In the 21st century, a drink such as cocoa has become popular. It can compete with coffee. A pleasant smell, sweet taste, improved mood and vigor in the morning will provide a boost of energy throughout the day. The drink has a huge assortment in stores. Many buyers ask questions: “How can I learn to choose cocoa? What should you pay attention to? What kind of cocoa is there? Unfortunately, when choosing, you can easily come across a fake. To dispel doubts, below are the selection criteria and rating of quality cocoa, which will help you find a suitable product.
Criterias of choice:
- quality of processing;
- variety;
- place where cocoa beans are grown;
- level of alkalization.
Processing quality
As a rule, cocoa is considered to be a product of plant origin. If you can see a sticker with the “RAW” sign on the cocoa package, then you can safely buy it. This icon means high quality, the processing was gentle, at a low temperature, which means that the beneficial substances remained in this powder. If this sticker is not present, it means that the heat treatment was harsh, and the beneficial substances were not preserved in the powder. Also, this powder will contain flavors, dyes and other harmful food additives.
Alkalinity
When making powder, alkaline solutions are often used to reduce the acidity level in cocoa beans. Compared to regular cocoa, this one will have a pleasant, bright aroma, and the taste will be rich. The product will dissolve quite quickly, which will add convenience to preparation. But regardless of the above advantages, there is one big disadvantage. The benefits of such a powder will be minimal, because... the grains will be subjected to severe heat treatment.
Place of production
Natural beans are brought from only 3 cities in Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire. Processing takes place in Brazil, Malaysia, Venezuela and Indonesia.
Bean variety
Cocoa beans have 2 categories: elite and classic. The elite category corresponds to expensive, high-quality goods. The classic category corresponds to products designed for the mass consumer. Aroma is influenced by many factors, such as soil, climatic conditions, etc.
There are several high quality cocoa varieties:
- "Farastero" - Brazil. The taste is tart, but not bitter, the aroma is fruity;
- "Criollo" - Central and Southern Africa. The taste is pleasant, slightly bitter, the aroma is floral;
- "Trinnitario" - Sri Lanka. Wide range of flavors: nut, caramel, almond, etc. Aroma of fruits and flowers.
Environmental friendliness
Most brands, to indicate the environmental friendliness and naturalness of their product, put the “organic” sign. There are cases when manufacturers simply write on the packaging that this product is natural, but you should not believe such labels, it is a hoax. The packaging must have the “organic” sign.
Rating of the best cocoa powders
Cocoa "Kommunarka"
According to experts, this drink is considered the highest quality compared to others. Natural, high-quality, safe cocoa powder. It can be found in many recipes for making creams and baking. The taste is creamy chocolate, the smell is delicate and rich. The preparation method is simple, you need to add cocoa powder and cook it until it boils, if there is not enough sugar, add to taste.
Characteristic:
Release form: sachet.
Product weight: 150 g.
Ingredients: cocoa cake, vanillin flavoring.
Average price: 100 rub.
Cocoa "Kommunarka"
Advantages:
- low price;
- natural composition;
- high-quality processing;
- pleasant taste and smell;
- large volume;
- positive reviews.
Flaws:
- there is a small amount of flavoring;
- slightly too much fat.
Products of the 21st century
Has a natural composition. Increases immunity, improves cardiovascular function and has a tonic effect, energizing for the whole day. It also has a good effect on brain function. Despite the fact that the packaging says powder, it actually contains pieces of cocoa beans. The pieces do not completely dissolve and remain at the bottom, but this does not spoil the impression of the taste itself. According to buyers, the drink has a pleasant smell and exquisite taste. This cocoa is used to make chocolate, baked goods, etc. The country of manufacture is Russia.
Characteristic:
Release form: doy-pack.
Product weight: 400 g.
Ingredients: 100% cocoa, caffeine, minerals, calcium, magnesium, vitamins.
Average price: 300 rub.
cocoa Products of the 21st century
Advantages:
- low price;
- natural composition;
- high-quality processing;
- pleasant smell and taste;
- large volume;
- positive reviews.
Flaws:
- there are pieces;
- does not dissolve well.
