Beverages

Beverages, chocolate powder, no sugar added

FDC 174824tbsp (11 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 85 · +56 vs Beverages median

This chocolate drink powder also scores 85 of 100, Strong, ranking 5 of 60 beverages against a category median of 29. Its richest nutrients are minerals: magnesium at 98 percent of the Daily Value, calcium at 70 percent, vitamin C at 61 percent, and potassium at 36 percent, all per 100 grams.

Despite the 'no sugar added' name, the powder itself is high in sodium at 500 milligrams per 100 grams and in sugars at 27.3 grams per 100 grams, figures worth checking before stirring a heaping spoonful into milk. A tablespoon serving is about 11 grams, so those per-100-gram numbers shrink considerably once mixed into an actual cup of milk.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around beverages, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 9.1 g · 10%Carb 68.3 g · 78%Fat 4.5 g · 12%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories350 kcal18%
Total fat4.5 g6%
Saturated fat0 g0%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium500 mg22%
Carbohydrate68 g25%
Dietary fiber9.1 g33%
Sugars27 g
Protein9.1 g18%
Potassium1700 mg36%
Calcium909 mg70%
Iron3.3 mg18%
Magnesium410 mg98%
Vitamin C55 mg61%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E0 mg0%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 174824

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Magnesium98% DV
Calcium70% DV
Vitamin C61% DV
Potassium36% DV
Dietary fiber33% DV
Protein18% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the beverages median

Nutrient density85 vs 29 median
Protein / 100 g9.1 vs 0.2 median
Fiber / 100 g9.1 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g500 vs 12 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Beverages, Protein powder whey basedDensity 85 vs 85Beverages, rich chocolate, powderDensity 88 vs 85Beverages, Whey protein powder isolateDensity 91 vs 85

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Unsweetened chocolate powder is used mainly for hot cocoa and baking: whisked into hot milk it becomes a cup of cocoa, and folded into batter it adds chocolate flavor to brownies, cakes, and cookies without contributing sweetness of its own. Because it is fine and prone to clumping, it dissolves best when first whisked with a small splash of hot liquid into a smooth paste before the rest of the milk is added. Since no sugar is added, a sweetener such as sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute is typically stirred in separately to taste, which makes it easy to control how sweet the final drink or bake turns out.

Store it airtight in the pantry away from moisture and heat so it does not clump or pick up other odors. Calories look high at 350 per 100 grams, but a typical tablespoon serving is only about 11 grams, so a mug of cocoa uses a small fraction of that. Per 100 grams it also supplies about 98% of the Daily Value for magnesium, 70% for calcium, and 61% for vitamin C, and it is worth noting the sodium runs higher than plain cocoa at 500 milligrams per 100 grams, so anyone watching sodium closely should check the label before using it heavily.

Frequently asked questions about beverages

How many calories are in chocolate powder?

350 calories per 100 grams, though a typical tablespoon serving is only about 11 grams.

Is chocolate powder a good source of magnesium?

Per 100 grams it supplies about 98% of the Daily Value for magnesium, along with 70% for calcium.

How do you use unsweetened chocolate powder?

Whisk it into hot milk for cocoa, blend into smoothies, or use it in baking, adding sweetener separately since none is included.

View the USDA source record