Cocoa powder is an unsweetened chocolate. It is what is left over when the ‘fatty’ part of the cocoa bean has been processed. It is an essential ingredient in chocolate cakes, cookies, etc. You can even make a delicious hot drink with it. Trader Joe’s stocks a good range of cocoa powders, and listens to what their customers want. While cocoa powder comes in many forms, many people need Dutch-processed cocoa powder. So, does Trader Joe’s have this?
Most cocoa powder options at Trader Joe’s have been Dutch-processed. Although, you’ll need to look at the ingredient list to be sure. If the ingredients say ‘Processed with Alkali’, then it is a Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Do bear in mind that things can change on occasion, so always keep an eye on current ingredient lists if you need Dutch-processed.
Dutch-processed cocoa not only offers a slightly different flavor profile, but it is essential for certain baking projects. So, on this page, we’ll let you know more about Trader Joe’s cocoa powder options. We’ll even give you advice on working out whether your choice of cocoa powder is Dutch-processed.
Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder
Trader Joe’s offers a few different options for cocoa powder. Not a surprise, really. Trader Joe’s has always managed to keep an extensive selection of ingredients for baking.
Almost all of them are a far higher quality than you would find in your typical large grocery store too! However, do bear in mind that Trader Joe’s does switch out some of their cocoa powder flavors, on occasion.
Trader Joe’s does your staples like ‘drinking cocoa powder’, and ‘cocoa powder for baking’. They do pure cocoa powder (i.e. no additional ingredients), but if you feel like getting a bit more experimental, they sometimes shake things up with unique flavors.
For example, one of our favorite products from Trader Joe’s is their sea salt cocoa powder. It can help to jazz up certain baked goods or makes a wonderful drink.
If you want to check out the cocoa powder options at Trader Joe’s, then you should find them down either the baking product aisle or the drink aisle.
If you head to the Trader Joe’s website (www.traderjoes.com), then you can get an idea of the type of cocoa powders they have in stock, as well as the price they are changing for them.
The latter is especially important. Because Trader Joe’s only uses fair trade cocoa powder products, the prices do change every so often.
To check the current price and availability of Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder, click here to view the listing on Amazon.
Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder
Normal cocoa powder is acidic. So, cocoa powder will have a sharp taste, almost like a citrus fruit. Although, it does depend on the cocoa bean used to make the cocoa powder. Because cocoa powder is acidic, it reacts with baking soda.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder is cocoa powder that has had the acidity removed. To do this, the manufacturer adds alkali. As a result, the cocoa powder ends up far more alkaline.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder doesn’t have the ‘sharp’ taste that standard cocoa powder has. It is a much more mellow chocolate. Some people have described it as an ‘earthy’ taste. If you have ever tried an Oreo, then that is made from Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
It should give you a feel for the chocolaty taste. Hershey’s chocolate, on the other hand, is made from normal cocoa. Because Dutch-processed cocoa powder is alkaline, it doesn’t react with the same ingredients as natural cocoa powder. You need baking powder instead.
Outside of the flavor profile, you don’t have to worry too much about making drinks with cocoa powder. They can both be made in the same way.
However, if you are planning on baking with cocoa powder, then you need to ensure that you have the right type.
Most quality recipes will tell you what type of cocoa powder to use. If they don’t, then this is a general rule of thumb:
- If the recipe mentions baking soda, then use standard cocoa powder.
- If the recipe mentions baking powder, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
If you don’t do this, then you could mess the recipe up. Remember, baking is just chemistry. You have to get every ingredient working together! Of course, you can always substitute the baking soda or baking powder if you can only source one type of cocoa powder:
- To substitute baking soda for baking powder, add triple the quantity of baking powder. So, if the recipe needs 1/2 teaspoon of soda, add 1.5 teaspoons of powder.
- If you want to substitute baking powder, things are more complicated. For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder, you will substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
Before you go substituting ingredients, we recommend that you get more experienced with the baking process!
Determining if Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder is Dutch-Processed
Luckily, it isn’t too tough to tell whether Trader Joe’s cocoa powder is Dutch-processed. Trader Joe’s is always clear on the ingredients in their products. If you see the following on the ingredient list, then you have Dutch-Processed cocoa powder:
Cocoa Processed With Alkali
As near as we can tell, all of the cocoa powder products currently sold by Trader Joe’s are Dutch-Processed. Although, this can change. Trader Joe’s does switch up manufacturers a lot.
So, always pay attention to the product packaging or website listings. If in doubt, you can reach out to their customer service team. They are always great at answering any questions that you may have!
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s cocoa powder is normally Dutch-processed. You’ll need to check the ingredient list for a product (in-store or online). If it says that it has been processed with Alkali, then you know that the product is Dutch-processed.
Things do change, though. Some people have reported that products that used to be Dutch-processed are not anymore. So, whenever you buy your cocoa powder, always double-check the ingredients, even if you are familiar with the product. If in doubt, you can always give the Trader Joe’s customer service team a call. They love to help.
