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Unsweetened dark cocoa powder Calories
High in fiber and rich in magnesium and iron
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Unsweetened dark 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 1.9 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.
Unsweetened dark cocoa powder Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 5 g
11
KCAL / 5G
Carbs
2.9g
· 1% DV
Protein
1g
· 2% DV
Fat
0.7g
· 1% DV
Fiber
1.9g
· 7% 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%
Unsweetened dark cocoa powder nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (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 | 1.9 g | 7% |
| 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 Unsweetened dark cocoa powder?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 5 g | 11 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 2.5 g | 6 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (double) | 10 g | 23 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 15 g | 34 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 20 g | 46 kcal |
| 1 cup (quarter) | 21 g | 48 kcal |
| 1 cup (half) | 42 g | 96 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 228 kcal |
| 1 pack (large) | 200 g | 456 kcal |
Calculated from 228 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unsweetened dark cocoa powder
How do you make hot chocolate with unsweetened dark cocoa powder?
Unsweetened dark cocoa powder makes a smooth hot chocolate when you first whisk it with a little warm milk to form a paste, then add the rest of the milk. Sweeten it to taste, since the powder itself has no added sugar.
Can you substitute unsweetened dark cocoa powder for unsweetened chocolate?
Yes, but unsweetened dark cocoa powder is not a one-to-one replacement for solid unsweetened chocolate. Chocolate contains cocoa butter, so a recipe needs extra fat when cocoa powder is used; follow a substitution designed for baking.
What is the difference between unsweetened dark cocoa powder and cacao powder?
Unsweetened dark cocoa powder and cacao powder both come from cacao beans, but cacao powder is generally less processed and often has a sharper flavor. “Dark” describes the cocoa powder’s color and does not, by itself, specify its processing method.
Does unsweetened dark cocoa powder contain caffeine?
Yes, unsweetened dark cocoa powder contains some caffeine, as well as the stimulant theobromine. It generally provides less caffeine than coffee, but a large serving or late-night cocoa drink may still affect people who are sensitive to stimulants.
How should you store unsweetened dark cocoa powder?
Store unsweetened dark cocoa powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry cupboard away from sunlight. Keep moisture out to prevent clumping and protect its aroma; use a dry spoon rather than dipping a wet one into the container.
Can you eat unsweetened dark cocoa powder raw?
Yes, unsweetened dark cocoa powder can be eaten without cooking, for example mixed into yogurt or a smoothie. Avoid swallowing a spoonful of dry powder on its own, since it is very fine and can be unpleasant to breathe in.
Why is unsweetened dark cocoa powder bitter?
Unsweetened dark cocoa powder tastes bitter because it contains no added sugar and has an intense cocoa flavor. Milk, vanilla, cinnamon, or a sweetener can soften the bitterness; adding more powder will make the taste stronger, not sweeter.
Does unsweetened dark cocoa powder go bad?
Yes, unsweetened dark cocoa powder can lose flavor and take on stale or musty odors over time, especially if exposed to air or moisture. Keep it sealed and dry, and discard it if it smells unusual or shows signs of dampness.
Can you use unsweetened dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder in baking?
Usually, but the result depends on whether the recipe’s regular cocoa is natural or alkalized. Natural cocoa is acidic and can react with baking soda, while alkalized cocoa is less acidic; matching the type helps the recipe rise and taste as intended.
Does unsweetened dark cocoa powder have sugar?
Unsweetened dark cocoa powder has no added sugar, though the cocoa itself can contain a small amount of naturally occurring sugar. Drinks and baked goods made with it may still need sweetening, depending on the recipe and your taste.
Unsweetened dark cocoa powder Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B2
0.01mg · 1% DV
B3
0.11mg · 1% DV
B6
0.01mg · 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
Unsweetened dark cocoa powder Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Unsweetened dark cocoa powder
To burn the 11 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (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 Unsweetened dark cocoa powder?
Unsweetened dark cocoa powder is made by pressing some of the fat from roasted cocoa beans and grinding the remaining solids into a fine powder. With no added sugar, it is an ingredient for adding cocoa flavour rather than a sweetened drink mix.
Its flavour is deep, bitter and slightly earthy, and it blends into hot milk, smoothies, porridge, baking and desserts. In many kitchens, it is used in brownies and cakes; you can also stir it into yoghurt or oatmeal for a more everyday option. It is high in fibre and provides magnesium and iron. Pair it with fruit or a little cinnamon, and adjust the amount to suit your taste if you prefer a milder bitterness.
How Nutritious Is Unsweetened dark cocoa powder?
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 Unsweetened dark cocoa powder 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 Unsweetened dark cocoa powder Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Unsweetened dark cocoa powder Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Unsweetened dark cocoa powder Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.41g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.23g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.03g
Omega 6:3 ratio 3:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.