Cocoa powder is one of the most important ingredients in the global food industry. From rich chocolate cakes to premium hot cocoa drinks, cocoa powder delivers the intense chocolate flavor that consumers love. It is available in different varieties, most commonly natural cocoa powder and alkalized cocoa powder (also known as Dutch-processed cocoa powder).
Today, buyers are not only interested in taste and quality but also in pricing and supply. With rising global demand, especially for African cocoa powder, manufacturers, bakeries, and chocolatiers want reliable information about the price of natural cocoa powder, the cost of alkalized varieties, and where to source premium cocoa powder in both bulk and smaller quantities.
Currently, the market price of cocoa powder is around USD 6,500 per metric ton (CFR, Africa). This rate applies to both natural and alkalized cocoa powder, provided buyers order at least one 20ft container. Suppliers can also arrange bulk cocoa powder shipments or smaller quantities for businesses that do not require full container loads.
What is Cocoa Powder?
Cocoa powder is the fine, flavorful product made by grinding roasted cocoa beans and removing most of the cocoa butter. It contains cocoa solids, which are packed with flavor, antioxidants, and the rich aroma that makes chocolate products irresistible.
But not all cocoa powders are the same. Buyers and manufacturers often choose between natural cocoa powder, alkalized cocoa powder (Dutch-processed), and in some cases organic cocoa powder or unprocessed cocoa powder.
Here’s a closer look at the main types:
| Type of Cocoa Powder | Description | Flavor & Color | Common Uses |
| Natural Cocoa Powder | Made by grinding roasted cocoa beans into powder without altering acidity. | Lighter brown color, slightly acidic, strong chocolate flavor. | Cakes, brownies, hot cocoa, baking recipes with baking soda. |
| Alkalized Cocoa Powder (Dutch Processed) | Cocoa beans are treated with an alkaline solution to reduce acidity. | Dark brown cocoa powder with a smoother, milder taste. | Premium chocolate drinks, desserts, ice creams, and recipes with baking powder. |
| Unprocessed Cocoa Powder | Minimal processing; closest to raw form. | Very bitter, intense chocolate flavor. | Specialty baking, health foods, dark chocolate recipes. |
| Organic Cocoa Powder | Produced from organically grown cocoa beans without pesticides or chemicals. | Can be natural or alkalized, depending on processing. | Clean-label products, health-conscious foods, vegan chocolates. |
| Regular Cocoa Powder | General term for commercially available cocoa powder (usually natural). | Medium brown, balanced flavor. | Mass-market chocolates, general baking, confectionery. |
Key Difference: Natural vs. Alkalized Cocoa Powder
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Natural cocoa powder is acidic, with a pH of around 5.0, and reacts well with baking soda.
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Alkalized cocoa powder (Dutch processed cocoa powder) has a neutral pH, darker color, and milder taste, making it ideal for drinks and gourmet recipes.
Both types are widely used in the global food industry, and the choice depends on the final product’s taste, texture, and color requirements.
How Cocoa Powder is Produced
Cocoa powder may look simple, but the process of making it involves several careful steps to preserve quality, flavor, and consistency. Most cocoa powder comes from cocoa beans grown in Africa, especially from countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, which supply some of the best grade cocoa powder in the world.
Here’s a step-by-step look at the production process:
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Harvesting Cocoa Pods
Cocoa beans are found inside large pods that grow on the cacao tree. Farmers carefully cut the ripe pods from the tree, usually with a machete, and split them open to remove the beans.
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Fermentation
The beans are covered with banana leaves and left to ferment for several days. Fermentation is crucial because it develops the chocolate flavor and reduces bitterness.
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Drying
After fermentation, the beans are sun-dried on wooden racks or mats. Proper drying ensures the beans don’t mold and are suitable for long-distance shipping.
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Roasting
Once the beans reach cocoa processors, they are roasted. Roasting enhances aroma, flavor, and color while making the shells brittle and easier to remove.
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Grinding into Cocoa Liquor
The roasted beans are cracked, and the nibs (the edible part) are ground into a thick paste called cocoa liquor (or cocoa mass). This liquor naturally contains both cocoa butter and cocoa solids.
