Cocoa Powder

Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Cocoa powder FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is cocoa powder gluten free?
• Is cocoa powder vegan?
• Is cocoa powder halal?
• Is cocoa powder low FODMAP?
• Is cocoa powder keto?
• Does cocoa powder contain fat?
• Does cocoa powder contain sugar?
• Is cocoa powder high in protein?
• Does cocoa powder contain iron?
• Does cocoa powder contain magnesium?
• Does cocoa powder contain zinc?
• Is cocoa powder high in potassium?
• Does cocoa powder contain lactose?
• Does cocoa powder increase testosterone?
• Is cocoa powder paleo?
• Is cocoa powder vegetarian?
• Is cocoa powder Whole30 approved?
• What are some alternatives to cocoa powder?
• Does cocoa powder increase libido?

Is cocoa powder gluten free?

Yes, pure cocoa powder is gluten free as it is made only from the beans of the cocoa plant. However, it’s important to read labels or inquire with manufacturers when purchasing flavored or mixed cocoa powders, as they might include additives with gluten.

Is cocoa powder vegan?

Yes, pure cocoa powder is vegan. It is a plant-based product made from the cocoa bean and does not contain any animal products or byproducts. However, do check product labeling for potential additives or flavorings that could be derived from animal sources.

Is cocoa powder halal?

Yes, pure cocoa powder is generally considered Halal. It is derived from the cocoa plant, and should not contain any ingredients that are forbidden in a Halal diet. However, always check the product labels or certifications to ensure they comply with Halal standards.

Is cocoa powder low FODMAP?

Yes, cocoa powder is considered low FODMAP. According to Monash University, a serving size of 2 heaping teaspoons (8 g) of cocoa powder is low in FODMAPs, which is generally well tolerated by individuals with IBS or other gastrointestinal disorders. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian for personalized advice.

Is cocoa powder keto?

Yes, cocoa powder is considered keto-friendly because it’s low in carbohydrates. The actual carbohydrate content varies by brand, but typically, one tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder contains about 3 grams of carbs. The standard ketogenic diet typically limits carb intake to 20-50 grams per day, hence, cocoa powder can be easily incorporated into a ketogenic diet without exceeding that carb limit.

Does cocoa powder contain fat?

Yes, cocoa powder does contain a small amount of fat. On average, a one-tablespoon serving of unsweetened cocoa powder contains around 0.74 grams of fat. The recommended daily allowance for fat for an adult is about 70 grams. Hence, cocoa powder can be considered low in fat and can be used in low-fat diets.

Does cocoa powder contain sugar?

Unsweetened cocoa powder does not contain sugar. However, sweetened cocoa powder or chocolate drink mixes do contain sugar. Always check the label but typically, unsweetened cocoa powder should not contribute to your daily sugar intake. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams of added sugars per day for women and 38 grams for men.

Is cocoa powder high in protein?

Cocoa powder contains some protein, but it’s not a significant source. Typically, one tablespoon provides around 1 gram of protein. The recommended daily intake of protein is 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men. Consequently, cocoa powder alone cannot significantly contribute to your daily protein requirements.

Does cocoa powder contain iron?

Yes, cocoa powder does contain iron. A 2 tablespoon serving (approximately 10 grams) of unsweetened cocoa powder contains roughly 0.8 milligrams of iron, which contributes to about 10% of the recommended daily intake for men and around 4.5% for women.

Does cocoa powder contain magnesium?

Yes, cocoa powder does contain magnesium. A 2 tablespoon serving of unsweetened cocoa powder provides about 54 milligrams of magnesium. This counts as nearly 14% of the recommended daily intake for men and about 17% for women.

Does cocoa powder contain zinc?

Yes, cocoa powder does contain a small amount of zinc. A 2 tablespoon serving of unsweetened cocoa powder contains approximately 0.4 milligrams, which contributes to about 4% of the recommended daily intake for men and 5.7% for women.

Is cocoa powder high in potassium?

Yes, cocoa powder is a good source of potassium. A 2 tablespoon serving of unsweetened cocoa powder provides around 131 milligrams of potassium, about 3% of the recommended daily intake for a healthy adult.

Does cocoa powder contain lactose?

No, pure cocoa powder does not contain lactose. Lactose is a sugar that is predominantly found in dairy products like milk and cheese. It’s important for those with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy to ensure they’re using pure cocoa powder, as some mixes or brands may have additional ingredients, including milk products.

Does cocoa powder increase testosterone?

While there is no direct evidence that cocoa powder increases testosterone levels, there is some science that suggests high antioxidant foods like cocoa may support overall hormonal health, which could indirectly support testosterone levels. Remember, it’s important to consider your overall diet and lifestyle when aiming to balance hormones.

Is cocoa powder paleo?

Yes, pure cocoa powder can be included in the paleo diet. The paleo diet emphasizes foods that were accessible to our hunter-gatherer ancestors, and cocoa, produced from cacao beans, fits within these guidelines. However, when choosing a cocoa powder, it’s important to look for brands with minimal processing and no added sugars or stabilizers, as these additives are not paleo-compliant.

Is cocoa powder vegetarian?

Yes, cocoa powder is vegetarian and vegan-friendly. It’s derived from the cocoa bean, which is plant-based, and does not contain any animal products. However, like with a Paleo diet, if you’re following a specific diet, you ought to ensure you’re using pure cocoa powder, as some brands may contain additives or unnecessary ingredients. Always check the specific brand if you’re unsure.

Is cocoa powder Whole30 approved?

Yes, cocoa powder is approved for Whole30. It is an unprocessed food without any additives, sugars, or dairy. However, it’s important to make sure the type of cocoa powder you’re using is unsweetened and does not contain any disallowed ingredients, such as added sugars.

What are some alternatives to cocoa powder?

If you’re looking for alternatives to cocoa powder because of an allergy, dietary restrictions, or simply personal preference, there are a number of options available. Carob powder is a popular cocoa powder substitute, especially for those who cannot consume caffeine, as it is caffeine-free and has a slightly sweeter taste. However, it does not have the same strong chocolatey flavor of cocoa powder. Another option is black cocoa powder, which has a more intense, dark-chocolate flavor and is used in famous recipes like Oreo cookies. Depending on the recipe, instant coffee granules or espresso powder could also replace some of the cocoa powder for a mocha flavor.

Does cocoa powder increase libido?

Cocoa powder contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a natural compound that’s thought to stimulate the same reaction in the body as falling in love! Though there isn’t concrete scientific evidence to support the idea that cocoa powder directly increases libido, it does contain certain compounds like PEA and flavonoids which help produce feelings of attraction, excitement, and euphoria. Hence, it might indirectly affect one’s libido. However, the quantities of these compounds in cocoa powder is relatively small – around 0.5g to 1.0g per 100g. That’s roughly 0.5% to 1% of a daily value, which isn’t set for these compounds but for reference is far less than other compounds have daily values set for (e.g. you’d only want between 1-3g of omega-3 fatty acids per day). This means regular, moderate consumption of cocoa powder alone is unlikely to significantly affect one’s libido.