Most of the scientific studies done on the health … Dutch-processed cocoa, also called alkalized, unsweetened cocoa powder, appears a shade or two darker than natural cocoa and has its natural acids neutralized with an alkali. But the silver label cocoa vanished about the time the Special Dark cocoa powder appeared. Popular Videos. The process of alkalizing, or Dutching, cocoa began in the mid-1800s in Holland as an effort to control the quality of cocoa production. For example, Dutch-processed cocoa (e.g. Cocoa is frequently dutched—treated with alkali in a 180 year old process — for several reasons. This means raw or minimally-processed cacao is a superfood. For many, this deepens the flavor of the cocoa powder because sugar (or other ingredients) don’t have to overcome the slightly acidic taste of the cocoa before enhancing its flavor. Dutch-Processed Unsweetened Cocoa Powder . According to Hershey’s, heavily alkalized cocoa has less than half the ORAC score (a measure of antioxidant activity) of natural cocoa. I tested two chocolate cakes; the first called for baking powder, a mix of … Dutch Process Cocoa Powder. Cocoa powder, Dutched or natural, consists of a single ingredient: cocoa. The difference in the pH is the reason why you usually find dutch processed cocoa in recipes that are … Cocoa presents both risks and advantages for pregnant women. Popular Videos. The researchers sent three types of cocoa powder down the lab-rigged digestive path: lightly processed, moderately processed and Dutch-processed. If you don’t have dutch processed cocoa powder and the recipe calls for dutch processed cocoa powder and baking powder, substitute the same amount of natural cocoa powder (like Hershey’s) but replace the baking powder with half the amount of baking soda. Ultra dark cocoa has a very mild chocolate flavor that is counter intuitive to its dark color. Dutch-processed cocoa powder is made from cocoa beans that have been washed with an alkaline solution before they are ground into cocoa powder. This fair-trade Dutch cocoa falls into the range of 22 to 24% cocoa butter, which … Since cocoa powder can be acidic (natural) or neutral (dutched), always stick with the type of cocoa called for in that recipe. Chocolate Cake. Miller et al. Still, you have to imagine that they are spending money on research in preparation for marketing it, probably to substantiate health claims they want to make for it. The difference between a chocolatey chocolate dessert and a kind-of-chocolatey-but-not-really-hitting-the-spot chocolate dessert is in the cocoa … You may be able to consume the drug cacao and not have felt any negative affects, but in time you will. Cocoa butter, cocoa, sugar and other ingredients go into the making of chocolate. Next, find out the difference between Dutch process and regular cocoa powder. Possibly it would be relatively expensive as compared to ordinary natural cocoa and Mars, Inc. is not prepared (yet) to invest in a costly promotional campaign. Do not use the type of cocoa intended as a drink mix for baking by mistake; it has some cocoa powder in it, along with sweetener and powdered milk. The darker the chocolate, the higher the percentage of cocoa in the product. His credits include novels under the Dell imprint and for Harlequin Worldwide. There really isn't another name for Dutch processed cocoa. This reduces bitterness and gives it a milder, more mellow flavor. If you want to continue using cocoa in your coffee, I suggest looking for products that haven’t undergone Dutch processing – that is, they haven’t been treated with an alkali to neutralize cocoa’s natural acidity. Steve Hamilton has been writing professionally since 1983. This raises its pH from around 5.5 to about 7, making it almost neutral. )The data in paper #1 show that the treatment of cocoa with alkali does have a detrimental impact on what you get from eating natural cocoa by reducing flavanols; about 40% of the natural level of flavanols is retained on average for lightly Dutched powders and an average of about 22% is retained in medium alkali treated powders.1Since natural cocoa has a very high content of flavanols, even the losses seen in the light and medium alkali processing still leave the flavanol content in the top 10% of measured foods with detectable flavanols in the USDA database.1 Nevertheless, as the authors note, compared to natural cocoa powder, alkali treatment or Dutching does substantially reduce the level of flavanols in cocoa powders and represents an important processing step during which losses can occur.”1. Dutch processed cocoa has a pH of around 7. Nu Naturals. By adding baking soda to unsweetened cocoa, you are neutralizing the acid in the cocoa, so it doesn't interact unfavorably with the other ingredients in the recipe. But your