Buying Cocoa and Cocoa Powder for Your Business

Choosing the right powdered cocoa for your customers and your business

You can’t help but think of a hot and creamy drink when thinking about cocoa and cocoa powder. True chocolate lovers enjoy the flavor of powdered chocolate in everything from drinks to desserts. Whether you run a grocery store or coffee shop, own a bakery or restaurant or are a candy or ice cream maker, as a businessperson you know that a supply of high quality chocolate powder is crucial to meeting your sales goals.

From unsweetened and Dutch varieties to gourmet cocoa, it is important to have an assortment of cocoas and powdered cocoa available either to sell directly to your customers or for use in making the products your customers purchase. A great chocolate mix selection caters to every taste and recipe imaginable. When determining the best cocoa and coca powders to have on hand, it is best to consider the following:

1. There are two main types of cocoa powder, alkalized and non-alkalized.

2. Alkalized or Dutch processed cocoa has a flavor that is mild in comparison to the flavor in natural cocoa powder.

3. The highest quality cocoa and cocoa powders are pure cocoa and are not mixed with other ingredients.

 

Choose the right natural cocoa powder for your business

Natural cocoa and cocoa powders are ideal for cooking and baking. Your grocery customers may find a preference for one brand over another. Bakeries and restaurants that do their own baking may also want to mix and match to create new treats. There are organic and finely ground varieties; both are necessities for your business.
Try: Cocoa Supply.com offers both natural and organic powdered cocoa for baking, ranging from small one-pound bags for resale up to large 50-pound bags for commercial baking operations. With colors a color selection of natural, medium, dark and extra dark brown, you’re sure to find the variety you seek. Foodservicedirect.com also offers baking cocoa in both high fat and low fat varieties for food manufacturers, bakers and ice cream producers throughout the world.

Include some Dutch cocoa powder for a milder palate

Dutch cocoa and pure cocoa powders are darker than their natural counterparts. These are perfect for bakery needs, or for sale to customers who often use Dutch or pure cocoa in their own baking recipes. It is a processed and refined form of chocolate.
Try: Watkins Food Service offers 100% pure unsweetened cocoa in bulk made from the darkest and richest cocoa beans making it a great product for both cooking and baking needs. If you’re looking for Dutch cocoa check out Dutch Valley Food Distributors, Inc., who offer not only 25- and 50-pound bags of Dutch cocoa, but also natural and gourmet powdered cocoa, as well.

Add instant hot cocoa drink mixes to diversify your selection

Customers with a sweet tooth may prefer to buy cocoa powder drink mixes. These mixes combine cocoa, milk and sugar for a smooth and creamy hot or cold drink. Buy instant chocolate mix in packets or large canisters.
Try: For restaurants, coffee houses and grocers, buying instant cocoas or coffee drink mixes, either for serving or resale, provides customers with the choices they seek. Wholesale hot cocoa companies like the Omanhene Cocoa Bean Company offer a selection of bulk products that include cocoa and cocoa powder mixes. If you’re looking for a brand customers will recognize, CoffeeAM.com offers wholesale quantities of the popular Ghirardelli sweet chocolate cocoa, which is perfect for drinking or baking.

 

• Buy cocoa and cocoa powder made from high quality cacao beans, and be sure it is stored in an airtight container. Properly stored cocoa and cocoa powder can stay fresh up to two years. Do not substitute for good quality cocoa in your recipes. Substitutes will lower the quality of your chocolate treats, drinks and desserts.

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