Cocoa powder "Market Perekrestok"
It meets all safety requirements, which means you can use it with peace of mind. The amount of fat in the composition is slightly above average, but not critical. The color of the drink is dark brown, the taste is rich, but the smell is sickly sweet. Powder without pieces with a uniform structure. Widely used in the preparation of delicious creams, baked goods, and cakes. Method of preparation: pour water or heated milk, add 2-3 tablespoons of powder and boil well. Add sugar if there is not enough.
Characteristic:
Release form: box.
Packaging: 100 g.
Contains only cocoa powder.
Average cost: 60 rub.
Cocoa powder "Market Perekrestok"
Advantages:
- low price;
- positive reviews;
- natural composition;
- high-quality processing;
- pleasant smell and excellent taste;
- does not contain sugar.
Flaws:
- the amount of fat is exceeded.
Hershey's cocoa
Made in America. The big plus is that the packaging says absolutely everything about this drink and even recipes for making chocolate and various baked goods. The structure is soft, sometimes you can find lumps. Method of preparation: for one glass of milk there are approximately two tablespoons of the product and you can add sugar to taste. Has the ability to boost immunity and add energy throughout the day. Quite often you can find a fake, so you should be more careful in your choice and consider the packaging.
Characteristic:
Release form: plastic jar.
Packaging: 226 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder processed with soda.
Average cost: 400 rub.
Hershey's cocoa
Advantages:
- good composition;
- positive reviews;
- pleasant taste and smell;
- high-quality processing;
- large volume.
Flaws:
- high probability of buying a fake;
- relatively high price.
S. Pudov.
Often this product is used for any sweet dishes, for example, cakes, cream, muffins, etc. The taste is pronounced, refined, the smell is rich, chocolate. The composition is natural, without any harmful components or flavors. Because The powder is fine and soft, it dissolves well, gives energy for the rest of the day and contains useful minerals. This drink can be easily ordered online. One of the small disadvantages is the packaging material, it is cardboard, which means cocoa can spill out of some lye. Method of preparation: one spoon is enough for a cup, add sugar to taste. The color is light brown and the taste is mild.
Characteristic:
Release form: cardboard box.
Packaging: 70 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder, traces of milk, peanuts, nuts, sesame, etc.
Average price: 110 rub.
S. Pudov. cocoa
Advantages:
- low price;
- good composition;
- dissolves well;
- pleasant smell and taste;
- positive reviews.
Flaws:
- small volume;
- bad packaging;
- One spoon is not enough for a rich taste.
Royal forest
This cocoa powder is produced in Colombia. The product from this manufacturer belongs to category 1 of bean varieties, namely elite. Accordingly, these beans have undergone high-quality processing, the taste of this drink is harmonious, sweet, and the smell is alluring and delicious. The composition is natural, does not have any harmful substances or components, and does not contain sugar. The packaging is cardboard and does not have a special fastener, which is inconvenient. If the package is opened, it will be difficult to seal it tightly, which means evaporation will occur. Therefore, after purchase, you must take into account that the powder will have to be stored in another container. The beans are well processed, finely ground, without lumps. You can also make many sweet dishes from it.
Characteristic:
Release form: cardboard box.
Packaging: 200 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder, vitamin E, phosphorus.
Average price: 270 – 480 rub.
Royal forest cocoa
Advantages:
- compliance with the quality of the product and its price;
- positive reviews;
- excellent taste and rich aroma;
- the composition is completely natural;
- high-quality processing.
Flaws:
- not convenient packaging.
Cocoa "Royal Premium"
This drink is very beneficial for the body. It has a beneficial effect on the immune system, adds energy, enhances brain function and has an antidepressant effect. This powder contains many useful microelements, such as zinc and iron. The packaging is as convenient as possible. A large and dense bag with a special clasp at the top. This drink is produced in Russia, in Moscow. The color of the powder is dark brown, like dark chocolate, and the aroma has hints of vanilla. Speaking of dark chocolate, this cocoa tastes like dark chocolate. There may be a lot of sediment left at the bottom of the cup.
Characteristic:
Inlet form: sachet bag.
Packaging: 100 g.
Contains cocoa powder, zinc, melanin, vitamins E, C, B1, B2, PP, iron.
Average price: 60 rub.
Cocoa "Royal Premium"
Advantages:
- low price;
- high-quality processing;
- natural composition;
- positive reviews;
- bright taste and rich aroma;
- convenient packaging.