Dutch-processed Cocoa Powder is like… super dark. SHort Answer: So no it is not healthy Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …. If you want to continue using cocoa in your coffee, I suggest looking for products that haven’t undergone Dutch processing – that is, they haven’t been treated with an alkali to neutralize cocoa’s natural acidity. Cocoa processed with alkali, commonly called "dutched" cocoa, is not unsafe, but may offer less health benefit due to a reduction in flavanols. Can You Substitute Semi Sweet Morsels for Semi Sweet Baking Squares? Pressing produces two end products, cocoa butter and cocoa powder. Purdue University: Chocolate, It’s ok, Really! // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Substitute Cocoa Powder for Semisweet Chocolate, Substitute for 1 Square of Baking Chocolate. It is slightly more bitter than Dutch-process cocoa, and it has notes of fruitiness that are less noticeable or altogether missing in Dutch-process cocoa. The richest chocolate you can get from them is their Dark Blackout bar, which is 85% cocoa. Dutch process cocoa powder is more commonly found in Europe and has a few properties that set it apart from natural cocoa powder. Cocoa powder processed with alkali is also known as dutch process. But do not use dutch-process for natural! High blood pressure. Meghan is an entertainment and lifestyle writer with a soft spot for nostalgic snack foods. It's great in desserts from cakes and cupcakes to cookies and candy, and a tablespoon can transform a pot of chili or … Regular cocoa has a pH of 5-5.9. Using the wrong cocoa can result in a flat cake, bitter soapy flavor, sunken cupcakes, etc. Is cacao good or bad for you? It only contains 6 grams of sugar and four ingredients: cacao beans, cocoa butter, raw … As you can see, cacao has almost four times the antioxidant power as processed cocoa. Once it’s processed into cacao nibs, the ORAC value drops to 62,100, and it drops down to 26,000 for processed cocoa. Our Test Kitchen uses Hershey’s. Two Types of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. 1. If you’re looking for a go-to cocoa powder for general baking, our look for a container labeled unsweetened, natural or 100% cacao. The type of cocoa powder you use in a recipe can have a big effect on how it turns out, especially if you use the wrong kind. Intensely chocolate, bitter and slightly acidic, the complex quality of natural, unsweetened cocoa powder provides the rich, deep flavor in products such as brownies or devils-food cake. Benefits of Natural and Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder * There are basically two types of coca powder which includes the natural powder and the Dutch processed powder. Please do not wait to experience the negative affects and get off this drug as soon as you can. Dutch-Processed Cocoa Dutch-processed cocoa, also called alkalized, unsweetened cocoa powder, appears a shade or two darker than natural cocoa and has its natural acids neutralized with an alkali. David Lebovitz: Cocoa Powder FAQ -- Dutch-Process & Natural Cocoa Powder, Fine Cooking: Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder, What's Cooking America: Questions & Answers -- Types of Cocoa. = 3/4 cup. Alkalized or Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder Cocoa powder that has been chemically treated (usually with potassium carbonate) to reduce acidity. However, chocolate offers promise as a diet aid because cocoa contains components called polyphenols that have been shown to inhibit digestion. This is done to make the taste of the end product richer and less acidic. Since cocoa powder can be acidic (natural) or neutral (dutched), always stick with the type of cocoa called for in that recipe. It has abundant nutrients that can help you prevent disease and slow aging. Longer version: Dutch cocoa is cocoa that has been processed with alkalai. If you can’t taste chocolate, you might want to make a trip to the grocery store! To make certain you have the right product, check the label when buying cocoa powder. Cacao is full of health benefits and is a healthy option when it comes to indulgence, but it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Wild’s cocoa powder is non-Dutch processed, created instead using the natural method of a hydraulic press to preserve more of the antioxidants and minerals. This is an important process that does a few things. See Cocoa Powder. Dutch-processed cocoa also dissolves more readily than natural cocoa. Hold different kinds of chocolates to the nose and you'll quickly see that each has an individual and distinctive aroma. Dutch process cocoa powder (also sometimes called "alkalized," "European style," or "Dutched") is washed with a potassium carbonate solution that neutralizes cocoa's acidity to a pH of 7. The richest chocolate you can get from them is their Dark Blackout bar, which is 85% cocoa. Both antioxidant capacity and TP were highly negatively correlated with pH.The flavanol content of cocoa is importantly related to many of the most significant beneficial effects of cocoa ingestion.2–6 (Note, much of cocoa research has been funded by Mars, Inc., which uses a process to retain flavanols in their flavanol-rich cocoa, so that their flavanol-rich cocoa, as used in papers #2, #3, #5, and #6 have higher levels of flavanols than ordinary natural cocoa.   