6 Best Cocoa Powders for Brownies

I love all baked treats equally – I don’t play favorites. But if I’m being honest, I have an affinity for brownies. So when I make brownies, I want to make sure I’m using the best ingredients. If you’re hunting for the best cocoa powder for brownies, I highly recommend the Navitas Organics Cacao Powder

Hi everyone! My name is Michelle, and I’m a big fan of brownies. I bake brownies at least once a week, so I’m almost always buying cocoa powder and chocolate chips (or at least it seems that way). 

For all my brownie-baking adventures, I rely on Navitas cocoa powder. I love the relatively large 24-ounce pack and that it’s USDA organic. It has an impressively rich and indulgent flavor that is just exquisite for my brownies. 

If you already have the best brownie pan but need cocoa powder for your next batch of brownies, let me give you a hand. I have researched and found the top six cocoa powders for brownies on the market, so you can make delightful treats you can trust. 

Let’s talk about cocoa powder (and hopefully, you won’t end up with drool all over your keyboard).

Best Cocoa for Brownies: Top Picks

There are a lot of cocoa powders for brownies out there. Make the right choice by picking from one of these excellent options.

1. Navitas Organics Cacao Powder (Top Choice)

  • Key Features: USDA organic, Fairtrade certified, Non-GMO, Kosher, vegan, gluten-free, decadently rich flavor, unsweetened cocoa powder, single-origin, powerfully nutritious
  • Ounces: 24

The Navitas cocoa powder is bound to be a crowd favorite. It comes in a relatively sizable 24-ounce bag, so you won’t worry about buying it every five seconds. It’s also USDA Organic and Fairtrade certified, which means you can feel confident in this cocoa powder.

This cocoa powder is entirely non-GMO, Kosher, gluten-free, and vegan. But don’t let that fool you. Although this is a “healthy” cocoa powder safe for all to consume, it doesn’t lack flavor whatsoever.

In fact, my favorite thing about this cocoa powder is the tremendously rich and indulgent flavor it brings to my brownies. Honestly, I hadn’t tasted such an exquisite depth of flavor until I started using this cocoa powder. In my opinion, it’s a must.

Everyone loves this cocoa powder and the stupendous flavor it provides. However, the packaging is so-so. Many people ended up with holes or some type of crack or break in the bag, which led to cocoa powder spilling everywhere. 

2. Healthworks Cacao Powder (Best Cacao Powder)

  • Key Features: Cacao, not cocoa, high in nutrients, superfood, authentic chocolate flavor, sustainably sourced, hand-harvested cacao beans, no GMOs, sugar-free, keto, and vegan-friendly, organic
  • Ounces: 16

Healthworks cacao powder is a brownie lover’s dream come true. This organic cacao powder is crafted from hand-harvested cacao beans in Peru, ensuring an intense chocolate flavor that is keto and vegan-friendly while containing no GMOs.

The beans are sustainably sourced, which is a significant selling point for some shoppers in this day and age.

This sugar-free cacao powder is the ideal addition to your fave chocolate recipes, including brownies. Because it is cacao rather than traditional cocoa, it has been minimally processed for a more nutrient-dense and authentic, intricate flavor.

A few users struggled with getting the cacao powder to dissolve, but it wasn’t too hassling that they didn’t love the product. Others were not big fans of the packaging, as you will need to pour the cacao powder into an airtight container.

3. Nestle Toll House Baking Cocoa (Budget Pick)

  • Key Features: Convenient can, delicious chocolate flavor, budget-friendly, trusted brand, no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
  • Ounces: 8

Honestly, when the idea of “chocolate” anything comes to mind, what brand do you think of? Nestle, of course. With that said, you know I had to add the Nestle Toll House Baking Cocoa to my top six list.

Nestle has been around since 1866 and consistently produces products we crave. And cocoa powder is no different. The chocolatey flavor is surprisingly rich, and there are no harmful artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives added. Thanks, Nestle!

As a bonus, this cocoa powder is super cheap. We’re talking less than $5 for delicious-tasting cocoa powder in a convenient 8-ounce can. So, skip the Starbucks line tomorrow and opt for this lovely cocoa powder for your brownies instead.

