Chocolate & Cocoa
Dutch-Process Cocoa
Overview
Why use Dutch-process cocoa?
Dutch-process cocoa is cocoa powder treated with alkali to soften its acidity, giving it a darker color and smoother, mellower flavor. Almost sugar-free on its own, it packs minerals like copper, magnesium and iron into a tablespoon that costs you only about 12 calories.
Good to know: Alkali processing reduces some of the flavanols linked to heart health, and each tablespoon carries about 4 mg caffeine plus 142 mg theobromine, mild stimulants worth noting late in the day.
Loaded with copper
Copper supports iron transport and energy production, and one tablespoon delivers 0.19 mg, about 22% of the Daily Value, which is unusual for a seasoning-sized amount.
Magnesium and potassium
Per 100 g cocoa supplies 476 mg magnesium (113% DV) and 2,509 mg potassium (53% DV), minerals involved in muscle function, nerve signaling and blood pressure regulation.
Fiber without the sugar
With 29.8 g fiber and under 2 g sugar per 100 g, cocoa adds gut-friendly fiber to baking and drinks rather than sweetness.
Overview drafted with AI from USDA FoodData Central figures. For education, not medical advice.
Nutrition facts
What’s in Dutch-process cocoa?
Calories
220kcal
Protein
18g
Carbs
58g
Fat
13g
Fiber
30g
Sugars
1.8g
Minerals
- Calcium111 mg9%
- Iron16 mg86%
- Magnesium476 mg113%
- Phosphorus728 mg58%
- Potassium2,509 mg53%
- Sodium19 mg1%
- Zinc6.4 mg58%
- Copper3.6 mg401%
- Selenium13 µg24%
Vitamins
- Vitamin E0.1 mg1%
- Vitamin K2.4 µg2%
- Thiamin (B1)0.11 mg9%
- Riboflavin (B2)0.46 mg35%
- Niacin (B3)2.4 mg15%
- Vitamin B60.12 mg7%
- Folate32 µg8%
Other compounds
- Caffeine78 mg
- Theobromine2,634 mg
% Daily Value is based on FDA reference amounts for adults. Bars cap at 100%.
Side by side, per 100 g
Dutch-Process Cocoa vs Cocoa Powder (Natural)
| Nutrient | Dutch-Process Cocoa | Cocoa Powder (Natural) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal | 228 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g | 20 g |
| Fat | 13 g | 14 g |
| Saturated fat | 7.8 g | 8.1 g |
| Sugars | 1.8 g | 1.8 g |
| Fiber | 30 g | 37 g |
| Calcium | 111 mg | 128 mg |
| Iron | 16 mg | 14 mg |
| Magnesium | 476 mg | 499 mg |
| Potassium | 2,509 mg | 1,524 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.1 mg | 0.1 mg |
| Caffeine | 78 mg | 230 mg |
| Theobromine | 2,634 mg | 2,057 mg |
USDA’s standard nutrient data doesn’t include flavanols, the antioxidants cocoa is known for, and that’s where processing makes the biggest difference.Ask how alkalizing affects them →
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Source: USDA FoodData Central, “Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened, processed with alkali” (SR Legacy, FDC ID 169594).View the USDA record ↗ (opens in a new tab).