Flaws:
- little information about the product.
Red October "Golden Label"
One of the most popular products. It has been produced for a long time, time has shown positive results. The taste is invariably natural, so similar to the taste from childhood. The type of packaging has not changed since the very beginning of production. The composition does not contain harmful components, but only the powder itself and a drop of flavoring, which gives the smell of vanillin. Method of preparation: brew the drink with milk or water, add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa and bring to a boil. The color of the powder matches the color of milk chocolate. The powder is perfectly even, smooth and without lumps. The taste will be rich and persistent. This powder is great for creams. The big advantage of the drink is that it can be consumed by pregnant women. It even helps eliminate toxins from their body.
Characteristic:
Release form: cardboard box.
Packaging: 100 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder, vanillin flavoring.
Average price: 60 rub.
Red October "Golden Label" cocoa
Advantages:
- low price;
- positive reviews;
- stability of taste and smell is observed;
- no contraindications;
- does not contain sugar;
- natural composition.
Flaws:
- inconvenient packaging;
- there is a high probability of buying a fake.
Caffarel
The producer of this drink is Italy. The packaging is pleasantly surprising, it is original and beautiful. Unlike most other packaging, which is cardboard boxes and bags, here the powder is packaged in iron jars. This cocoa is considered the most famous and elite in all of Italy. It has occupied a leading position in the ranking of similar products for more than two centuries. The color is dark brown. The powder itself is made from the highest grade cocoa beans. It is used for a variety of purposes - making coffee, hot chocolate, etc. The sweet smell of this drink beckons. Taste can take a person back to the time of the existence of the Soviet Union, it is so similar to it.
Characteristic:
Release form: iron jar.
Packaging: 200 g.
Ingredients: cocoa powder, sugar, salt, vitamins A, E, PP, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron and zinc, calcium. Average price: 650 rub.
Caffarel cocoa
Advantages:
- convenient and original packaging;
- long shelf life;
- pleasant taste and unforgettable smell;
- positive reviews;
- The composition is absolutely natural.
Flaws:
- high price;
- contains sugar and salt.
Nesquik
This brand has long become popular in Russian production. The color of this powder resembles milk chocolate, and the smell is sweet and rich. The drink is very popular among children, although parents often drink it. Cocoa contains many both useful and not so useful substances. Method of preparation: add 2 tablespoons of powder to hot milk and stir. You can add water, but the taste will not be as rich. Cocoa improves immunity and energizes you for the whole day.
Characteristic:
Release form: plastic jar.
Packaging: 250 g.
Ingredients: sugar, cocoa powder, salt, iron, zinc, vitamins C, B1, D, cinnamon.
Average price: 145 g.
Nesquik cocoa
Advantages:
- low price;
- rich taste, sweet smell;
- positive reviews;
- convenient packaging;
- easily soluble.
Flaws:
- not entirely natural composition.
How to choose cocoa
Cocoa is a popular drink of the 21st century. Possessing a rich aroma and original taste, it improves mood, promotes awakening and provides a boost of energy for the whole day. The range of drinks in retail chains is truly amazing in its diversity. “I want to buy natural cocoa powder. Buyers often ask how to choose cocoa when looking at packages with crumbly brown contents. Not everyone knows what to look for when buying an invigorating drink that is a worthy competitor to coffee. The risk of encountering a counterfeit product today is quite high, so the recommendations below will be useful to everyone.
cocoa powder
What's Contained
Loose cocoa is ground beans that have been previously dried. The powder retains a maximum of vitamins and microelements. This product contains:
- antioxidants;
- flavonoids;
- phenylethylamine;
- caffeine;
- bronchodilators;
- purine bases;
- minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, zinc, magnesium).
It has been proven that regular drinking of cocoa promotes the production of the happiness hormone (endorphin).
Benefits and harms
Many people buy the drink because of its health-improving effect, which consists of:
- minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis, stroke and heart failure;
- normalizes blood pressure;
- is a powerful antidepressant;
- helps eliminate intestinal dysfunction;
- reduces the likelihood of cancer cell formation.
The brown powdery product may be an allergen, so it is contraindicated during pregnancy. Another reason to exclude delicacies from the diet of expectant mothers is the effect that neutralizes the absorption of calcium, a vital element for the development of the child.
