scored 93/100
Also known as cocoa, cocoa powder, cacao, unsweetened cocoa
Unsweetened cacao (cocoa) powder is the defatted ground cacao bean - one of the most flavanol- and mineral-dense foods, exceptionally rich in magnesium, iron and copper.
5.9 g net carbs after fiber.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 93.
Less a 2.0 anti-nutrient penalty (high saturated fat).
Cacao (Theobroma cacao) seed has been consumed for ~4,000 years in Mesoamerica. Non-alkalized powder retains high levels of epicatechin and procyanidin flavanols linked to endothelial function, blood pressure and cognition; it is also among the densest plant sources of magnesium and copper.
Cocoa flavanols (epicatechin) increase nitric-oxide bioavailability, improving flow-mediated vasodilation
Flavanols increase cerebral perfusion and reduce neurovascular oxidative stress
Any time; pairing with fruit improves palatability without added sugar.
Breaks a fast
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower cacao powder is than the average across 18 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Cacao Powder is classified as a cacao (nuts & seeds). Unsweetened cacao (cocoa) powder is the defatted ground cacao bean - one of the most flavanol- and mineral-dense foods, exceptionally rich in magnesium, iron and copper.
Cacao Powder scores 93/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Copper, Manganese, Magnesium. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 28 g serving provides about 5.5 g of protein (~11% of the 50 g daily value).
Yes — it's a high-fiber food. A 28 g serving provides about 10.4 g of fiber (~37% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 28 g serving, cacao powder is highest in Copper (~118% DV), Manganese (~47% DV), Magnesium (~33% DV), Iron (~22% DV), Zinc (~17% DV).
Sometimes — it depends on your daily carb budget. A 28 g serving has about 5.9 g of net carbs (16.2 g total minus 10.4 g fiber).
Best any time of day. Any time; pairing with fruit improves palatability without added sugar.
A typical serving is around 28 g (~64 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating cacao powder alongside several other nuts & seeds sources.
Cacao Powder falls into the tree nut / seed group, which is a common allergen. If you have a known allergy or sensitivity in this category, avoid it and consult a clinician before adding it back.
Cacao Powder pairs nicely with: oats; banana; berries; nuts.
High saturated fat.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients cacao powder contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients cacao powder contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.