Cocoa is a popular tonic drink. It is made from cocoa beans, the beneficial properties of which have long been known. They contain many essential microelements, tannins, essential oils, fats, and proteins.
The drink tones, restores performance, improves mood, and helps with colds. They even give it to children after 3 years of age. But to enjoy the pleasant taste and aroma of this healthy drink, you need to choose the right cocoa powder.
Production and composition
The fruits of the chocolate tree, which is called cacahuacahuitl or, scientifically, Theobroma, are somewhat reminiscent of corn on the cob. They look like small rugby balls, with a thick shell and tender flesh containing 20 to 60 small seeds.
The plant's habitat is quite wide, but it is mainly found in South America. There, on plantations, the fruits are collected several times a year, processed and prepared for the production of cocoa, butter, powder, as well as other by-products and semi-finished products.
The chocolate beans are removed from the shell, washed, dried and then fried. Then it is crushed, simultaneously squeezing out the oil, and various types of chocolate are made from the resulting semi-finished product.
The next production stage: the low-fat raw material is treated with alkali (the process is called “alkalization”), or in its pure form it is ground into powder, obtaining one of two types of a product familiar to all of us for making the famous chocolate drink or desserts.
Please note that high-quality cocoa powder must be natural and not contain artificial ingredients (dyes, flavors, flavor enhancers, other additives) - this is the main indicator of interest to us.
Let's take a closer look at the varieties of products obtained in chocolate production.
Use in cosmetology
Chocolate masks applied externally also have a beneficial effect. They nourish the skin and replenish vitamin deficiencies. Cocoa is often one of the main ingredients in various store-bought cosmetics, but to save money, you can make these products at home.
For face
With constant use, homemade cosmetics prevent skin aging. These treatments are suitable for any skin type, and the chocolate aroma will make them even more pleasant.
For hair
A universal mask will restore dry and damaged strands. However, you should be careful when using the mask on light hair - it can make it darker.
A hair mask will restore dry and damaged strands.
Types of cocoa
- Grated
This is a product of the primary processing of cocoa: the grains are simply ground on a device somewhat reminiscent of millstones. After such a gentle production procedure, most of the nutrients with healing properties are retained inside.
Fact! Cocoa liquor contains a long list of natural vegetable fats, so its properties are superior to dry powder.
- Powder
Unlike its analogues, it is devoid of fats that are extracted in production, therefore it has a less pronounced taste and smell of chocolate.
What to rely on when choosing
To determine what kind of cocoa is of good quality and how to choose it correctly, let’s consider the main properties and distinctive features.
Please note that the natural powder is not instant - it must be boiled before use.
Package
When choosing a product on store shelves, we can judge its quality by the information presented on the original packaging, as well as by reviews received from trusted friends or on reputable sites on the Internet.
First, carefully study the composition, there should be a maximum of two ingredients: cocoa plus vanilla. This will mean that in front of you is a product that 100% complies with this GOST.
Pay attention to the labels on the packaging. For example, “organic” will mean minimal heat and chemical processing, such as cocoa is suitable for fans of a raw food diet and the most natural natural food. Sold under the heading “raw”.
By the way! It can be stored in a dry, dark place for up to 6 months, so check the expiration date before purchasing.
The mark “non-alkalized” indicates that the beans were not washed in an alkaline solution. This is done to enhance the taste, smell, and also change the solubility properties of the powder. In any case, such a product is much more natural and also safer than the “alkalized” one.
On a note! Check the packaging for leaks before purchasing. Broken integrity indicates non-compliance with storage conditions and poor quality of the product.
Cocoa variety
Find information on the packaging about the type of beans used to make the powder. A reputable manufacturer is required to provide this information. The more expensive the variety (for example, elite varieties - crioglio, trinitario or forastero), the tastier and better quality the drink will be in your cup. To reduce costs, some factories use inexpensive mixtures of available cheap varieties, diluting them with a small amount of more expensive ones.
Fat content
A large amount of natural fats in the composition is an indicator of not only usefulness, nutritional value and calorie content, but also of high quality.
We recommend choosing a product with a fat content of at least 12% oil per 100 grams of dry powder.
Qualitative characteristics
Chocolate powder must meet the standards for all organoleptic indicators:
- color: rich dark brown, uniform, without inclusions;
- aroma: chocolate, no foreign odors;
- grinding quality: uniform texture, without lumps.
Quality test: rub some dry powder between your fingers, if there is an oily brown residue left on the skin, then you have chosen excellent cocoa! There may also be a brown greasy residue left on the cup - this is a sign of good quality.
How to choose real dark chocolate?
Huge market opportunities make our eyes run wild and we are lost in choice. But don't fret - there are many ways to find natural dark chocolate.
Among the selection criteria it is worth noting the following:
- Package. Its integrity ensures proper storage of the product. In damaged packaging there is a greater likelihood of molding or weathering of the tiles.