This is because you are getting more of the healthy cocoa, with less of the unhealthy sugar and fat. Dutched cocoa can have as few as half the phytonutrients, but that just means you have to use twice as much! 1 tsp per x grams of cocoa)? Though not necessarily interchangeable, both impart a rich, chocolate flavor to recipes as well as deliver a healthful dose of antioxidants. Their flavanol-enriched cocoa, Cocoapro™ is, after several years of published research, still not widely available or possibly not available commercially at all; we don’t know where to get it and we sure can’t understand what is holding up the release of this product. “The process darkens the cocoa ingredients, changes the taste by reducing bitterness, and increases the dispersability of cocoa powder for various applications such as beverages.”1 In the U.S., food labeling regulations require that alkalized cocoa powder or liquor must be declared as “cocoa (liquor) treated with alkali.” Labeling requirement in other parts of the world differ, making it difficult for consumers to ascertain whether imported cocoa powder or cocoa liquor has been treated in this way.Dutching makes a difference in the health value of cocoa. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This reduces bitterness and gives it a milder, more mellow flavor. The process of making cocoa powder removes most of the fat (cocoa butter) from the chocolate, but … That is a big difference when it comes to baking. The lightly alkali processed cocoa powders ranged from 8.76 to 24.65 mg/g total flavanols, the medium alkali treated powders from 3.93 to 14.00 mg/g, and the heavily alkali treated powders from 1.33 to 6.05 mg/g total flavanols. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Cocoa is made when the dry remains of cocoa nibs that were pressed to extract the butter are ground into a fine powder. Originally Published: August 22, 2018. Share on Pinterest. With Dutch processed cocoa, you lose even more of the health benefits of the raw product. Its taste is smoother and less bitter. Aroma The variety of scents given off by individual chocolate. Evidence from the literature indicates that natural cocoas are high in flavanols, but when the cocoa is processed with alkali, also known as Dutch processing or Dutching, the flavanols are substantially reduced. Cocoa is heated with high heat and processed for a smoother, sweeter taste, but the heat processing kills much of its amazing nutrients and powerful antioxidants. Sugar isn’t good for us either. But your Dutch-processed Cocoa Powder is like… super dark. Cocoa is the non-fat component of cocoa liquor, made by grinding cocoa beans. The difference in the pH is the reason why you usually find dutch processed cocoa in recipes that are less acidic and that usually contain baking powder. Cocoa processed with alkali, commonly called "dutched" cocoa, is not unsafe, but may offer less health benefit due to a reduction in flavanols. It is hard to find Dutch-processed cocoa, in my personal experience. A remodeling and repair specialist with over 20 years experience, he is also a Certified Pool Operator and holds an EPA Universal refrigerant certification. Polyphenols are … Both these powders differ in taste and color. But even then you can’t be certain that you’re getting much in the way of the beneficial flavanols. Cocoa beans contain about 50 to 60 percent cocoa butter, according to Mary Duke, Purdue University’s Consumer and Family Sciences. In doing so, alkalizing alters the flavor of the cocoa and darkens the color, making it appear to be more chocolatey. Evidence from the literature indicates that natural cocoas are high in flavanols, but when the cocoa is processed with alkali, also known as Dutch processing or Dutching, the flavanols are substantially reduced. Use the type of cocoa powder called for in the recipe if possible; substitutions aren't recommended because they can affect the way baked goods look, taste and rise. In recipes, pairing natural, unsweetened cocoa with an alkaline ingredient in the form of baking soda, helps neutralize the acidity. Using the wrong cocoa can result in a flat cake, bitter soapy flavor, sunken cupcakes, etc. Dutch-processed cocoa powder, also called European style