Tag: Dark cocoa

Cocoa powder is packed with minerals such as iron and magnesium, but what does dark cocoa do to the body beyond its nutritional composition? Scientific research reveals a host of physiological impacts, ranging from cardiovascular health to cognitive function and mood.

Studies have shown that cocoa is rich in plant-based antioxidants called flavonoids, which are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. This has led many to praise dark cocoa and dark chocolate as a health food, but the truth is more complex.

A 101-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70–85% cocoa solids contains approximately 24.23 grams of sugar, according to the USDA. This demonstrates that the sugar content of dark chocolate is not consistent, varying with the cocoa percentage.

The iconic dark, almost black color of Oreo cookies is famously achieved by using black cocoa powder, a heavily processed form of cocoa that has been treated with an alkaline solution. So, **what is dark cocoa powder made of** and how does it get its unique characteristics? It all comes down to a specific manufacturing process known as Dutch-processing.