- Form. Smooth and hard - dented, soft or bending tiles are clearly damaged and are not suitable for consumption.
- Color. Dark chocolate is dark brown, but by no means black. There should be no white spots or unsightly plaque. Properly made chocolate has a beautiful gloss.
- Sound. When such a tile is broken, a characteristic click is heard, and when bitten, a crunch is heard.
- Consistency. Dense, without bubbles or inclusions, smooth at the edges.
Since the choice is quite impressive, it is best to make a rating of chocolate in Russia based on the results of laboratory research and tasting by professionals.
Rating of TOP 8 manufacturers of cocoa powder for cooking
On supermarket shelves you can find products for making chocolate drinks from various brands. Let's look at how they differ from each other.
Gold label
One of the oldest factories in Russia for the production of chocolate products, founded more than 100 years ago. The drink from this manufacturer complies with strict GOST standards, has a good taste, a pleasant aroma, and the “correct” color. This powder is ideal for baking or making chocolate desserts. The product contains a sufficient amount of fat - more than 15%, and, unfortunately, flavoring, although it is completely natural.
Be carefull! It is this manufacturer that scammers “love” most, so in unverified retail outlets you can run into a fake. Signs of counterfeit: typos on the box, pale colors of the packaging or logo (it should be bright red with gold embossing), terms printed unevenly or in colored font, inscriptions blurred.
Package price of 100 g: from 59 to 123 rubles.
Shelf life: 12 months.
Russia is a generous soul
Everyone knows that this manufacturer has the most delicious and high-quality chocolate, but what about cocoa? It is also very tasty, but so natural that it is even slightly bitter (like real dark chocolate with a high content of cocoa beans).
It’s useful to know, read: – How to choose natural Russian cocoa powder.
If you like strong coffee or dark chocolate, you will be pleased with this brand. And if you want to soften the taste, we recommend adding cream or milk.
By the way, Rospotrebnadzor has a couple of questions for the manufacturer, for example, about the pesticides found in the product, as well as the discrepancy between the amount of fats actually present in the powder and the numbers indicated on the packaging (for some reason it is actually 15% more). And in terms of its acidity level, this brand’s cocoa corresponds to alkalized cocoa - this is not the most natural option, but it dissolves well.
Price for 100 g packaging: from 67 to 98 rubles.
Shelf life: 12 months.
Kommunarka
Belarusian product of excellent quality. The company positions itself as an eco-responsible, safe production. Carefully selected chocolate beans are processed using natural means without the use of chemicals (especially dangerous pesticides). An independent expert review confirmed that the information provided by the manufacturer is absolutely correct.
Package price 150 g: from 109 to 136 rubles.
Shelf life: 12 months.
Royal
This high-quality powder has only one ingredient - only chocolate beans. The packaging states that the product does not contain sugar and is completely natural. However, Roskontrol recorded the fact of a violation, that the fat level was lower than declared.
Package price 100 g: from 59 to 83 rubles.
Shelf life: 24 months.
Nikitich
The Kuban factory “Dobrynya-Rus” produces a rather rare type of cocoa powder without roasting or heat treatment. The natural “raw” product is healthy, contains 100% nutrients, has a balanced taste and amazing aroma. It complies with GOST 108-2014, so it has virtually no disadvantages. Except perhaps for a long cooking time, because real powder does not dissolve in water, but requires strict adherence to culinary regulations.
Package price of 100 g: from 61 to 150 rubles.
Shelf life: 12 months.
Orgtium
The beans for the production of this brand of powder are imported from Indonesia. The uniform texture along with the correct brown shade of the product can be seen through the transparent oval cutout on the box. It contains an average amount of fat - 12 g per 100 g of dry product, so it has high nutritional value, but at the same time it will not harm the figure.
This manufacturer produces not only cocoa powder, but also in grated consistency and in the form of soft roasted nibs.
Price for 100 g packaging: from 158 to 389 rubles.
Shelf life: 12 months.
Dr. Oetker
A reliable company from Germany produces an alkalized powder as finely ground as you can imagine, without artificial additives or sugar. It has a tart, slightly strong taste and is often used for making sweet desserts or chocolate pastries.
Package price of 100 g: from 51 to 101 rubles.
Shelf life: 12 months.
Royal Forest
Excellent powder from Colombia is made using a special technology from elite Criollo beans. The drink it produces is very thick, aromatic, with a mild taste and delicate velvety consistency. The composition is completely free of unnecessary additives, artificial ingredients, preservatives, dyes, and most importantly - there is no sugar.
For such an excellent product, you will actually have to pay almost three times more than for brands from domestic manufacturers.
Package price of 200 g: from 180 to 340 rubles.
Shelf life: 12 months.
The best brands of dark chocolate
The main component of chocolate is cocoa powder, in which the proportion of the main ingredient exceeds 55%.