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Pressing to Separate Cocoa Butter
The cocoa liquor is pressed under high pressure to separate the fat (cocoa butter) from the dry matter (cocoa solids). The cocoa butter is used for making chocolate bars, cosmetics, and food products.
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Pulverizing into Cocoa Powder
The remaining cocoa solids are ground into a fine powder—this is what we know as cocoa powder. Depending on the processing method, it becomes natural cocoa powder or alkalized cocoa powder (Dutch-processed).
Cocoa Powder Prices and Market Factors
At present, the price of cocoa powder (both natural cocoa powder and alkalized cocoa powder) is around USD 6,500 per metric ton, provided buyers place a minimum order of one 20ft container. This pricing applies to bulk orders and is based on premium African cocoa beans.
For buyers who need smaller quantities, suppliers often provide options for bulk cocoa powder, as well as smaller packaging for manufacturers, chocolatiers, and food brands.
Price of Cocoa Powder (Ghana)
Cocoa powder from Ghana is regarded as premium because of its consistent bean quality, strong chocolate flavor, and rich color. Ghana has strict quality control standards, making its cocoa highly demanded worldwide by chocolatiers and food manufacturers.
$8200
$
6,500-7,000
Per Ton (CFR) -
MOQ: 15 TONS (20FT CONTAINER)
Get A Quote or Order Now
Bulk and Smaller Quantities Available worldwide
limited offer
Why is Cocoa Powder Expensive?
The global cocoa industry has seen significant price increases in recent years. Several factors influence the price of natural cocoa powder and alkalized cocoa powder, including:
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Raw Cocoa Bean Prices
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Cocoa powder prices are directly linked to the cost of raw cocoa beans. If cocoa beans from Africa (especially Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire) rise in price, cocoa powder follows.
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Processing and Quality Standards
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Producing premium cocoa powder requires advanced processing facilities. Alkalized cocoa powder (Dutch processed cocoa powder) often costs more because of the additional treatment it undergoes.
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Supply and Demand
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With more global demand for organic cocoa powder, vegan-friendly foods, and gourmet chocolates, suppliers are experiencing high demand. Limited supply means higher prices.
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Export & Logistics
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Shipping cocoa powder worldwide, especially from Africa to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, involves logistics costs. Destinations such as cocoa powder in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar also factor in regional import duties and handling.
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Global Cocoa Market Volatility
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Weather changes, crop diseases, and political factors in cocoa-producing regions often lead to fluctuations in cocoa powder prices.
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Bulk vs. Small Orders
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Bulk cocoa powder (20ft container or more),the best price advantage, typically $6,500/MT.
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Smaller bulk orders – available, but slightly higher per-ton cost due to packaging, handling, and shipping.
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Retail/Small packs – significantly higher per kilo price, targeting bakeries, chocolatiers, and specialty shops.
Quick Price Snapshot
| Product | Price (FOB, Africa) | Order Requirement |
| Natural Cocoa Powder | $6,500 / MT | Min. 1 x 20ft container |
| Alkalized Cocoa Powder | $6,500 / MT | Min. 1 x 20ft container |
| Organic Cocoa Powder (Premium) | Negotiable, higher than standard | Bulk orders |
| Bulk Cocoa Powder (mixed) | Depends on supplier | Bulk or smaller lots |
Uses of Cocoa Powder in the Food Industry
Cocoa powder is one of the most versatile ingredients in the global food market. Its flavor, aroma, and health benefits make it a must-have for manufacturers across multiple sectors. Whether it’s natural cocoa powder or alkalized cocoa powder, the applications are extensive.
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Chocolate Manufacturing
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Cocoa powder is a key ingredient in dark, milk, and white chocolates.
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Natural cocoa powder brings a strong, slightly acidic flavor, while alkalized cocoa powder is smoother, making it ideal for premium chocolates.
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Organic cocoa powder is increasingly popular in clean-label, vegan, and sustainable chocolates.
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Beverages and Drinking Chocolate
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Alkalized cocoa powder (Dutch processed) is favored in hot chocolate mixes and cocoa drinks because of its deep color and smooth taste.
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Unprocessed cocoa powder is sometimes used in energy drinks and health supplements due to its higher antioxidant content.
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Cafés and specialty coffee shops often prefer dark brown cocoa powder for lattes, mochas, and milkshakes.
