Cocoa Powder Specifications Comparison Chart: Complete Technical Reference 2025 - NK Cocoa Industry News and Updates
Technical Reference

Cocoa Powder Specifications Comparison Chart: Complete Technical Reference 2025

📊 About This Reference

This is the spec table we share internally with buyers who need to compare grades fast. Use it when writing your product spec, reviewing supplier quotes, or aligning R&D on acceptable ranges. Values reflect PT Nutrisi Kakao Indonesia ranges and common international standards.

Master Specification Table: All Cocoa Powder Types

Parameter Natural Alk. Brown Alk. Dark Alk. Reddish Black
pH (10% solution) 5.2 - 5.8 6.2 - 6.8 7.2 - 7.8 7.2 - 8.2 7.6 - 8.5+
Fat Content (Standard) 10-12% 10-12% 10-12% 10-12% 10-12%
Fat Content (High Fat) 20-22% 20-22% 20-22% 20-22% N/A
Fat Content (Low Fat) 4-8% 4-8% 4-8% 4-8% N/A
Moisture Max ≤5% ≤5% ≤5% ≤5% ≤5%
Fineness (200 mesh) ≥99% ≥99% ≥99% ≥99% ≥99%
Ash Content Max ≤8% ≤8% ≤9% ≤9% ≤14%
Total Plate Count ≤5,000 CFU/g
Yeast & Mold ≤100 CFU/g
E. coli Negative / ≤10 CFU/g
Salmonella Negative in 25g

Heavy Metal Limits (Regulatory Standards)

Heavy Metal EU Limit USA (FDA) Codex Alimentarius NK Cocoa Target
Cadmium (Cd) ≤0.3 ppm* No federal limit Under review ≤0.3 ppm
Lead (Pb) ≤0.1 ppm ≤0.1 ppm (CA Prop 65) ≤0.1 ppm ≤0.1 ppm
Arsenic (As) N/A N/A N/A ≤0.5 ppm
Mercury (Hg) N/A N/A N/A ≤0.03 ppm

*EU Regulation 488/2014 for cocoa powder with ≥30% cocoa solids. Lower-cocoa products may have different limits.

Color Values Reference (L*a*b* Color Space)

L* = Lightness (0=black, 100=white), a* = Green-Red, b* = Blue-Yellow

Cocoa Type L* (Lightness) a* (Red) b* (Yellow)
Natural 38-45 10-14 18-25
Alkalized Brown 28-35 8-12 12-18
Alkalized Dark Brown 22-28 6-10 8-14
Alkalized Reddish 25-32 12-16 10-16
Black Cocoa 12-18 2-6 2-6

Cocoa Butter Specifications

Parameter Pure Prime Pressed (PPP) Deodorized
Color Pale yellow White/Off-white
Odor Characteristic cocoa aroma Neutral/Bland
Melting Point 32-35°C 32-35°C
Free Fatty Acid (FFA) ≤1.75% ≤1.75%
Iodine Value 33-42 33-42
Saponification Value 188-198 188-198
Moisture ≤0.2% ≤0.2%
Best Applications Chocolate making, confectionery White chocolate, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals

Packaging & Shelf Life Standards

  • Standard Packaging: 25kg multiwall paper bags with PE liner
  • Bulk Options: 500kg/1000kg big bags (FIBC)
  • Shelf Life: 24 months from production date (proper storage)
  • Storage Conditions: Cool (15-25°C), dry (<65% RH), away from odors

📥 Download Full Specification Sheets

Contact our sales team to receive detailed Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) for any product grade.

Request TDS & COA →
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