• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
TheDiabetesCouncil.com
  • Guides
  • Foods
  • Managing
  • Recipes
  • Solutions
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Guides
  • Foods
  • Managing
  • Recipes
  • Solutions
search icon
Homepage link
  • Guides
  • Foods
  • Managing
  • Recipes
  • Solutions
×

Home » Alternative Solutions » 5 Best Substitutes for Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

5 Best Substitutes for Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Modified: Mar 3, 2021 by TheDiabetesCouncil Team · This post may contain affiliate links ·

If you’re a lover of chocolate baked goods, chances are you’ve come in contact with unsweetened cocoa powder before. Cocoa powder is what gives your favorite chocolate cakes, cupcakes, muffins, puddings, and much more its deeply chocolatey flavor and color, and for the regular home baker, is a standard pantry staple. However, if you find yourself without cocoa powder at home and no time to go out to buy more, there are plenty of options that can sub in in a pinch without skimping on flavor, which for the true chocolate lovers out there, is the most important factor when looking for an alternative. Not all cocoa powder alternatives are created equal, so when picking out your backup options, look for the ones that have the right flavor and texture, so your favorite chocolate treats don’t disappoint. Check out our guide for the 5 best substitutes for unsweetened cocoa powder to find out what your options are so your chocolate desserts don’t miss out on their signature ingredient.

Contents

  • 1. Unsweetened Baking Chocolate
  • 2. Carob Powder
  • 3. Hot Cocoa Mix
  • 4. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 5. Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder

1. Unsweetened Baking Chocolate

Order This On Amazon: amazon.com

Cocoa powder and unsweetened baking chocolate have several similarities which is why unsweetened baking chocolate is your best choice as a cocoa powder substitute. They both are made largely from cocoa solids meaning they taste similar to one another, and they are both made from cocoa beans. The biggest difference between the two is that baking chocolate contains cocoa butter, while cocoa powder does not, meaning that when using it as a cocoa powder substitute in baking, you’ll need to remove some of the fat from your recipe. For every ounce of baking chocolate, remove one tablespoon of fat from the recipe to get the right ratio.

2. Carob Powder

Order This On Amazon: amazon.com

Made from the pods of the carob tree, carob powder comes from the drying of those pods made into a fine powder making for a decent cocoa powder substitute. The flavor of carob powder doesn’t have the same bitterness that cocoa powder has, but it does have the same look and feel making it a fairly decent substitute in a 1:1 swap if you’ve got it on hand.

3. Hot Cocoa Mix

Order This On Amazon: amazon.com

If you’re truly desperate for a cocoa powder substitute and you simply don’t have the time to run out and buy it, that packet of hot cocoa mix hanging out in your pantry is a great option. Hot cocoa mix is typically made from cocoa powder, spices, sugar, and milk solids, so it will still provide the chocolatey flavor and color you’re looking for in a chocolate dessert without fail. However, because of the added sweetener in the mix you will want to lower the amount of sugar or sweetener in your recipe so you get the right balance.

4. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Order This On Amazon: amazon.com

Similar to unsweetened baking chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips make for a suitable cocoa powder substitute when melted down and added to your dessert mix. An important note is that semi-sweet chocolate chips contain cocoa butter and sugar, meaning you will need to remove some of the fat (butter, oil, shortening, etc.) and sugar in your recipe to get the correct ratio.

5. Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder

Order This On Amazon: amazon.com

There are two types of cocoa powder, natural and Dutch-process, and if you aren’t sure if you can use one to replace the other, fear not. The main difference between natural and Dutch-process is just that, in the process; cocoa powder in its natural state is simply made from roasted cocoa beans that have been turned to powder, while Dutch-process cocoa beans are washed in potassium carbonate neutralizing their acidity and making the powdered version darker in color and milder in flavor. To replace natural cocoa powder with Dutch-process cocoa powder, add some acid to it like white vinegar or lemon juice to simulate that natural acidity, then use it as a 1:1 swap. For every three tablespoons of cocoa powder called for in your recipe, add ⅛ teaspoon of acid to your Dutch-process cocoa.

More Alternative Solutions

  • Saunas and Their Impact on Diabetics
  • Manuka Honey And Diabetes
  • Verdict is Still Out on Hemp Oil Benefits for Diabetes
  • Stevia and Diabetes

About TheDiabetesCouncil Team

TheDiabetesCouncil Team consists of certified diabetes educators and registered nurses that compile and research a given topic and publish it as a team. Each team member has at least 15 years of experience in diabetes care and management.

Primary Sidebar

General

  • Diabetes Risk Calculator
  • History of Diabetes
    • Prediabetes
  • Type 1
  • Type 1.5
  • Type 2
  • Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young
  • Gestational Diabetes
  • GD FAQ
  • Type 3 - Alzheimer's Disease
  • Diabetes Risk Factors
  • When To See Doctor
  • Diabetes Medication
  • Diabetes Dictionary
  • Diabetes Supply 101
  • Find Diabetes Support and Educational Programs

Recently Diagnosed

Where Do I Begin With Prediabetes?
Where Do I Begin With Type 2?
Where Do I Begin With Type 1?

Diabetes Clinical Trials

How To Take Part in Clinical Trials

Recent Articles

  • Saxenda vs Wegovy: Which Is Better for You?
  • Nutrisense CGM: Is It Worth it?
  • Saxenda Side Effects: Does This Include Hair Loss?
  • Ozempic Foods to Avoid: How to Eat When Taking Ozempic
  • Ozempic vs Metformin: What Treatment Should You Choose?

Social Aide

Diabetes Supplies & Services Help

Resources & Links

Top 10 Blood Glucose Meters
Discrimination Resource Page
Resources for Veterans
Endocrinology Resources
Diabetes Resources for Kids
How To Choose A Blood Pressure Monitor
Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Top 5 Best Pillows For Neck Pain Management
How To Find The Best Mattress for Your Health

Footer

Connect with us!

YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Pages

  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Anti-Spam Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Articles

Copyright © 2023 TheDiabetesCouncil.com