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Dark cocoa Calories
High in fiber, contains magnesium and iron
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (grated) of Dark cocoa (5 g) has 11 calories. That works out to 228 calories per 100 g. It contains 2.9 g of carbs, 1 g of protein, 0.7 g of fat and 1.7 g of fiber. Its 0.2 mg of Copper covers 21% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 20 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Dark cocoa Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (grated) · 5 g
11
KCAL / 5G
Carbs
2.9g
· 1% DV
Protein
1g
· 2% DV
Fat
0.7g
· 1% DV
Fiber
1.7g
· 6% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 53% · Protein 18% · Fat 29%
Dark cocoa nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (grated) (5 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 11 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.7 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.41 g | 2% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 1.05 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 2.9 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% |
| Protein | 1 g | 2% |
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 Tablespoon of Grated Dark cocoa?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (grated) | 5 g | 11 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (grated) | 2.5 g | 6 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 8 g | 18 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (grated) | 10 g | 23 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 15 g | 34 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 25 g | 57 kcal |
| 1 ounce (whole) | 28 g | 64 kcal |
| 1 cup (grated) | 85 g | 194 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 228 kcal |
Calculated from 228 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark cocoa
What is dark cocoa?
Dark cocoa is cocoa powder with a deep color and a strong, concentrated cocoa flavor. Plain cocoa powder is generally unsweetened, so it is an ingredient for baking and drinks rather than a ready-to-eat chocolate product.
Is dark cocoa the same as black cocoa?
No. Black cocoa is an especially dark, heavily alkalized cocoa powder, while “dark cocoa” can describe several products and does not guarantee that processing method. Black cocoa also tends to taste less acidic and more subdued than many standard cocoa powders.
Can I substitute dark cocoa for regular cocoa in baking?
Usually, yes, but the result may look darker and taste more intense. In recipes that use baking soda, changing from natural cocoa to alkalized cocoa can affect how the batter rises, so the type of cocoa specified in the recipe matters.
Why does dark cocoa make brownies and cakes so dark?
Dark cocoa contains strongly colored cocoa solids, which tint batter and baked goods a deep brown. The shade also depends on how the cocoa was processed; a darker appearance by itself does not mean the powder has more cocoa or will taste sweeter.
How do you use dark cocoa powder without getting lumps?
Sift dark cocoa with the other dry ingredients, or first whisk it into a small amount of warm liquid to make a smooth paste. Cocoa powder clumps when it meets moisture unevenly, so adding it gradually helps in drinks as well as batters.
Does dark cocoa contain sugar?
Plain dark cocoa powder is usually unsweetened and contains naturally occurring cocoa solids, not added sugar. Cocoa drink mixes are different and may include sugar or other ingredients, so do not treat a sweetened mix as a direct substitute in a baking recipe.
Can dark cocoa be used to make hot chocolate?
Yes. Whisk dark cocoa into a little warm milk or water until smooth, then add the rest of the liquid and sweeten to taste. Since the powder is typically unsweetened, using it on its own makes a bitter, intense drink.
How should dark cocoa powder be stored?
Keep dark cocoa tightly sealed in a cool, dry cupboard away from sunlight, heat, and moisture. Use a dry spoon and close the container promptly; dampness can make the powder clump and reduce its aroma.
Does dark cocoa have caffeine?
Yes, cocoa powder naturally contains caffeine, as well as the stimulant theobromine. The amount varies with the product and serving, so people who are sensitive to stimulants may prefer not to have cocoa late in the day.
Is dark cocoa good for you?
Dark cocoa provides cocoa solids, including fiber and minerals, but it is not a treatment or a substitute for a varied diet. What you mix it with matters too: a drink loaded with sugar or cream is different from a small amount stirred into unsweetened food.
Dark cocoa Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B2
0.01mg · 1% DV
B3
0.11mg · 1% DV
Biotin
0.2µg · 1% DV
Folate
1.6µg · 0% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.19mg · 21% DV
Manganese
0.19mg · 8% DV
Magnesium
25mg · 6% DV
Phosphorus
37mg · 5% DV
Potassium ⭐
76mg · 2% DV
Sodium
1.05mg · 0% DV
Dark cocoa Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Dark cocoa
To burn the 11 calories in 1 tablespoon (grated) (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 Dark cocoa?
Dark cocoa is a deeply coloured cocoa powder made from cacao beans. It brings a pronounced chocolate flavour to brownies, cakes and biscuits, and can also be whisked into milk for a drink. As an unsweetened ingredient, it adds cocoa flavour without adding the sweetness of chocolate or drinking mixes.
Its taste is rich, bittersweet and slightly roasted, with a fine, dry texture that blends best when sifted or mixed with a little liquid first. It is commonly used in home baking and hot cocoa, with recipes varying around the world. Dark cocoa is high in fibre: it provides 33.2 g per 100 g. For a less sweet drink, combine it with milk and add sweetener sparingly.
How Nutritious Is Dark cocoa?
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 Dark cocoa Processed?
NOVA 3
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 Dark cocoa Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Dark cocoa Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Dark cocoa Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.41g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.23g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.03g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.