Calorie content of the product
Today, buyers are interested not only in the question: “Which product is better to buy,” but also in whether the drink will harm their figure. Its average calorie content reaches 300 Kcal. (per 100 gr.). The indicated value may be increased by adding sugar or milk. In order not to gain extra calories, it is recommended to drink cocoa without pastries, cakes, cookies and other baked goods.
Criterias of choice
There are several recommendations that determine which drink is the best. It should be analyzed according to the following criteria:
- quality of raw materials processing;
- varietal affiliation;
- geographic location of bean cultivation;
- degree of alkalization of the product.
Let's take a closer look at them.
Naturalness
In the classical sense, cocoa is a product of plant origin. But if, when choosing a brown powder, the buyer does not see the inscription “RAW” on the packaging, then it means that the raw materials have been subjected to serious heat treatment (over 42-45°), which negatively affects the benefits of the drink. Also, the absence of this engraving may indicate the addition of flavors, artificial colors and other chemical components. They should not be present in natural cocoa a priori.
Alkalinity
Most manufacturers of the invigorating drink, during the natural production process, treat the grains with an alkaline solution to obtain a product with low acidity levels. Alkalized cocoa has a richer aroma, refined taste and color compared to regular cocoa. The product also dissolves easily in water, which simplifies the process of its preparation. It would seem that the buyer's choice is obvious. But, despite the listed advantages, the benefits of the alkalized product are minimal, since it is subjected to extreme heat treatment (up to 250°).
Region of production
Experts identify several geographical locations in the world from which natural products are exported. About 30% of bean plantations are concentrated on the African continent (Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast). Companies involved in processing raw materials are located in Brazil, Malaysia, Venezuela, and Indonesia.
Variety
There are elite categories of cocoa beans, from which exclusive, expensive products are made, and classic ones - designed for the mass consumer. The answer to the question: “Which cocoa is the best” is determined by 50% by the varietal of the raw material. The aroma of the product is influenced by the characteristics of the soil where the beans grow, the climatic conditions of the region, as well as the surrounding vegetation. There are several selected varieties of cocoa:
- “Farastero” (grown in Brazil and on the African continent, the taste is tart, but without bitterness, the aroma contains fruity notes);
- “Criollo” (grown in Central and South America, the taste is slightly bitter, tannins are practically not felt, the aroma contains floral notes);
- “Trinitario” (grown on the African continent and Sri Lanka, taste – nutty, citrus, almond, caramel depending on the region of cultivation, aroma – fruity-floral).
On the Internet you can find a video that confirms that the most expensive dark chocolate is made from a rare variety of cocoa beans “National” (growing region - Ecuador). The price of a delicacy weighing 50 grams reaches about $500. This dessert can only be given as a gift to a loved one or relative.
Environmental friendliness
Well-known brands mark their products with the inscription: “Organic,” which hypothetically indicates the absolute safety of the product, since only natural raw materials were used in its production. Theoretically, the rating of such a product should be the highest. But the indication on the packaging of information such as: “Cocoa beans grew in an environmentally friendly area” is not yet proof that the drink is of high quality. In 70% of cases, marketers try in this trivial way to increase sales of a particular brand that sells a brown delicacy. Testing for environmental friendliness needs to be expanded by analyzing information about who is the manufacturer of the drink and in what locations the raw materials for its production are grown. It is good for the end consumer if detailed information about this is included on the packaging.
What should the buyer focus on? For the average consumer, the question still remains relevant: “How to choose cocoa powder in a store.” The variety of names only makes it difficult to understand which drink is natural. What criteria should you follow when buying cocoa in a store?
Package
The manufacturer of this brown drink always takes care of its proper packaging. Violation of the seal of the bag or damage to the integrity of the metal can results in cocoa becoming unsuitable for consumption. The product may harbor insects, and then it is not recommended to brew it in a coffee machine and use it in confectionery recipes.
Structure
A buyer who does not know how to choose cocoa powder must remember that a real drink must have a homogeneous mass without lumps. At home, you can also check the quality of the product: rub a small amount of powder with the palms of your hands. If after completing the procedure there is a feeling of greasyness on your fingers, then the purchased brown powder is natural.
