In the 21st century, a drink such as cocoa has become popular. It can compete with coffee. A pleasant smell, sweet taste, improved mood and vigor in the morning will provide a boost of energy throughout the day. The drink has a huge assortment in stores. Many buyers ask questions: “How can I learn to choose cocoa? What should you pay attention to? What kind of cocoa is there? Unfortunately, when choosing, you can easily come across a fake. To dispel doubts, below are the selection criteria and rating of quality cocoa, which will help you find a suitable product.
Criterias of choice:
- quality of processing;
- variety;
- place where cocoa beans are grown;
- level of alkalization.
Processing quality
As a rule, cocoa is considered to be a product of plant origin. If you can see a sticker with the “RAW” sign on the cocoa package, then you can safely buy it. This icon means high quality, the processing was gentle, at a low temperature, which means that the beneficial substances remained in this powder. If this sticker is not present, it means that the heat treatment was harsh, and the beneficial substances were not preserved in the powder. Also, this powder will contain flavors, dyes and other harmful food additives.
Alkalinity
When making powder, alkaline solutions are often used to reduce the acidity level in cocoa beans. Compared to regular cocoa, this one will have a pleasant, bright aroma, and the taste will be rich. The product will dissolve quite quickly, which will add convenience to preparation. But regardless of the above advantages, there is one big disadvantage. The benefits of such a powder will be minimal, because... the grains will be subjected to severe heat treatment.
Place of production
Natural beans are brought from only 3 cities in Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire. Processing takes place in Brazil, Malaysia, Venezuela and Indonesia.
Bean variety
Cocoa beans have 2 categories: elite and classic. The elite category corresponds to expensive, high-quality goods. The classic category corresponds to products designed for the mass consumer. Aroma is influenced by many factors, such as soil, climatic conditions, etc.
There are several high quality cocoa varieties:
- "Farastero" - Brazil. The taste is tart, but not bitter, the aroma is fruity;
- "Criollo" - Central and Southern Africa. The taste is pleasant, slightly bitter, the aroma is floral;
- "Trinnitario" - Sri Lanka. Wide range of flavors: nut, caramel, almond, etc. Aroma of fruits and flowers.
Environmental friendliness
Most brands, to indicate the environmental friendliness and naturalness of their product, put the “organic” sign. There are cases when manufacturers simply write on the packaging that this product is natural, but you should not believe such labels, it is a hoax. The packaging must have the “organic” sign.
Rating of the best cocoa powders
Cocoa "Kommunarka"
According to experts, this drink is considered the highest quality compared to others. Natural, high-quality, safe cocoa powder. It can be found in many recipes for making creams and baking. The taste is creamy chocolate, the smell is delicate and rich. The preparation method is simple, you need to add cocoa powder and cook it until it boils, if there is not enough sugar, add to taste.
Characteristic:
Release form: sachet.
Product weight: 150 g.
Ingredients: cocoa cake, vanillin flavoring.
Average price: 100 rub.
Cocoa "Kommunarka"
Advantages:
- low price;
- natural composition;
- high-quality processing;
- pleasant taste and smell;
- large volume;
- positive reviews.
Flaws:
- there is a small amount of flavoring;
- slightly too much fat.
Products of the 21st century
Has a natural composition. Increases immunity, improves cardiovascular function and has a tonic effect, energizing for the whole day. It also has a good effect on brain function. Despite the fact that the packaging says powder, it actually contains pieces of cocoa beans. The pieces do not completely dissolve and remain at the bottom, but this does not spoil the impression of the taste itself. According to buyers, the drink has a pleasant smell and exquisite taste. This cocoa is used to make chocolate, baked goods, etc. The country of manufacture is Russia.
Characteristic:
Release form: doy-pack.
Product weight: 400 g.
Ingredients: 100% cocoa, caffeine, minerals, calcium, magnesium, vitamins.
Average price: 300 rub.
cocoa Products of the 21st century
Advantages:
- low price;
- natural composition;
- high-quality processing;
- pleasant smell and taste;
- large volume;
- positive reviews.
Flaws:
- there are pieces;
- does not dissolve well.
Cocoa powder "Market Perekrestok"
It meets all safety requirements, which means you can use it with peace of mind. The amount of fat in the composition is slightly above average, but not critical. The color of the drink is dark brown, the taste is rich, but the smell is sickly sweet. Powder without pieces with a uniform structure. Widely used in the preparation of delicious creams, baked goods, and cakes. Method of preparation: pour water or heated milk, add 2-3 tablespoons of powder and boil well. Add sugar if there is not enough.
Characteristic:
Release form: box.
Packaging: 100 g.
Contains only cocoa powder.
Average cost: 60 rub.
Cocoa powder "Market Perekrestok"
Advantages:
- low price;
- positive reviews;
- natural composition;
- high-quality processing;
- pleasant smell and excellent taste;
- does not contain sugar.
Flaws:
- the amount of fat is exceeded.
Hershey's cocoa
Made in America. The big plus is that the packaging says absolutely everything about this drink and even recipes for making chocolate and various baked goods. The structure is soft, sometimes you can find lumps. Method of preparation: for one glass of milk there are approximately two tablespoons of the product and you can add sugar to taste. Has the ability to boost immunity and add energy throughout the day. Quite often you can find a fake, so you should be more careful in your choice and consider the packaging.
Characteristic:
Release form: plastic jar.
Packaging: 226 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder processed with soda.
Average cost: 400 rub.
Hershey's cocoa
Advantages:
- good composition;
- positive reviews;
- pleasant taste and smell;
- high-quality processing;
- large volume.
Flaws:
- high probability of buying a fake;
- relatively high price.
S. Pudov.
Often this product is used for any sweet dishes, for example, cakes, cream, muffins, etc. The taste is pronounced, refined, the smell is rich, chocolate. The composition is natural, without any harmful components or flavors. Because The powder is fine and soft, it dissolves well, gives energy for the rest of the day and contains useful minerals. This drink can be easily ordered online. One of the small disadvantages is the packaging material, it is cardboard, which means cocoa can spill out of some lye. Method of preparation: one spoon is enough for a cup, add sugar to taste. The color is light brown and the taste is mild.
Characteristic:
Release form: cardboard box.
Packaging: 70 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder, traces of milk, peanuts, nuts, sesame, etc.
Average price: 110 rub.
S. Pudov. cocoa
Advantages:
- low price;
- good composition;
- dissolves well;
- pleasant smell and taste;
- positive reviews.
Flaws:
- small volume;
- bad packaging;
- One spoon is not enough for a rich taste.
Royal forest
This cocoa powder is produced in Colombia. The product from this manufacturer belongs to category 1 of bean varieties, namely elite. Accordingly, these beans have undergone high-quality processing, the taste of this drink is harmonious, sweet, and the smell is alluring and delicious. The composition is natural, does not have any harmful substances or components, and does not contain sugar. The packaging is cardboard and does not have a special fastener, which is inconvenient. If the package is opened, it will be difficult to seal it tightly, which means evaporation will occur. Therefore, after purchase, you must take into account that the powder will have to be stored in another container. The beans are well processed, finely ground, without lumps. You can also make many sweet dishes from it.
Characteristic:
Release form: cardboard box.
Packaging: 200 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder, vitamin E, phosphorus.
Average price: 270 – 480 rub.
Royal forest cocoa
Advantages:
- compliance with the quality of the product and its price;
- positive reviews;
- excellent taste and rich aroma;
- the composition is completely natural;
- high-quality processing.
Flaws:
- not convenient packaging.
Cocoa "Royal Premium"
This drink is very beneficial for the body. It has a beneficial effect on the immune system, adds energy, enhances brain function and has an antidepressant effect. This powder contains many useful microelements, such as zinc and iron. The packaging is as convenient as possible. A large and dense bag with a special clasp at the top. This drink is produced in Russia, in Moscow. The color of the powder is dark brown, like dark chocolate, and the aroma has hints of vanilla. Speaking of dark chocolate, this cocoa tastes like dark chocolate. There may be a lot of sediment left at the bottom of the cup.
Characteristic:
Inlet form: sachet bag.
Packaging: 100 g.
Contains cocoa powder, zinc, melanin, vitamins E, C, B1, B2, PP, iron.
Average price: 60 rub.
Cocoa "Royal Premium"
Advantages:
- low price;
- high-quality processing;
- natural composition;
- positive reviews;
- bright taste and rich aroma;
- convenient packaging.
Flaws:
- little information about the product.
Red October "Golden Label"
One of the most popular products. It has been produced for a long time, time has shown positive results. The taste is invariably natural, so similar to the taste from childhood. The type of packaging has not changed since the very beginning of production. The composition does not contain harmful components, but only the powder itself and a drop of flavoring, which gives the smell of vanillin. Method of preparation: brew the drink with milk or water, add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa and bring to a boil. The color of the powder matches the color of milk chocolate. The powder is perfectly even, smooth and without lumps. The taste will be rich and persistent. This powder is great for creams. The big advantage of the drink is that it can be consumed by pregnant women. It even helps eliminate toxins from their body.
Characteristic:
Release form: cardboard box.
Packaging: 100 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder, vanillin flavoring.
Average price: 60 rub.
Red October "Golden Label" cocoa
Advantages:
- low price;
- positive reviews;
- stability of taste and smell is observed;
- no contraindications;
- does not contain sugar;
- natural composition.
Flaws:
- inconvenient packaging;
- there is a high probability of buying a fake.
Caffarel
The producer of this drink is Italy. The packaging is pleasantly surprising, it is original and beautiful. Unlike most other packaging, which is cardboard boxes and bags, here the powder is packaged in iron jars. This cocoa is considered the most famous and elite in all of Italy. It has occupied a leading position in the ranking of similar products for more than two centuries. The color is dark brown. The powder itself is made from the highest grade cocoa beans. It is used for a variety of purposes - making coffee, hot chocolate, etc. The sweet smell of this drink beckons. Taste can take a person back to the time of the existence of the Soviet Union, it is so similar to it.
Characteristic:
Release form: iron jar.
Packaging: 200 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder, sugar, salt, vitamins A, E, PP, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron and zinc, calcium. Average price: 650 rub.
Caffarel cocoa
Advantages:
- convenient and original packaging;
- long shelf life;
- pleasant taste and unforgettable smell;
- positive reviews;
- The composition is absolutely natural.
Flaws:
- high price;
- contains sugar and salt.
Nesquik
This brand has long become popular in Russian production. The color of this powder resembles milk chocolate, and the smell is sweet and rich. The drink is very popular among children, although parents often drink it. Cocoa contains many both useful and not so useful substances. Method of preparation: add 2 tablespoons of powder to hot milk and stir. You can add water, but the taste will not be as rich. Cocoa improves immunity and energizes you for the whole day.
Characteristic:
Release form: plastic jar.
Packaging: 250 g.
Ingredients: sugar, cocoa powder, salt, iron, zinc, vitamins C, B1, D, cinnamon.
Average price: 145 g.
Nesquik cocoa
Advantages:
- low price;
- rich taste, sweet smell;
- positive reviews;
- convenient packaging;
- easily soluble.
Flaws:
- not entirely natural composition.
Benefits and harms
Cocoa contains high levels of flavonoids, which are effective against cancer cells. They protect the body from stress, and a large number of antioxidants help keep the skin young and beautiful. The product contains magnesium, which is responsible for the healthy state of the circulatory system, regulates cholesterol levels, protecting against blood clots. Due to the presence of phenylethylamine, similar to endorphin, mood and well-being improve. It acts as an aphrodisiac that determines the level of arousal and desire.
Caffeine has a stimulating effect. Do not forget that its level is much lower than in coffee. Minerals such as silicon, zinc, magnesium reduce fatigue and increase concentration. Theobromine, contained in cocoa, effectively copes with cough. Widely used in the field of cosmetology. Vitamin E has a strengthening, cleansing effect on the skin.
However, there are also contraindications for use. Due to the caffeine content, the product is not recommended for people with hypertension. Before purchasing, you need to familiarize yourself with the composition, because many manufacturers produce cocoa products with a high content of additives that can cause adverse reactions.
Cocoa is a delicious, popular nutritional supplement. You should not deny yourself your favorite delicacy, because in the right doses it will not harm your health, but on the contrary, it will enrich it with vitamins and minerals. Your body and health will be in good shape if you choose high-quality dark, bitter cocoa.
How to prepare cocoa at home?
Ingredients:
- milk (200 ml);
- sugar (1 tbsp);
- cocoa (1 tbsp);
- cinnamon;
- vanillin.
First you need to pour the milk into a small saucepan. Place it on the stove and start boiling it. While heating the milk, add the ingredients, cocoa, then sugar with cinnamon and vanilla. Next, mix everything thoroughly and bring the resulting liquid to a boil. Bring to a boil, stir the entire mixture with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming. After holding the pan for another 2 minutes, remove from the stove. Cooking is complete. Bon appetit.
The wide range of cocoa powders presented on the Russian market allows any consumer to find their drink. Considering the usefulness of the drink and the ease of its preparation, you can satisfy any, even the most demanding taste of both children and adults.
S. Pudov
Another Russian presented to consumers natural cocoa powder, which is also used for the production of all kinds of confectionery products. The product has a wonderful chocolate aroma and taste and dissolves perfectly. For some, the inconvenience is that this product can be purchased mainly only in online stores. The packaging for storage is not very convenient, as the cardboard can fall apart. Those who have tried this product believe that one spoon of powder is not enough to prepare a glass of drink. The price of 110 rubles is small for a 70-gram package.
Pros:
- wonderful aroma;
- pleasant taste of the drink;
- Doesn't leave thick residue at the bottom of the glass.
Minuses:
- small packaging volume;
- inconvenient packaging;
- weak taste when adding 1 spoon of powder.