cocoa powder, has been treated with alkalis to improve flavor and texture. If you’re in a bind, you can use natural cocoa powder for dutch-process. Puddings: You can add raw cocoa powder (not Dutch) to homemade puddings like chia breakfast puddings or rice pudding. Rich in Polyphenols That Provide Several Health Benefits. According to Fine Cooking, you can replace up to 3/4 cup of natural, unsweetened cocoa powder with Dutch-processed in most recipes, but not the other way around. If you drink cocoa in the form of hot chocolate, the beverage typically contains a small amount of caffeine. (Check out the photos -- it's the one on the left.) However, if you consume it and notice you have acid reflux shortly after, you might consider some less acidic options, such as alkalized cocoa (Dutch-processed cocoa) or carob powder. The process was created in 1825, and it enabled commercial confectioners to produce better products on a larger scale. When a recipe calls simply for unsweetened cocoa powder, it usually means natural cocoa. Dutch process cocoa powder is natural cocoa powder that has been alkalized to remove its acidity and make it neutral. About natural cocoa vs dutch processed cocoa, you suggested using some baking soda to reduce the acidity of the natural cacao. There are two types of unsweetened cocoa powder: natural and Dutch-processed. We’d be missing those precious acids! The remaining cocoa solids are processed to make fine unsweetened cocoa powder. Next, find out the difference between Dutch process and regular cocoa powder. The chemistry thought to be responsible for its cardiovascular health benefits is the flavanol (flavan-3-ol) antioxidants. But even then you can’t be certain that you’re getting much in the way of the beneficial flavanols. The fat is saturated cocoa butter, and is one of the few plant fats that’s actually bad for us; it raises our cholesterol. Thanks, Eduardo. The majority of health care professionals advise against the intake of any caffeine in a pregnancy diet. Cocoa powder is made when chocolate liquor is pressed to remove three-quarters of its cocoa butter. This gives the cocoa powder a darker color and a generally smoother flavor. Since Dutch processed cocoa isn’t acidic, it doesn’t react with alkaline leavening agents like baking soda. Replace 3 tablespoons of Dutch-processed cocoa powder with 1 ounce of unsweetened baking chocolate, plus 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda for every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder called for. According to the Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition, natural, unsweetened cocoa powder can deliver up to 90 percent more antioxidants than Dutch-processed. We’d be missing those precious acids! Chocolate production starts by grinding roasted cacao beans into a thick paste called chocolate liquor. When selecting a cocoa powder, other than the choice between natural and Dutch-processed, you also need to look at the label in order to pick the one that is most suitable to your cooking pursuit. Dutch Processed (alkalized): Made from cocoa beans that have been washed in a potassium solution that neutralizes their acidity. This means that Dutch process cocoa powder is only slightly acidic because of that … Regular cocoa has a pH of 5-5.9. When baking, Dutch-process cocoa powder is typically combined with another neutralized ingredient: baking powder. Here is what you need to know: the higher the percentage of cocoa in a chocolate product, generally the healthier it is for you. You’re right! The next step involves pressing the paste between hydraulic plates. This variety, also known as dark cocoa, undergoes additional processing with an alkalized chemical solution. Reply # … Because Dutch-processed, natural or a blend of the two cocoas have quite a difference in taste between brands, you may have to experiment to get the flavor you're after. In the U.S., food labeling regulations require that alkalized cocoa powder or liquor must be declared as “cocoa (liquor) treated with alkali.” Labeling requirement in other parts of the world differ, making it difficult for consumers to ascertain whether imported cocoa powder or cocoa liquor has been treated in this way. You’re right! Can you give me an idea of how much baking soda I should add (i.e. In cakes and brownies, the Dutch-processed cocoas tend to produce moister and deeper colored baked goods—an advantage that makes it a favorite of many pastry chefs. Exploratorium; The Sweet Lure of Chocolate; Jim Spadaccini. However, ConsumerLab has identified at least one product with alkalized cocoa that is high in flavanols. Although, it’s not a good idea to substitute Dutch-processed cocoa when you’re out of natural cocoa powder. Cocoa powder, the ground cacao powder that comes after you