can use it in baking, smoothies, or even coffee, making it a delightful addition to your kitchen. Enjoy the premium quality of cocoa without unwanted additives, elevating your culinary experience.

What We Like
Real cocoa, no sugar
Rich, creamy flavor
Unsweetened, customizable sweetness
Great for baking and coffee
Competitive pricing
What We Don't Like
Mixing can be slow
#TOP 7

Ghirardelli Majestic Premium Cocoa Powder

32 oz. Majestic
2 Pound (Pack of 1)
Ghirardelli Majestic Premium Cocoa Powder Cover
Ghirardelli Majestic Premium Cocoa Powder, 32 oz

This 32 oz Ghirardelli Majestic Premium Cocoa Powder comes in a package that weighs 1.021 kg and has dimensions of 12.954cm x 13.208cm x 15.24cm. It is categorized as Baking Cocoa.

What We Like
Rich flavor and aroma
Great for baking and drinks
Low sugar and dairy-free
Trusted brand quality
Good value for size
What We Don't Like
Short expiration date
#TOP 8

Modern Mountain Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder

GRC-MMF-DUTCHCOCOA-8OZ-A
8 Ounce
Modern Mountain Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder Cover
Cocoa Powder (8 oz) Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder, Unsweetened, Extra Rich Cocoa Flavor, 22-24% Fat, Premium Culinary Grade, Non-GMO Sourced, Fair Trade Certified, Perfect Cocoa for Baking and Cooking

The Modern Mountain Cocoa Powder is a premium culinary option that enhances your baking and cooking experience. With a rich fat content of 22-24%, this cocoa powder allows you to create deep, flavorful desserts and beverages. Its Dutch processing removes bitterness, giving you a smooth and delightful chocolate taste. This versatile cocoa is perfect for making rich brownies, moist cakes, and creamy frostings, ensuring every bite is a treat. Plus, it's sourced from non-GMO and fair-trade ingredients, so you can feel good about using it in your recipes.

What We Like
High-quality cocoa
Rich flavor
Fine texture
Excellent for baking
Timely delivery
What We Don't Like
Resealable bag loses effectiveness
Cocoa dust can be messy
#TOP 9

Anthony's Organic Culinary Grade Cocoa Powder

TS0417-A700ML-M125
1 Pound (Pack of 1)
Anthony's Organic Culinary Grade Cocoa Powder Cover
Anthony's Organic Culinary Grade Cocoa Powder, 1 lb, Dutch Processed Baking Cocoa, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Keto Friendly

Anthony's Organic Culinary Grade Cocoa Powder is a 1 lb bag of Dutch Processed Baking Cocoa, certified organic by USDA and gluten-free. The cocoa powder is rich in color and has a high fat content of 20-22%. It can be used for baking, chocolate-making, no-bake recipes, and even spice rubs for meat! It is perfect for plant-based, raw, gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and organic recipes. Anthony's Organic Culinary Grade Cocoa Powder is a product of Latin America and packed in California.

What We Like
Rich, smooth flavor
High-quality organic cocoa
Versatile for baking and beverages
Good packaging for freshness
What We Don't Like
Packaging doesn't seal completely
#TOP 10

Ghirardelli Premium Baking Cocoa Powder, 6 Count

61703
Natural
6 Count (Pack of 1)
Ghirardelli Premium Baking Cocoa Powder, 6 Count Cover
GHIRARDELLI Premium Baking Cocoa 100% Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, 8 oz Bag (6 bags)

Ghirardelli Premium Baking Cocoa Powder comes in six 8 oz bags of unsweetened cocoa powder that adds the essence of roasted chocolate to your baked goods. This 100 percent cocoa powder is ideal for any baking needs, including chocolate cake, cookies, and brownies. It is a naturally processed cocoa powder without alkaline that delivers rich, intense flavor to your recipes, bringing the power of dark cocoa to your kitchen.

What We Like
Rich chocolate flavor
High quality cocoa powder
Versatile for baking
Great price for bulk
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging issues
Misleading quantity in orders
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is baking cocoa same as cocoa powder?

While both baking cocoa and cocoa powder come from the same source, there is a difference between them. Baking cocoa is more acidic and has a stronger, bitter flavor, while cocoa powder has been processed to have less acidity (Dutch-processing), resulting in a milder flavor.

2. Which cocoa to use for baking?

The type of cocoa to use for baking depends on the recipe and the other ingredients used. If the recipe includes acidic ingredients like buttermilk or molasses, Dutch cocoa is often recommended. However, if the recipe does not contain acidic ingredients, natural cocoa can be used.

3. Is baking cocoa the same as hot chocolate?

No, baking cocoa and hot chocolate are not the same. Baking cocoa is pure cocoa powder without added sugar, while hot chocolate mix is a combination of cocoa powder, sugar, and sometimes other ingredients like salt. They cannot be used interchangeably in recipes.

4. How do I substitute cocoa for baking cocoa powder?

To substitute cocoa for baking cocoa powder, use 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for every 1 ounce of unsweetened baking chocolate. This substitution can be helpful when you don't have baking cocoa powder on hand.

5. Can I substitute baking cocoa for chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute baking cocoa for unsweetened chocolate in baking. For 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate, use 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder combined with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil or melted shortening. However, for sweet baking chocolate, you'll need to combine unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, and cooking oil in specific proportions.

6. Is it better to bake with cocoa powder or cacao powder?

In general, it's best to follow the recipe's instructions. However, if you need to substitute, keep in mind that cacao powder has a stronger and more bitter flavor than cocoa powder. You may need to use less cacao powder compared to cocoa powder to achieve the desired taste in your baked goods.

7. Can I substitute hot cocoa mix for baking cocoa?

Hot cocoa mix cannot be directly substituted for baking cocoa. However, if you need to substitute cocoa powder, you can use 2 teaspoons of hot cocoa mix for every 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder in the recipe. Keep in mind that the hot cocoa mix contains added sugar and other ingredients, which may affect the taste and texture of the final product.

8. Does heat destroy cacao?

Heating cacao can reduce its antioxidant and flavonoid content. Even light heating can destroy a third of the antioxidants, and high temperatures can destroy up to 90% of the antioxidants. Therefore, highly heated cacao may not provide the same health benefits as raw cacao.

Editor's Notes

During our baking cocoa research, we found 24 baking cocoa products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 195,429 customer reviews through our big data system to write the baking cocoa list. We found that most customers choose baking cocoa with an average price of $17.21.

The baking cocoa are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of baking cocoa, including Viva Naturals, King Arthur, Anthony's, 365 by Whole Foods Market, Toll House. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Baking Cocoa Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Viva Naturals King Arthur Anthony's 365 by Whole Foods Market Toll House Roots Circle Ghirardelli MODERN MOUNTAIN Anthony's Ghirardelli
Flavor Cacao Powder Chocolate - Cocoa Chocolate dark chocolate Chocolate Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder Dark Chocolate Unsweetened Cocoa
Item Weight 8 Ounces 14 Ounces - 0.5 Pounds 227 Grams 14 Ounces 2 Pounds 8 Ounces 1 Pounds 8 Ounces
Specialty Organic Cacao Powder Unsweetened - USDA Organic, Organic, Kosher, Vegan Kosher Gluten Free - Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder, Fair Trade Certified, Gluten Free Gluten Free,Keto Friendly,Organic,Paleo,Plant Based,Vegan Unsweetened
Item Form Powder Powder - Powder Powder Powder Powder - Powder -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy