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Cocoa (1 teaspoon) Calories
Antioxidant source, low fat, contains magnesium and iron
In season: Winter · Autumn
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 teaspoon (medium) of Cocoa (1 teaspoon) (3 g) has 6 calories. That works out to 228 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.4 g of carbs, 0.5 g of protein, 0.3 g of fat and 0.8 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of Copper covers 11% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 20 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Cocoa (1 teaspoon) Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 teaspoon (medium) · 2.5 g
6
KCAL / 2.5G
Carbs
1.4g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.5g
· 1% DV
Fat
0.3g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0.8g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 54% · Protein 19% · Fat 27%
Cocoa (1 teaspoon) nutrition facts table · 1 teaspoon (medium) (2.5 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 6 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.3 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.53 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1.4 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% |
| Protein | 0.5 g | 1% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Teaspoon of Cocoa (1 teaspoon)?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon (medium) | 2.5 g | 6 kcal |
| 2 teaspoon (double) | 5 g | 11 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (small) | 5 g | 11 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 7.5 g | 17 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 10 g | 23 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (large) | 10 g | 23 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 20 g | 46 kcal |
| 1 cup (whole) | 85 g | 194 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 228 kcal |
Calculated from 228 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cocoa (1 teaspoon)
Is cocoa powder the same as cacao powder?
Not always. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but cacao powder usually refers to less-heated cocoa solids, while cocoa powder may be roasted or alkalized. The distinction is not consistently applied, so the product description is more useful than the name alone.
Does cocoa powder contain caffeine?
Yes, cocoa powder contains some caffeine, as well as theobromine, another naturally occurring stimulant. It generally provides less caffeine than coffee, but a large serving or repeated servings can still affect people who are sensitive to stimulants.
What is the difference between natural and Dutch-process cocoa?
Natural cocoa is acidic and tends to taste sharper, while Dutch-process cocoa is treated to reduce acidity and has a darker color and milder flavor. In baking, the type can affect how cocoa reacts with baking soda, so follow the recipe's specified type.
How do you make hot cocoa with cocoa powder?
Whisk cocoa powder with a little warm milk or water until smooth, then gradually add the rest of the liquid and heat it. Sweeten to taste; adding all the liquid at once can leave dry clumps floating in the drink.
Can you eat cocoa powder raw?
Yes, cocoa powder can be eaten without cooking, though unsweetened powder tastes bitter and can feel dry. Stir it into yogurt, oatmeal, or a smoothie rather than eating a spoonful on its own.
Does cocoa powder go bad?
Cocoa powder can lose its aroma and develop stale or off flavors, especially if exposed to moisture, heat, or air. Keep it tightly sealed in a cool, dry cupboard and discard it if it smells rancid or shows signs of moisture or mold.
Can cocoa powder replace chocolate in a recipe?
Not as a direct one-for-one swap. Cocoa powder supplies cocoa solids but lacks much of the cocoa butter and sugar found in chocolate, so replacing chocolate changes a recipe's fat, sweetness, and texture.
Does cocoa powder help with weight loss?
No, cocoa powder does not directly cause weight loss. Unsweetened cocoa can add a chocolate flavor to foods without the sugar in many cocoa mixes, but sweeteners and other recipe ingredients still determine the overall energy content.
Is cocoa powder toxic to dogs?
Yes, cocoa powder can be toxic to dogs because it contains theobromine and caffeine. The risk depends on the amount eaten and the dog's size; contact a veterinarian promptly if your dog gets into cocoa powder.
Does cocoa powder lower blood pressure?
Cocoa flavanols may have a modest effect on blood vessel function, but cocoa powder is not a treatment for high blood pressure. Sweetened cocoa drinks are not equivalent to the products studied, and prescribed medication should not be replaced with cocoa.
Cocoa (1 teaspoon) Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B2
0.01mg · 1% DV
B3
0.06mg · 0% DV
B1
0mg · 0% DV
Folate
0.8µg · 0% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.1mg · 11% DV
Manganese
0.1mg · 4% DV
Magnesium
12mg · 3% DV
Phosphorus
18mg · 3% DV
Potassium ⭐
38mg · 1% DV
Sodium
0.53mg · 0% DV
Cocoa (1 teaspoon) Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Cocoa (1 teaspoon)
To burn the 6 calories in 1 teaspoon (medium) (2.5 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Cocoa (1 teaspoon)?
A teaspoon of cocoa is a small measure of the finely ground product made from cocoa beans. Its deep, roasted flavour and slightly bitter edge make it useful in hot chocolate, baking and desserts; it blends smoothly into warm milk and adds depth to cakes, brownies or porridge. In many places, cocoa is also stirred into coffee or used in smoothies, while in Turkey it is commonly mixed with milk or added to homemade cakes.
Cocoa is rich in fibre and has a relatively low fat content, though a teaspoon is only a small serving. Choose plain cocoa powder and sweeten or enrich it yourself, or pair it with fruit, oats or yoghurt for an easy snack.
How Nutritious Is Cocoa (1 teaspoon)?
Nutrient density
High
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
High
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Cocoa (1 teaspoon) Processed?
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Cocoa (1 teaspoon) Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Cocoa (1 teaspoon) Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Cocoa (1 teaspoon) Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.2g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.11g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.01g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.