Dove
The current owner of the Dove brand is the famous Mars corporation. But the origins of this brand were once an immigrant from Greece, who in 1939 opened his own confectionery shop in Chicago. Dove appeared on store shelves in 1956. Created according to the recipe of the owner of the outlet, it immediately received recognition for its excellent taste. However, in Russia, brand promotion has become somewhat difficult. It is possible that this is due not only to the high price, but also to the consonance of the product name with the name of one well-known brand of soap. Although the consonance of the names is the only thing that unites them.
Produced using a unique patented technology. The purpose of creating the Dove 75% recipe was to maximize the preservation of beneficial properties and taste subtleties. In addition to the excellent taste and aroma, buyers also note the exquisite appearance. For 90 g you have to pay 110 rubles.
Dove 75% Advantages:
- inexpensive;
- exquisite external design.
Flaws:
No.
Victory of taste
“Victory of Taste 72%” is a product of the Pobeda confectionery factory. In 2004, he won the title “Best Product of Russia”, and his sugar-free version was among the 100 best products in the country in 2016 and a silver medalist in “Innovations and Traditions” 2013.
Among the types of sweets produced by the Pobeda factory there is also porous, 57% sugar-free, and 72% with the addition of orange pieces. Reviews show that buyers are attracted to the taste, aroma and ratio of ingredients in these copies, when the sugar content is minimized, and the proportion of the main ingredient, on the contrary, is high.
Average cost: 150 rub.
Victory of taste 72% Advantages:
- buyers are attracted by the taste, aroma and ratio of ingredients;
- the sugar content is minimized, and the proportion of the main ingredient increases.
Flaws:
No.
A. Korkunov
The former Russian brand is now owned by the Mars corporation, but production continues in Russia. The brand's line contains classic dark chocolate: 55%, 70 and 72% bars, as well as with almonds and hazelnuts. The production technology excludes the use of palm oil.
There are a lot of positive reviews from customers about this product. They all note a rich taste and aroma. They are also pleased with the convenient packaging, which is a beautifully designed cardboard case with an equally beautiful inner foil in which the black tile itself is wrapped, as well as the ease of breaking off the slices.
The average cost is 100 rubles.
A. Korkunov bitter chocolate Advantages:
- rich taste and aroma;
- production technology excludes the use of palm oil;
- beautifully designed cardboard case.
Flaws:
No.
Lindt
This chocolate is an example of Swiss quality. Only the best beans are used to produce products here. The Lindt brand always strives to maintain its corporate identity in everything, from the process of processing raw materials, strict adherence to technological production rules, giving the ideal appearance to chocolate bars and ending with the creation of its unique elegant packaging of the finished product. Dark chocolate of this brand is represented by the “Excellence” series, which includes samples with the main ingredient content of 70%, 85% and 99%.
Gourmets especially appreciate the delicacy with 99% cocoa. Such a high content of the main ingredient, of course, fills the bars with rich taste and aroma. Contains dried berries and vanilla. Summarizing customer reviews, it should be noted that it is completely natural, high quality, excellent taste and no defects. Consumers are not even bothered by the price of the product.
The price for 100 g is approximately 250 rubles.
Lindt dark chocolate Advantages:
- complete naturalness;
- high quality;
- excellent taste.
Flaws:
price.
Blacklist: better not to buy
Unscrupulous manufacturers do not carefully monitor the quality of their products, which is why some brands are included in the list of products not recommended for consumption.
- Golden anchor
A funny package with a little sailor drinking a chocolate drink brings back memories of childhood. But, unfortunately, the product is not natural cocoa, but only its substitute.
- Red price
Quality testing confirms that this powder is made from carob and not chocolate beans. In addition, chemical additives were found in it.
We advise you to be more careful when purchasing cocoa, to give preference to the best brands from the top positions of product ratings. Then every day will begin with a delicious drink that lifts your spirits and fills you with energy. You can’t skimp on quality, because you need to choose only the best for yourself!
Beneficial features
Many have noticed that cocoa-based drinks improve their mood and performance. This is due to its composition. These beans contain a lot of antioxidants, natural antidepressants, and tonics. Therefore, they have the following beneficial effects on the body:
- slow down the aging process;
- help fight depression;
- relieve tension and help you relax;
- normalize sleep;
- improve heart function;
- restore strength after physical exertion and illnesses;
- improve memory and mental activity;
- normalize blood pressure;
- prevent the development of heart attacks and strokes;
- protect from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and sunburn;
- have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the respiratory system.
Cocoa is good for adults and children
Scientists have found that a hot drink is healthier because, after heating, more antioxidants and other biologically active compounds are released from the cocoa beans.
Children over 3 years old, older people, and athletes can drink cocoa. It is recommended for pathologies of the cardiovascular system, high cholesterol, and colds. You can drink this drink for diabetes and for weight loss, but without adding cream or sugar.
