Quality of cocoa beans
First, pure cocoa powder will be affected by a great deal of cocoa bean quality. The higher the quality cocoa bean, the more delicious the cocoa powder will be. Cocoa beans are divided into two types: "flavor" seeds and "regular" seeds. The "flavor" seed is from the Criollo or Trinitario varieties. Whereas the "normal" seed comes from the genus Forastero. The output of "flavor" cocoa beans accounts for less than 10% of the total annual cocoa output worldwide. That is why the price of "flavor" cocoa beans is often much higher than that of regular cocoa beans.
Next is farming techniques. Due to the strict requirements on cocoa standards, organic cocoa powder is usually quite expensive. Next is the powder made from UTZ certified cocoa beans. And finally, the products are not certified.
Percentage of cocoa butter remaining in cocoa powder
This is a factor that consumers almost don't know about. The percentage of cocoa butter remaining in cocoa powder has a great influence on the quality and cost of cocoa powder. Cocoa butter is the most valuable ingredient in cocoa beans. Very good for health, widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Cocoa powder will have a common butter ratio between 10% and 22%.
Cocoa butter rich in butter: the remaining cocoa butter ratio ranges from 18% - 22%. Often used to produce soft drinks. These types of cocoa powder are usually quite expensive.
Cocoa butter powder: the remaining cocoa butter ratio is from 10% -12%. Often used to make cakes, candies, ice cream. To increase the fat percentage, many places will add other vegetable oils such as palm oil, sunflower oil at a much cheaper price than cocoa butter. This powder is much cheaper.
Butter flakes are generally smoother (less clumping), darker in color, and have an unpleasant aroma like those rich in butter.
Prestige brand of cocoa powder
And finally, like other products, in addition to quality, the price of cocoa powder is also influenced by the brand positioning of that product. No matter how much cocoa powder you choose, you should also choose products that have brands with clear labels and origins.
Where to buy pure cocoa powder?
Produced from International UTZ certified cocoa pods from "flavored" cocoa seeds grown in Dong Nai. Trong Duc cocoa powder (18% butter ratio) will be the best choice for you to enjoy a full cup of true cocoa. The aroma is mild, bitter, slightly greasy and a bit of a mild sour residue. You can freely prepare a cup of cocoa according to your own recipe. Especially those who love cocoa but are on a diet will feel secure to use it.