Buyers said this cocoa powder tasted like “Nestle chocolate chips in powder form” – yum. However, the lid was the biggest complaint. It’s pretty flimsy and doesn’t like to stay on most of the time. So, be extra careful when dealing with the lid, or buy a new container altogether.

4. Anthony’s Organic Carob Powder (Best Carob Option)

  • Key Features: Caffeine-free carob, rich flavor, lightly roasted for added chocolate taste, USDA certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, non-irradiated, unsweetened
  • Ounces: 16 

My darling Grandma can’t have chocolate due to the caffeine (should we all give a moment of silence?). I decided to add this top-notch carob powder for those out there, like dear old Grandma, who can’t have regular chocolate brownies but want the next best thing.

Anthony’s carob powder is entirely USDA-certified organic and gluten-free. And while you might not think Carob can work as a superb chocolate fix in brownies, think again.

This delicious carob powder is lightly roasted to ensure a bold “chocolate” flavor in any treat, especially ooey-gooey brownies. You will love the richness of this carob powder, all caffeine-free and ready to be consumed by all.

This is another “cocoa” powder where people loved the flavors but hated the packaging. For some people, it was challenging to open. Others couldn’t get the zip-lock to work. The best option? Get a container strictly for your “cocoa” powder!

5. Ghirardelli Sweet Ground Dark Chocolate & Cocoa Powder (Dark Chocolate Option)

  • Key Features: Trusted brand, bold dark chocolate taste, convenient container, scooper included
  • Ounces: 48

Can we be honest for a second? Everyone loves Ghirardelli chocolate in every way, shape, and form. And why wouldn’t they? Ghirardelli has been the chocolate mogul since 1852. Obviously, they had to find a spot on my top six list.

This cocoa powder from Ghiradelli comes with an interesting twist: dark chocolate flavoring. If you are a fan of this incredibly indulgent and decadent taste, you’re going to want to have this container in your arsenal.

The container is, well, huge, with three pounds of dark chocolate and cocoa powder inside. The can is entirely resealable, so you won’t have to worry about buying any airtight containers or dealing with pesky bags. It also comes with a handy scooper for all your brownie-baking needs.

The biggest issue with this cocoa powder is that it’s bitter. But, hello, remember that this is a cocoa powder with dark chocolate flavor infused. Of course, it’s going to have some bitterness to it!

6. GERBS Dutch Cocoa Powder (Allergy-Friendly Option)

  • Key Features: Safe for allergy-prone brownie lovers, no trans-fats, chemicals, preservatives, or artificial flavors, bold chocolate flavor
  • Ounces: 32

Those who suffer from allergies have to be extra careful about the products they pick, and you can feel confident in the Gerbs Dutch cocoa powder. This cocoa powder is allergen-free and safe for those with wheat, nut, soy, egg, dairy, fish, crustacean, sesame, or mustard allergies.

Aside from providing confidence while baking, the Gerbs Dutch cocoa powder is also free of any harmful substances such as trans-fats, chemicals, preservatives, and other artificial ingredients.

You will love this cocoa powder’s delicious and bold flavor, bringing your brownies to life in an all-new way. 

People love this cocoa powder, especially those who have allergies and want to whip up a delightful batch of brownies. However, keep in mind that this cocoa powder is not certified organic. This can be a breaking point for some shoppers.

Best Cocoa Powders for Brownies: Things to Consider

These cocoa powders are your portal to the most intensely-flavored and mouth-watering brownies you’ve ever made. But before you buy, consider these few things:

How many ounces?

If you’re new to the world of baking, don’t dive in headfirst to an extra-large package. Otherwise, you might find yourself wasting product. And in this economic climate, we can’t resort to being wasteful!

What kind of cocoa powder?

You will notice a few options on this list, including dark chocolate-flavored, cacao rather than cocoa, and carob. You can use one of these specialty cocoa powders or stick to the “usual” cocoa powder.

What features do you want/need?

There aren’t a whole lot of “features” when it comes to cocoa powder, but there are still a few to consider. For example, some come in convenient containers, while others come in bags that are nothing short of an annoyance. Others may be keto-friendly or USDA-certified organic.

Verdict

The Navitas Organics Cacao Powder is the clear winner for that shopping for a flavorful, nutritious, and safe cocoa powder to consume. It will work well in all of your brownie recipes, whether you’re brand new to the baking world or making your 500th batch of brownies.

About Michelle
I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.

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