Your comprehensive resource for sourcing premium natural cocoa butter in Dubai and across the UAE. Find trusted suppliers, compare prices, and learn everything about quality cocoa butter for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications.
Finding reliable cocoa butter suppliers in the UAE can be challenging, especially when you need premium quality at competitive prices. Whether you’re a chocolate manufacturer, cosmetics producer, pharmaceutical company, or small business owner looking for natural cocoa butter for your products, this comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about cocoa butter, its uses, and where to source the best quality in Dubai and across the UAE.
Cocoa butter, also known as theobroma oil, is a pale-yellow edible vegetable fat extracted from cocoa beans. This luxurious ingredient has been valued for nearly 3,000 years, dating back to the Mayan and Aztec civilizations who considered cacao sacred. Today, food-grade cocoa butter remains one of the most versatile and sought-after ingredients across multiple industries.
The extraction process begins when cocoa pods are harvested from the Theobroma cacao tree, which grows primarily in tropical regions of West Africa, South America, and parts of Asia. After fermentation, drying, and roasting, the cocoa beans are pressed to separate the fat (cocoa butter) from the solids (which become cocoa powder). This natural fat contains approximately 54-58% of the cocoa bean’s content, making it a precious commodity.
Melts at 34-38°C (93-100°F), just below human body temperature, giving chocolate its characteristic melt-in-your-mouth quality and making it ideal for cosmetic applications.
With natural antioxidants, cocoa butter has a shelf life of 2-5 years, making it perfect for long-term storage and reducing waste for businesses.
Contains beneficial fatty acids including oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid, plus vitamins E and K for skin nourishment.
Contains no animal products, entirely plant-based, and suitable for vegan and vegetarian products, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Food-grade cocoa butter is essential in numerous culinary applications, serving as the backbone of the chocolate and confectionery industries worldwide.
Dark, milk, white chocolate & couverture
Glossy finishes, decorations, ganaches
Ice cream, gelato, frozen treats
Premium hot chocolate, health drinks
The cosmetics industry is one of the largest consumers of cocoa butter due to its exceptional skin benefits and luxurious texture.
Due to its biocompatibility and unique melting properties, premium quality cocoa butter serves important pharmaceutical functions:
When sourcing cocoa butter sellers, understanding different types helps you choose the right product for your specific application.
| Type | Characteristics | Color | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural (Unrefined) | Retains natural chocolate aroma, maximum antioxidants | Pale yellow to cream | Premium chocolate, natural cosmetics, artisan products |
| Refined | Deodorized and filtered, neutral taste and smell | Pure white | White chocolate, unscented cosmetics, pharmaceuticals |
| Deodorized | Removes scent while maintaining nutritional properties | Light yellow | Skincare products where chocolate scent is undesirable |
| Organic Certified | Grown without pesticides or chemicals, premium quality | Varies | Organic product lines, natural health products |
| African Cocoa Butter | Premium quality from Ghana & Ivory Coast, rich flavor | Golden yellow | High-end chocolate, luxury cosmetics, all applications |
African cocoa butter is particularly valued in the international market because:
The price of cocoa butter per kg varies based on several factors. As of 2026, quality cocoa butter typically starts from USD 19 per kg for bulk orders, though this depends heavily on quantity, grade, origin, and supplier location.
Order Size: 1-10 kg
Best For:
Order Size: 25-100 kg
Best For:
Order Size: 100 kg – 1 ton
Best For:
Order Size: 1+ tons
Best For:
| Factor | Impact on Price | Price Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Certification | Premium processing, certification costs, limited supply | +20-40% |
| Fair Trade Certification | Ensures fair wages, ethical sourcing | +10-20% |
| Cold-Pressed Processing | Specialty processing, retains more nutrients | +15-30% |
| Pharmaceutical Grade | Stringent purity standards, additional testing | +25-50% |
| Small Batch/Artisan | Limited production, specialized processing | +30-60% |
The UAE, particularly Dubai, has emerged as a major trading hub for cocoa products. Here’s your comprehensive guide to finding reliable cocoa butter sellers:
Radad International stands out as a premier supplier providing exceptional quality cocoa butter throughout the UAE, GCC region, and globally.
Best Locations:
Services Offered:
Advantages:
When evaluating cocoa butter suppliers in UAE, use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you partner with a reliable, quality-focused supplier.
When discussing requirements with cocoa butter sellers, understanding these technical specifications ensures you receive the exact quality you need.
