Cocoa Powder

Best Cocoa Powder Brands in Pakistan

There are several well-known brands that sell good quality and great tasting cocoa products in Pakistan. These include Rossmoor, Cadbury, Hershey's, Guittard, Cacao Barry and Ghirardelli Majestic.

Cocoa Powder Uses

It is used in cooking and baking as well as making delicious beverages across the world. The recipes are mostly quick and easy to make and taste just like chocolate if the right brand is used. Here's how you can use cocoa at home. 

1. Brownies

2. Hot cocoa drink

3. Chocolate desserts

4. Puddings

5. Cakes

6. Chocolate bread

7. Pancakes

8. Can be sprinkled over fruits

9. Can be added to Granola bars

10. Less acidic than coffee

11. Makes for a great facial mask and scrub

Cocoa Powder Health Benefits

Experts believe that consuming organic cocoa can reduce inflammation, improve coronary health, manage blood sugar and give healthy skin and teeth. The powder has polyphenols and flavonols in abundance, that are responsible for giving it anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Side Effects

While there are numerous health benefits of cocoa powder, it also has a number of side effects if consumed in large amounts. The key is eating it in moderation and not mixing it too much with sugar and salt etc. Since it contains caffeine, consuming in large amounts can cause a fast heartbeat, sleeplessness, constipation, allergic skin reactions, increased urination, nervousness and can trigger migraine headaches.

Tips & Comments

It is important that one should always go for the non-alkalized cocoa or dark chocolate variety that has more than 70% of cocoa. Alkalizing is done to reduce the bitterness of the powder but doing so also reduces its flavonol content, that's why it is better to buy the non-alkalized variety. Also, check the labels to avoid the product with added sugar and preservatives.