10 Best Cocoa Powders for Baking in the Philippines 2021 (Hershey's, Beryl's, Ghirardelli, and More)

When purchasing cocoa powder online, make sure that the label indicates that it is suitable for baking. Some cocoa powders are only meant for drinking and making icing and frosting. Also, here are other things to consider besides the brand and your budget.

Suppose you are using cocoa powder as your main ingredient. In that case, it is necessary to check if the one you are using is unsweetened or not because this determines the overall flavor of the dish. 

One of the easiest ways to spot unsweetened cocoa powder is to check the label. You should see that either 100% cocoa or the word cocoa is first on the ingredients list. 

Also, unsweetened cocoa powder has a deeper and richer taste compared to sweetened ones. This is because it contains little to no sugar and does not have any added sweeteners. However, if the recipe calls for a sweeter outcome, either use sweetened cocoa or add sugar or condensed milk.

Cocoa powders are either naturally processed or Dutch-processed. Both go through the roasting and grinding process to achieve their powdered form. Keep reading to know the differences between these two types.

The natural method entails roasting the cocoa beans and then placing them directly on the grinder to turn them into powder. As a result, natural-processed cocoa powder has a lighter color compared to Dutch-processed ones.

In terms of taste, it has a "metallic" bitterness because the natural acid of cocoa is still in the powder. Natural-processed cocoa powder also has a richer flavor; however, it is not advisable for people with acid reflux or hyperacidity because of its high acid content.

Dutch-processed cocoa powder is sometimes referred to as alkalized cocoa powder. This is because it undergoes reducing or removing the natural acid of cocoa beans, resulting in a fruitier and sweeter taste compared to the natural cocoa powder.

 
This can be achieved by washing the beans with a potassium solution before roasting and grinding them. Dutch-processed cocoa powder is also a lot darker in color compared to natural cocoa powder. So if you want sweeter desserts, you can opt for Dutch-processed powder instead.

Why is it important to check the fat content of the cocoa powder? It's because the fat content of the cocoa powder can determine the outcome of your desserts. A good rule of thumb is that the higher the fat, the better it tastes because it allows your culinary creation to be richer in flavor. 

When baking, the fat content also affects the moisture of the cake, so it can help you achieve those bakery-style desserts. However, one setback of having higher fat content means that the cholesterol content may also be high.

Thus, you must consume it in moderation since it is less healthy for you and can cause a sudden spike in your blood pressure and sugar. To see the fat content of the cocoa powder, check the back of the packaging for additional information.

Speaking of packaging labels, you should also check out the nutritional value of the cocoa powder. We highly advise you to look at the nutrition facts as they give you more information regarding the product. For instance, you can see the nutritional amount or percentages of fat, sugar, proteins, and sometimes, cholesterol.

 
So if you are in a physical grocery store, don't forget to look at the back label. When buying online, we recommend searching for the official site of the brand. Most online stores already include the nutritional table, either written in the product description or uploaded in the photos.

Of course, when you are talking about food-related concerns, you must not forget about allergens. For example, in some cases, cocoa powders go through the same machine used in manufacturing chocolate bars that may include allergens like dairy or nuts.

 
Allergic reactions like lactose intolerance and rashes are discomforting and sometimes detrimental to one's health. So make sure to check if the brand uses ingredients like milk powder or nut powder for added flavor.

 
For those following religious dietary restrictions, you can also inspect if the product is Kosher-certified for Jewish people or Halal-certified for our Muslim brothers and sisters. 

If you are baking desserts for your family or a small group of friends, it's best to purchase a smaller pack of cocoa powder. Since most recipes call for a small amount of cocoa powder, getting this size will help you save money. 

However, if baking chocolate desserts is already your hobby or business, or if you use it to bake your go-to potluck party food, go for a bigger size. In case you have some leftover cocoa powder, you can transfer it into a tightly sealed container and store it in a cool and dry place. 

Doing so can prolong the shelf life of the cocoa powder by up to one year. This also prevents it from going stale and losing its flavors. But as much as possible, buy only the amount that you need so that you'll have fresh cocoa powder for each baking session!

Get your ovens and mixers ready as we reveal ten excellent cocoa powders for baking available online. We made sure to include different types and features based on the buying guide, so you can find an array of options before ordering.

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

Chocolate mousse cakes are intricate desserts that are seemingly hard to do. Well, turn that frown upside down because the people from Yummy PH prepared an easy video tutorial on how you can make this classic dessert at home. So, get your apron ready and start baking!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips
• 1/3 cup Sugar
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
• 1/3 cup Dutch-processed Cocoa Powder
• 1 Large Egg
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/8 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/8 tsp Salt

Procedure:

1. In your bowl, add your chocolate chips, sugar, and butter. Let them melt in your microwave set on high for 1 minute.
2. Mix until there are no more lumps of chocolate chips. Then, add your cocoa powder.
3. Again, mix it well until there are no more dry lumps of cocoa powder. Add the egg and mix the batter once again.
4. Add vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Keep on whisking until the batter is well incorporated.
5. When you've mixed the batter thoroughly, transfer it to a round cake pan and use a cake spatula to level it out. Bake it at 350°F (176°C) for 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup Chocolate Spread

Procedure:

1. In a stand mixer, add your heavy cream. Whisk until you get stiff peaks.
2. After the cream has stiffened, add your chocolate spread to the mixing bowl. Mix it until it is well combined.
3. Top your baked cake with a generous layer of chocolate mousse. Make sure to cover every inch of the cake.
4. Lightly tap the cake pan to release the trapped air bubbles and to make the mousse even.
5. Let it chill inside your fridge for now.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups of Heavy Cream
• 1/4 Cup of Powdered Sugar
• Chocolate Chips

Procedure:

1. Back to your stand mixer, add your heavy cream.
2. After you get stiff peaks, add your powdered sugar. Whisk them together until they can hold a peak.
3. Place half of the whipped cream on the top of the mousse. Make sure to spread it evenly.
4. Again, lightly tap the pan on the counter to make the mousse more even and to let the bubbles disappear.
5. Chill the cake inside your fridge until it can hold its shape.
6. Pipe the remaining whipped cream on top of the cake and sprinkle with some chocolate chips. Serve and enjoy!

When baking, you need high-quality ingredients to make the best baked desserts. We have prepared several article reviews about different ingredients to help you on your baking journey. Click the links below to see some of our recommended products!

Eating chocolate desserts is one of our guilty pleasures to satisfy our cravings. So whether you bake some chocolate fudge brownies or a triple chocolate cake, cocoa powder is versatile. Remember to check the label to see if it is good for baking. Also, take a look at the process type, ingredients, and nutritional value of the product.

We are glad we're able to help you decide on the cocoa powder that is best suited for your baking needs. Consider picking one from our list, or you can try some of them to compare the results. Share your thoughts, post your chocolate desserts, and feel free to tag us on our Instagram and Facebook page. Remember to always bake with love!

Author: Roel Pillas Malubay