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Bakery and Confectionery
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Cakes, brownies, muffins, and cookies rely heavily on cocoa powder.
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Natural cocoa powder reacts with baking soda, making it ideal for recipes that require leavening.
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Chocolatiers often mix bulk cocoa powder with cocoa butter for coatings, fillings, and truffles.
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Dairy Products
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Ice creams, yogurts, and flavored milk products use cocoa powder for both taste and appearance.
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Premium cocoa powder enhances creaminess and adds an indulgent touch to desserts.
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Health and Nutritional Foods
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Organic cocoa powder is widely used in protein powders, nutrition bars, and supplements due to its antioxidant and mineral content.
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African cocoa powder is rich in magnesium, iron, and flavonoids, making it a functional food ingredient.
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Specialty and Gourmet Foods
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Dutch processed cocoa powder is essential in luxury desserts, artisan chocolates, and high-end patisserie products.
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Cocoa powder from Africa is often marketed as premium cocoa powder for international gourmet brands.
FAQs on Cocoa Powder Prices (Natural and Alkalized)
What is cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder is made by grinding roasted cocoa beans and pressing them to remove most of the cocoa butter. The result is a fine powder that contains cocoa solids, which give chocolate its rich flavor. It comes in two main types: natural cocoa powder and alkalized (Dutch processed) cocoa powder.
What’s the difference between natural cocoa powder and alkalized cocoa powder?
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Natural cocoa powder: Lighter in color, slightly acidic, and has a sharp chocolate flavor. Best for recipes that require baking soda as a leavening agent.
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Alkalized cocoa powder (Dutch processed): Darker, smoother, and less acidic because it has been treated with an alkalizing agent. It mixes well in beverages and premium chocolates.
What is the price of cocoa powder?
The price of cocoa powder is currently USD 6,500 per metric ton, for both natural and alkalized types. This price applies to bulk orders of at least one 20ft container (15 metric tons). Orders less that this will certainly cost slightly higher.
Do you supply both bulk and smaller quantities?
Yes. We can supply bulk cocoa powder in container loads, but we also offer smaller quantities for bakeries, chocolate makers, and specialty food companies. Both bulk cocoa powder and premium smaller packs are available depending on buyer needs.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for cocoa powder?
For international shipments, the MOQ is typically one 20ft container. However, we can also supply smaller quantities (such as pallet loads) for specialty buyers or regional distributors.
Is cocoa powder available in different grades?
Yes. We offer:
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Regular cocoa powder – standard grade for baking and beverages.
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Premium cocoa powder – higher fat content and richer flavor, ideal for gourmet chocolates.
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Organic cocoa powder – certified organic, free from chemicals, suitable for health-conscious markets.
Where can I buy both natural and alkalized cocoa powder in bulk?
Radad International supplies both natural cocoa powder and Dutch processed (alkalized) cocoa powder in bulk quantities, depending on customer requirements.
What is the shelf life of cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder typically has a shelf life of 18 to 24 months if stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Premium cocoa powder with higher fat content may have a slightly shorter shelf life.
Is cocoa powder healthy?
Yes. Cocoa powder is naturally rich in antioxidants, iron, magnesium, and flavonoids. Organic cocoa powder is especially popular in health products, protein powders, and supplements due to its clean-label appeal.
Where can I find a cocoa powder supplier in the Middle East?
Radad International can ship cocoa powder to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf countries. Many food manufacturers in these regions use our African cocoa powder for chocolates, beverages, and bakery products.
Can I get samples before placing a bulk order?
Yes. Buyers can request sample packs of both natural and alkalized cocoa powder before committing to large shipments. This helps ensure the flavor, color, and fat content meet their exact needs.
What packaging sizes are available for cocoa powder?
We offer:
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Bulk cocoa powder in 25kg bags.
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Smaller quantities (such as 5kg or customized packs) for artisanal chocolate makers and bakeries. Packaging can also be customized with buyer branding for wholesale distribution.
How is cocoa powder shipped internationally?
Cocoa powder is shipped in moisture-proof, food-grade bags within containers to preserve freshness. Shipments are made FOB (Free On Board) and CFR (Cost and Freight) from Ghana and other African ports, with global delivery available.
