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Unsweetened, low-calorie, antioxidant-rich
In season: Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 cup (medium) of Cocoa in water (unsweetened) (240 g) has 43 calories. That works out to 18 calories per 100 g. It contains 6.5 g of carbs, 3.1 g of protein, 1.7 g of fat and 3.8 g of fiber. Its 0.7 mg of Manganese covers 31% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 20 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 240 g
43
KCAL / 240G
Carbs
6.5g
· 2% DV
Protein
3.1g
· 6% DV
Fat
1.7g
· 2% DV
Fiber
3.8g
· 14% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 48% · Protein 23% · Fat 29%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 43 kcal | |
| Total fat | 1.7 g | 2% |
| Saturated fat | 0.96 g | 5% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 17 mg | 1% |
| Total carbohydrate | 6.5 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% |
| Protein | 3.1 g | 6% |
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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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 240 g | 43 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 18 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 100 g | 18 kcal |
| 1 cup (extra small) | 120 g | 22 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 150 g | 27 kcal |
| 1 cup (small) | 180 g | 32 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 200 g | 36 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 300 g | 54 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 350 g | 63 kcal |
Calculated from 18 calories per 100 g.
To make unsweetened cocoa in water, first mix the cocoa powder with a small splash of warm water until smooth, then gradually stir in hot water. This helps prevent dry clumps; you do not need to boil the drink.
Unsweetened cocoa in water tastes bitter because cocoa powder has a naturally intense, slightly bitter flavor and the drink contains no added sugar or milk to soften it. Cinnamon or vanilla can round out the taste; adding a sweetener will make it less bitter.
Yes, unsweetened cocoa in water contains some caffeine from the cocoa powder, as well as theobromine. The amount varies with the cocoa used and how much powder goes into the cup. It is not caffeine-free like herbal tea.
It can affect sleep in people who are sensitive to stimulants. Unsweetened cocoa in water contains caffeine and theobromine, so having it late in the evening may make it harder to fall asleep; try drinking it earlier if you notice this effect.
Yes, you can make hot cocoa with water instead of milk. Unsweetened cocoa in water is lighter and less creamy, with a more pronounced cocoa taste. Whisk the powder with a little warm water first so it disperses instead of clumping.
Add cinnamon, vanilla, or a small pinch of salt to unsweetened cocoa in water to make its flavor more rounded without adding sugar. These additions do not make the drink sweet, but they can balance the bitterness and bring out the cocoa aroma.
Unsweetened cocoa in water does not cause weight loss by itself. It can replace a sweetened cocoa drink, but adding sugar, honey, or cream increases what you get from the cup. It may also feel less satisfying than a drink made with milk.
Unsweetened cocoa in water has no added sugar if you prepare it without sweeteners, but cocoa powder still contributes some carbohydrate. Sweetening it changes the drink, so people with diabetes should account for their own portion and glucose response in their meal plan.
Yes, most people can include unsweetened cocoa in water regularly, but cocoa contains caffeine and theobromine. If you are sensitive to stimulants, limit how often you drink it or have it earlier in the day rather than near bedtime.
Yes, you can prepare unsweetened cocoa in water ahead of time. Refrigerate it in a covered container rather than leaving it at room temperature, and stir it before drinking because the cocoa powder can settle. For the best flavor, drink it soon after making it.
Vitamins
B2
0.12mg · 9% DV
Biotin
2.4µg · 8% DV
B1
0.07mg · 6% DV
B6
0.07mg · 4% DV
Minerals
Manganese
0.72mg · 31% DV
Copper
0.24mg · 27% DV
Magnesium
77mg · 18% DV
Iron
1.68mg · 9% DV
Potassium ⭐
264mg · 8% DV
Sodium
17mg · 1% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 43 calories in 1 cup (medium) (240 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.
Cocoa in water (unsweetened) is made by stirring cocoa powder into hot or warm water, with no milk or sweetener added. Cocoa powder comes from cacao beans, a crop with roots in Central and South America. Made this way, the drink keeps cocoa’s characteristic flavour without the creaminess of a milk-based hot chocolate.
It tastes roasted and gently bitter, and the powder can settle unless you stir it well. In cocoa’s regions of origin, cacao drinks have a long history; today, this simple version can be enjoyed as a warming drink or a lighter alternative to sweet hot chocolate. It is low in calories—18 per 100 g—and provides some fibre. Add cinnamon for extra aroma, or replace part of the water with milk if you prefer a rounder, more filling cup.
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
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.
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.
No known major allergens
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
SATURATED
0.96g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.24g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.24g
Omega 6:3 ratio 11:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (11:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.