Color
Visual inspection of the product also has priority in the question: “How to choose cocoa.” An analysis of photos posted online shows that the color of a real drink can be either light brown or dark brown. If cocoa of a gray or nondescript color lies on the shelves of a retail chain, then this is an indicator of the low quality of the product.
Aroma
In 99% of cases, the average person has no idea what the difference between the best cocoa powder is. The rating of a drink largely depends on the aroma it exudes after opening the package. A natural drink should smell like chocolate. A product with foreign aromas should alert you: it is possible that the manufacturer has added chemical components to the powder. If you brew such a drink, it will give off amazing odors, but the benefits from it will be minimal.
Taste
Must be bitter. And an integral sign of a quality drink is the presence of a chocolate aftertaste.
Is it possible to use expired goods?
Cocoa is not a perishable product, so some buyers don’t care whether the brown powder has expired or not. If natural cocoa has spoiled, it would be better to throw it away. If the expiration date of a drink made on a synthetic basis has expired, then it can be used in the preparation of baked goods or chocolate mousses (provided that the expiration date is no more than 1-2 months). But drinking “stale” cocoa is not recommended.
Which brands of cocoa are recognized as safe?
For the consumer, there is a simple way to solve the question: “How to choose cocoa.” He has the right to determine the quality of purchased cocoa in laboratory conditions. To do this, just contact Roskontrol. Representatives of the regulatory authority have compiled a list of brands that supply not the worst products to supermarket shelves. Let's take a closer look at them.
“Russia is a generous soul”
The labeling of the sample does not correspond to reality, in fact it is an alkalized drink. Passed the test for compliance with safety standards. Pesticides were found in the powder, but their concentration did not exceed the permissible limits. The consumer can choose a product under the brand “Russia – a generous soul”.
"Golden Label"
After purchasing a sample, Roskontrol employees tested it in the laboratory and found that the actual composition partially did not correspond to the stated information on the packaging due to the presence of starch in the powder. Cocoa is produced under the Zolotoy Yarlyk brand and is harmless to health. The product is ideal for making layer cakes.
Nesquik (Nestlé)
The label of a healthy and safe drink is firmly attached to the brand. But consumer reviews indicate that it cannot be considered natural, since it contains an emulsifier and flavoring. And the manufacturer indicates on the packaging that the powder contains the specified components. But the content of cocoa butter in a product from Nestlé does not always correspond to what is declared. Parents prefer to give Nesquik to their children for breakfast for one reason. The process of brewing cocoa is simplified to a minimum: the brown powder is diluted with hot milk, milk is added to it and the drink is ready.
"Kommunarka"
A control analysis of this sample showed that the product fully complies with safety standards. No pesticides were found in the cocoa powder from Kommunarka, but a slightly higher ash concentration was recorded. Cocoa powder of this brand is used in recipes for making meringue cakes with cream.
"Red Price"
A review of brands supplying children's favorite treats would not be complete without indicating the outsider in the rating. On forums, netizens negatively evaluate the quality of the Red Price brand. The product was not considered good by Roskontrol laboratory assistants. Instant cocoa powder turned out to be counterfeit, since it is made from carob beans (low-grade raw materials).
Conclusion
Every buyer must learn how to select quality products. Everyone can remember the criteria for correct cocoa analysis and easily apply them in practice.
How to prepare cocoa at home?
Ingredients:
- milk (200 ml);
- sugar (1 tbsp);
- cocoa (1 tbsp);
- cinnamon;
- vanillin.
First you need to pour the milk into a small saucepan. Place it on the stove and start boiling it. While heating the milk, add the ingredients, cocoa, then sugar with cinnamon and vanilla. Next, mix everything thoroughly and bring the resulting liquid to a boil. Bring to a boil, stir the entire mixture with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming. After holding the pan for another 2 minutes, remove from the stove. Cooking is complete. Bon appetit.
The wide range of cocoa powders presented on the Russian market allows any consumer to find their drink. Considering the usefulness of the drink and the ease of its preparation, you can satisfy any, even the most demanding taste of both children and adults.
How often can children drink cocoa?
a teenage girl holds a cup of delicious cocoa in her hand.
From the moment cocoa appears on the child’s table until school age, the permissible norm is 4 times every 7 days.
In this case, 1 time is equal to a cup with a volume of 50-70 ml. And it's better with milk and honey, not sugar.
