Is Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Good for You? Find Out Now
So some version of this wide-eyed question is on more people’s lips as they try to heal themselves with real, natural foods.
Cocoa has long been a sin food — but when you remove the added sugar and other additives, it becomes something else entirely admirable.
Unsweetened cocoa powder is an incredible whole-food ingredient full of nutrients that help your body and mind work their best.
Let’s take a look at why it’s so good for you and how it fits the reWilded life.
Is Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Good for You?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is just roasted and ground cacao beans — nothing more, nothing less.
This raw form of cocoa preserves the beneficial nutrients and enzymes present in the natural state, making it one of the most underrated superfoods hanging out in your kitchen.
When sourced from small-batch, sustainable farms, unsweetened cocoa is aligned with the Wild Foods mission of real food, real health.
Not the question over whether it’s good for you, but why in the world are you not taking this every day already?
Nutrient Content of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
You get a powerful hit of the good stuff in just half an inch, without the sugar slump.
Here’s what that spoonful delivers:
- Approximately 3 grams of fiber to aid digestion
- Energy and immunity, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc
- Antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols
- Virtually no sugar and 12 calories or so
It’s also low in carbs and fat, so it’s keto- and paleo-friendly.
These substances are known to maintain a healthy heart, body, a nd even hormonal levels in the brain.
7 Unexpected Health Scary Good Benefits of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder isn’t just for baking—it’s a powerhouse ingredient packed with health-boosting compounds.
From brain support to heart health, the benefits go way beyond chocolate cravings.
Let’s uncover seven unexpected (and scary good) ways this dark delight can elevate your wellness game.
Loaded With Antioxidants, Which Can Lower Inflammation
Cocoa powder is full of flavonoids – potent antioxidants that help safeguard your cells from damage (1).
These are substances that help cut down on chronic inflammation, a wellspring for many of today’s diseases.
Supports Heart and Circulatory Health
Cocoa flavanols support healthy blood flow, relax arteries, and improve blood pressure (2).
They support keeping your cardiovascular system running clean and smooth.
Enhances Mood and Cognitive Function
Cocoa also contains natural compounds that act as stimulants for the brain’s feel-good (3) neurotransmitters (think of antidepressants like anti-serotonin reuptake inhibitors): serotonin and dopamine.
It also has theobromine, a mild stimulant that can increase alertness without causing jitters.
May Support Weight Management
Cocoa is high in fiber and low in calories, which can regulate your appetite and reduce cravings.
It is good for metabolic health and may help improve insulin sensitivity (4).
Promotes Skin Health
The antioxidants in cocoa will help protect your skin from UV damage and possibly improve elasticity and hydration.
It’s an inside-out skin care routine — one that comes through your favorite smoothie.
Improves Gut Microbiome Balance
Cocoa is good for your gut bacteria, which will aid in creating a better environment for them to survive.
A balanced microbiome spells better digestion, energy, and mood.
Helps Support Healthy Hormone Balance in Men and Women
Magnesium in cocoa contributes to hormonal balance, particularly in women with their cycles.
Men could havean enhanced circulatory system and better mood.
Is It Safe to Consume Daily?
Yes — if you’re selecting all-natural, unsweetened cocoa powder and watching your portion sizes.
For most people, one to two tablespoons a day is considered safe and beneficial.
Best times to consume?
- In your morning smoothie
- Stirred into hot drinks
- Blended with Wild Collagen or Wild Whey for added nutritional synergy
Like anything, it’s a matter of moderation — cocoa should be added as a supplement to your diet, not a cure-all.
Potential Side Effects and Who Should Be Cautious
Cocoa is generally safe, but there are a couple of caveats:
It does have a little bit of caffeine, so it should be avoided in the evening before bed.
In which case, I can imagine there might be some people sensitive to oxalates, which cocoa contains in a mild quantity.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your health provider before having it as a daily routine.
For most people, the benefits of consuming far outweigh the risks — especially when it’s high-quality and sourced responsibly.
How to Select the Best Cocoa Powder
All cocoa powders are not created equal.
Here’s what to look for:
- Unsweetened (non-alkalized) to keep the antioxidant power
- Organic fair trade to guarantee purity and sustainability
- No sugar added, dairy-free, and no fillers
Small batch cocoa, such as that sourced by Wild Foods, can also be from nutrient-dense soil and ethical producers.
If it says “alkalized” or “processed with alkali” on the label, don’t buy it — it’s lower in antioxidants.
Final Thoughts
If you care about real food, real health, and real performance, unsweetened cocoa powder is something you should consider adding to your daily routine.
It’s nutrient-dense, convenient, and completely soul-satisfying.
Most importantly, it literally ties you to a tradition of natural nutrition — before food went fake.
Cocoa isn’t so much a “super” food when compared with other plant foods, like superberries and the rest; it’s more of an antidote to the Food That Is Now Trying To Kill Us.
Bringing cocoa into your life is sort of like trading in for symbiotic relationships — away from the synthetic, death-fostering ones we’ve got going on right now.
You feel better because you’re finally feeding your body what it really needs.
So by all means—scoop in a spoonful, stir it in, and get one step closer to your reWilded self.
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Check out our Wild Cocoa Powder -- ethically sourced, full of nutrients, and no additives at all.
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FAQs on Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
What type of cocoa powder is healthiest?
Natural, organic, and non-alkalized cocoa powders maintain the highest levels of antioxidants and nutrients.
Is it possible to overdose on unsweetened cocoa powder?
Yes. Keep to 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) a day for best effects and to prevent potential adverse effects such as jitters or digestive issues.
Can you have cocoa powder when pregnant?
In small quantities, yes — but as always, make sure you’re on the same page with your healthcare provider before using regularly.
How much cocoa powder can I consume a day?
Most adults should have 1 to 2 tablespoons per day.
Can you lose weight by eating cocoa powder?
It can lend a hand by reducing cravings, boosting metabolism, and promoting gut health.
Related Studies
1. Title: Cocoa Flavonoids Reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Cocoa extract reduced inflammatory markers IL-6 and NF-kB and attenuated oxidative stress and nitrotyrosine levels in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion injury, suggesting potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7070606/
2. Title: Cocoa Flavanol Cardiovascular Effects Beyond Blood Pressure Lowering
Cocoa flavanols significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure and improve endothelial function, vasodilation, and anti-inflammatory activity, supporting cardiovascular health.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8031944/
3. Title: Cocoa Flavanols: Brain Health and Mood Improvement
Cocoa flavanols increase cerebral blood flow, stimulate serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters, reduce cortisol and inflammation, and promote neuroplasticity via BDNF, enhancing mood and cognition.
Link: https://www.joinreframeapp.com/research-tips/cocoa-flavanols-brain-health-and-mood-improvement
4. Title: Cocoa Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota Interplay
Cocoa polyphenols act as prebiotics by enhancing beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium while inhibiting pathogenic species, promoting a healthier gut microbiome environment.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7400387/