| Property | Specification | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Point | 34-38°C (93-100°F) | Determines chocolate texture and body temperature melting for cosmetics |
| Density | ~0.86 g/cm³ at 40°C | Important for formulation calculations |
| Refractive Index | 1.456-1.459 at 40°C | Quality indicator, purity verification |
| Saponification Value | 188-198 | Measures fatty acid content, important for soap making |
| Iodine Value | 33-42 | Indicates degree of unsaturation |
| Fatty Acid | Percentage | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Palmitic Acid | 25-27% | Emollient properties, improves texture |
| Stearic Acid | 33-37% | Hardness, stability, non-atherogenic saturated fat |
| Oleic Acid | 33-37% | Moisturizing, skin penetration, heart-healthy |
| Linoleic Acid | 2-4% | Essential fatty acid, anti-inflammatory |
| Arachidic Acid | <1% | Minor component, adds stability |
| Parameter | Maximum Limit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Free Fatty Acids (as oleic acid) | 1.75% | Freshness indicator, affects taste and stability |
| Peroxide Value | 1.0 meq/kg | Oxidation level, shelf life indicator |
| Moisture Content | 0.2% | Prevents microbial growth, ensures stability |
| Impurities | 0.05% | Purity standard for food and cosmetic use |
| Heavy Metals (total) | 10 ppm | Safety compliance for food and cosmetic applications |
The price of cocoa butter per kg in Dubai typically starts at USD 19 for bulk orders, though this varies based on quality grade, quantity purchased, and current market conditions. Smaller quantities (under 10 kg) may cost USD 25-40 per kg, while large bulk orders of 1 ton of cocoa butter or more can secure prices as low as USD 15-22 per kg. Organic and specialty grades command premium prices, typically 20-50% higher than conventional cocoa butter.
You can purchase 25kg of cocoa butter in Dubai from several reliable sources:
Always request samples and certificates of analysis before placing bulk orders to ensure quality meets your requirements.
Natural cocoa butter retains its original chocolate aroma, pale yellow color, and maximum nutrients. It’s ideal for chocolate making and natural cosmetics. Refined cocoa butter has been deodorized and bleached to remove color and scent, making it white and neutral-smelling. It’s preferred for white chocolate, unscented cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications where chocolate aroma would be undesirable. Both types maintain the same beneficial fatty acid profile and melting properties.
Yes, cocoa butter is generally safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin. It’s non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores) for most people. However, individuals with chocolate or cocoa allergies should avoid it. If you have very oily or acne-prone skin, patch test first as the rich texture may feel heavy for some users. The natural antioxidants and fatty acids make it excellent for dry skin, mature skin, and those seeking anti-aging benefits.
When stored properly in cool, dry, dark conditions, premium quality cocoa butter has an impressive shelf life:
Store at 15-20°C, below 50% humidity, away from light and strong odors. Signs of spoilage include rancid smell, discoloration, or off-taste.
For food-grade cocoa butter, look for these essential certifications:
No, never use cosmetic-grade cocoa butter for food purposes. Food-grade cocoa butter meets strict safety standards for human consumption, while cosmetic-grade may contain contaminants acceptable for external use but not for ingestion. Always purchase the appropriate grade for your intended use. The packaging will clearly state “food grade” or “edible” if suitable for cooking. Using the wrong grade could pose health risks.
African cocoa butter, particularly from Ghana and Ivory Coast, is prized in the global market because:
West African cocoa is considered the gold standard for chocolate production worldwide.
Check for purity through these methods:
Minimum order quantities vary by supplier:
Many cocoa butter suppliers in UAE like Radad International offer flexible MOQs to accommodate businesses of all sizes, from artisan chocolate makers to industrial manufacturers.
Yes, Dubai’s strategic location makes it an excellent re-export hub. Most bulk cocoa butter suppliers in UAE like Radar International can arrange international shipping with:
The UAE’s free zones offer particular advantages for international trade with streamlined processes and tax benefits.
Organic cocoa butter costs 20-40% more but offers significant benefits:
For premium brands and organic product lines, the investment in organic cocoa butter provides strong differentiation and justifies higher pricing to consumers.
While both are plant-based fats used in cosmetics and food, they have distinct differences:
| Property | Cocoa Butter | Coconut Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Point | 34-38°C (solid at room temp) | 24°C (softer in warm climates) |
| Aroma | Mild chocolate | Strong coconut |
| Price | More expensive | More affordable |
| Shelf Life | 2-5 years | 1-2 years |
| Best Use | Chocolate, premium cosmetics | Cooking, general cosmetics |
Cocoa butter pricing is influenced by several global factors:
Working with established bulk cocoa butter suppliers who offer price protection or fixed contracts can help protect your business against market volatility.
For commercial imports of cocoa butter into the UAE, you’ll need:
Work with experienced suppliers or freight forwarders familiar with UAE import regulations to ensure smooth customs clearance.
Whether you’re a chocolate artisan crafting premium confections, a cosmetics manufacturer developing luxury skincare, or a baker seeking that perfect ingredient, finding the right cocoa butter suppliers in UAE is crucial for your success.
Don’t compromise on purity and origin, especially for food-grade cocoa butter
Understand whether you need natural, refined, or specialized grades
Evaluate multiple suppliers and always test before bulk purchases
Long-term partnerships ensure consistency and better pricing
For businesses seeking reliable, high-quality natural cocoa butter in Dubai and across the UAE, partnering with established suppliers like Radad International provides peace of mind.
With comprehensive product ranges, competitive pricing starting at USD 19/kg, and deep industry expertise, the right supplier becomes a valuable partner in your business success.
Whether you need 25kg of cocoa butter in Dubai for a medium-scale operation or 1 ton of cocoa butter for industrial production, thorough research and careful supplier selection will pay dividends in product quality, customer satisfaction, and business growth.
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