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Fiber-rich unsweetened cocoa powder
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 tablespoon (grated) of Natural cocoa powder (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.
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%
| 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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| 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 (small) | 28 g | 64 kcal |
| 1 cup (shredded) | 85 g | 194 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 228 kcal |
Calculated from 228 calories per 100 g.
Natural cocoa powder is acidic, while Dutch-process cocoa has been treated to reduce its acidity. Natural cocoa has a sharper, sometimes fruitier taste; Dutch-process cocoa is darker and milder. They may behave differently in recipes that rely on baking soda.
Sometimes, but the swap can change how a baked recipe rises and tastes. If the recipe pairs Dutch-process cocoa with baking powder, replacing it with acidic natural cocoa may not give the intended result; follow a recipe written for the cocoa type you have.
Whisk natural cocoa powder with a small splash of warm milk or water until smooth, then gradually add the rest of the liquid. This helps prevent lumps. Since natural cocoa powder is unsweetened, add a sweetener if you want a sweeter drink.
Natural cocoa powder tastes bitter because it is unsweetened and retains cocoa’s naturally strong, slightly acidic flavor. Mixing it with milk, vanilla, or a sweetener can soften the taste, especially in drinks and desserts.
Usually, yes, when both products are plain, unsweetened cocoa powders, but their flavor and processing can differ. Check whether the recipe specifies natural or alkalized cocoa, since that distinction matters more for baking than the word “cacao” on a package.
Keep natural cocoa powder tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, away from steam, sunlight, and strong-smelling foods. Moisture can make it clump and aromas can affect its flavor; use a clean, dry spoon each time.
Yes, natural cocoa powder can be eaten without cooking, such as mixed into yogurt or oatmeal. It is dry and strongly flavored on its own, so stirring it into a moist food or drink is usually more pleasant than eating it by the spoonful.
Yes, natural cocoa powder contains some caffeine as well as theobromine, another naturally occurring stimulant. It generally has less caffeine than coffee, but people sensitive to stimulants may prefer to avoid cocoa drinks close to bedtime.
Yes, its natural acidity can react with baking soda and help baked goods rise. Use it as directed in a recipe designed for natural cocoa; substituting Dutch-process cocoa can remove that acidity and affect the result.
Yes, natural cocoa powder blends well into smoothies, especially when mixed with milk or a creamy ingredient. Blend it with the liquid rather than sprinkling it on top to avoid dry pockets and an uneven, bitter taste.
Vitamins
B5
0.08mg · 2% DV
B2
0.01mg · 1% DV
B3
0.11mg · 1% DV
Biotin
0.2µg · 1% 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
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
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.
Natural cocoa powder is made from fermented and roasted cacao beans after some of their cocoa butter has been pressed out. It is unsweetened and typically has a sharper, fruitier taste than alkalised cocoa.
Its deep, slightly bitter flavour works well in cakes, brownies and other baking, as well as in hot cocoa, smoothies or porridge. In many kitchens, it is whisked into warm milk or stirred into breakfast oats; a little goes a long way. It is notably high in fibre, with 33.2 g per 100 g, though a typical tablespoon weighs about 5 g. For a lighter drink or dessert, pair it with plain milk or yoghurt and sweeten gently with fruit.
Very 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.
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.
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
0.41g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.23g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.02g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.