remove some of the cacao butter from the processed cacao bean, comes in two forms: natural and Dutch-process. We hear about health benefits of chocolate all the time, but the bottom line is that most of these health benefits relate to ‘cacao’ and not nearly as much to ‘cocoa’. It is a darker brown in color, less reddish. You probably don't have to worry, since dutch processed costs a … Gosh, that sounds fascinating, doesn’t it? 1 Since natural cocoa has a very high content of … Cocoa produced with the Dutch process is called "Dutch-processed cocoa," or "cocoa processed with alkali." kitchen math: 2-1/4 oz. Dutch processed cocoa has a pH of around 7. In a pinch, you can substitute natural cocoa powder if you’re out of Dutch-processed cocoa powder. And according to Fine Cooking magazine, “You can substitute natural cocoa powder for Dutch-process in most recipes (though not vice versa). But do not use dutch-process for natural! Obviously, this automatically excludes the cocoa in cookies and cakes and some of the cocoa powder you may find in your store. Cocoa powder comes in two distinct unsweetened varieties, normally referred to as natural and Dutch-processed. The chemistry thought to be responsible for its cardiovascular health benefits is the flavanol (flavan-3-ol) antioxidants. The natural cocoas showed the highest levels of ORAC and TP. It’s made from cacao beans that have been washed with a potassium solution to neutralize their acidity to a pH of 7. The recipe likely needs that acid. The unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa is one that hasn’t been further processed with more additives like sugar and milk. The grating process grinds the cocoa into the fine powder used to make unsweetened cocoa powder. Fry’s Cocoa) usually contains sodium carbonate, which may alter the flavor of your final product. I forget what they called it, but the container had a shiny silver label on it, and it was easily the least expensive dutch-process cocoa I could find in the supermarket here. Dutch process means it has been chemically manipulated to reduce acidity! Impact of alkalization on the antioxidant and flavanol content of commercial cocoa powders. Although, it’s not a good idea to substitute Dutch-processed cocoa when you’re out of natural cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Hershey's did, in fact, make a dutched cocoa at one time. The data in paper #1 show that the treatment of cocoa with alkali does have a detrimental impact on what you get from eating natural cocoa by reducing flavanols; about 40% of the natural level of flavanols is retained on average for lightly Dutched powders and an average of about 22% is retained in medium alkali treated powders. If you’re in a bind, you can use natural cocoa powder for dutch-process. You are absolutely right that alkali-processed “ dutched ” cocoa is not as healthy (See Update on Chocolate for the graph and Healthiest Chocolate Fix for some other chocolate comparisons). That is a big difference when it comes to baking. With that small tweak, unsweetened cocoa powder should perform much like Dutch-processed cocoa powder in the recipe, though the finished recipe may be a bit lighter in color. In the form of cocoa powder. The dutch processing removes some of cocoa's natural bitterness, so that the pure chocolate flavor can come through. Hershey's Cocoa Powder gives you a healthy way to flavor beverages and sweets. Most research shows that eating dark chocolate or cocoa products for 2-8 weeks can lower the top number in a blood pressure reading (systolic blood pressure) by 4 … Recipes will usually make it clear what type you should use, but the presence of baking soda in the list of ingredients usually requires that you use natural, unsweetened cocoa. While it’s highly unlikely to occur, cocoa powder can also eventually go rancid. So how do you get the benefits of the cacao bean without the bad stuff? In addition, because Dutched cocoa powder is subjected to a chemical process, products that contain Dutch-processed cocoa technically cannot be … In a pinch, you can substitute natural cocoa powder if you’re out of Dutch-processed cocoa powder. A lot of the cocoa powder on the market is a mixture of the two kinds. * The natural powder is made from cocoa beans solids which are roasted, dried and ground into fine powder. Natural cocoa powder, on the other hand, is not treated with alkali. Many cake mixes and other off-the-shelf chocolate products contain cocoa powder processed with alkali. If you must replace Dutch-processed, try adding a pinch of baking soda for every ounce of natural cocoa. However, ConsumerLab has identified at least one product with alkalized cocoa that is high in flavanols. Meghan is an entertainment and lifestyle writer with a soft spot for nostalgic snack foods.