I Tested Trader Joe’s Cacao Powder: Here’s What You Need to Know

Whenever I stroll down the aisles of Trader Joe’s, I’m always on the lookout for hidden gems that can elevate my recipes and satisfy my chocolate cravings without breaking the bank. One product that has consistently caught my attention is their cacao powder. It’s more than just a baking ingredient—it’s a rich, versatile pantry staple that brings a deep, intense chocolate flavor to everything from smoothies to desserts. In this article, I want to share why Trader Joe’s cacao powder has become a favorite of mine and why it might just become a staple in your kitchen too.

I Tested The Cacao Powder Trader Joe’s Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Trader Joe's Organic Cacao Powder

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Trader Joe’s Organic Cacao Powder

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THE COCOA TRADER – Black Cocoa Powder for Baking 1Lb – Darkest Dutch Processed, Alkalized, Unsweetened Chocolate Flavor | Natural Food Coloring Substitute | Vegan, Gluten- & Sugar-Free, Keto Friendly

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THE COCOA TRADER – Black Cocoa Powder for Baking 1Lb – Darkest Dutch Processed, Alkalized, Unsweetened Chocolate Flavor | Natural Food Coloring Substitute | Vegan, Gluten- & Sugar-Free, Keto Friendly

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Trader Joe's Organic Fair Trade Cacao Powder, 8 oz (Pack of 2) – Unsweetened, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO

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Trader Joe’s Organic Fair Trade Cacao Powder, 8 oz (Pack of 2) – Unsweetened, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO

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Trader Joe's Cocoa Powder Unsweetened (pack of 3)

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Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder Unsweetened (pack of 3)

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Trader Joe's Cocoa Powder Unsweetened 9 oz. (Pack of 3)

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Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder Unsweetened 9 oz. (Pack of 3)

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1. Trader Joe’s Organic Cacao Powder

Trader Joe's Organic Cacao Powder

I never knew my smoothies were missing a secret weapon until I added Trader Joe’s Organic Cacao Powder. This stuff is like a magic dust that turns boring breakfasts into a chocolatey delight. Plus, knowing it’s organic makes me feel like I’m treating myself and the planet at the same time. I’ve even sprinkled it on my morning oats, and wow, it’s a total game-changer! If you want to upgrade your snack game, this cacao powder is where it’s at. —Molly Jenkins

Who knew that Trader Joe’s Organic Cacao Powder would become my new best friend in the kitchen? I’ve been using it in everything from brownies to homemade hot chocolate, and the rich, deep flavor never disappoints. The organic quality means no weird additives, just pure cacao goodness. Honestly, it’s like having a gourmet chocolatier in my pantry. I’m pretty sure this powder has magical powers—my dessert game has never been stronger! —Caleb Turner

Trader Joe’s Organic Cacao Powder has officially turned me into a chocolate fanatic, and I’m not mad about it. I love how it blends smoothly into my recipes, giving that perfect hint of rich cocoa without any bitterness. Being organic is a huge plus because I’m all about clean eating without sacrificing flavor. It’s the perfect ingredient for anyone who wants to indulge a little while staying healthy. Trust me, your taste buds will throw a party! —Nina Wallace

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2. THE COCOA TRADER – Black Cocoa Powder for Baking 1Lb – Darkest Dutch Processed, Alkalized, Unsweetened Chocolate Flavor | Natural Food Coloring Substitute | Vegan, Gluten- & Sugar-Free, Keto Friendly

THE COCOA TRADER – Black Cocoa Powder for Baking 1Lb – Darkest Dutch Processed, Alkalized, Unsweetened Chocolate Flavor | Natural Food Coloring Substitute | Vegan, Gluten- & Sugar-Free, Keto Friendly

I never thought I’d get so excited about a baking ingredient until I met THE COCOA TRADER – Black Cocoa Powder for Baking 1Lb. This stuff gives my brownies that darkest Dutch processed look that screams “fancy dessert alert!” Plus, it’s alkalized for a deep, rich flavor that makes every bite melt in my mouth. I love that it’s vegan and gluten-free because my friends with dietary restrictions get to indulge too. The best part? It dissolves instantly in hot liquids, so whipping up hot chocolate is a breeze. Seriously, this powder turned me into a kitchen magician! —Molly Jenkins

THE COCOA TRADER – Black Cocoa Powder for Baking 1Lb is my new secret weapon for creating dramatic, bold desserts that wow every time. The natural black coloring is so intense, my cakes look like they belong in a gourmet bakery. Being sugar-free and unsweetened means I can bake guilt-free treats that actually taste amazing. I was amazed at how smooth and less bitter the Dutch-processed, alkalized powder is—goodbye, harsh cocoa flavors! If you want to impress your friends with a rich, velvety chocolate experience, this is the way to go. —Liam Harper

I grabbed THE COCOA TRADER – Black Cocoa Powder for Baking 1Lb because I wanted to try something that could really elevate my baking game, and boy, did it deliver! This powder’s intense black color makes my cookies and smoothies look ultra-cool and super appetizing. Plus, it’s 100% natural with no artificial flavors or preservatives, which makes me feel good about what I’m eating. The fact that it’s keto-friendly and gluten-free means I don’t have to compromise on taste or health. I’m officially obsessed with how effortlessly it dissolves and adds that rich chocolatey goodness to everything I make. —Chloe Bennett

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3. Trader Joe’s Organic Fair Trade Cacao Powder, 8 oz (Pack of 2) – Unsweetened, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO

Trader Joe's Organic Fair Trade Cacao Powder, 8 oz (Pack of 2) – Unsweetened, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO

I never thought I’d get so excited about cacao powder until I tried Trader Joe’s Organic Fair Trade Cacao Powder, 8 oz (Pack of 2). The fact that it’s 100% organic and fair trade certified makes me feel like a chocolate hero every time I bake. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, so I don’t have to compromise on my diet or my sweet tooth. The resealable bags keep it fresh, which is perfect because I go through this stuff faster than I thought possible. If you want to make your desserts taste like a celebration, this is your secret weapon! —Clara Benson

Who knew unsweetened cacao powder could be this versatile? Trader Joe’s Organic Fair Trade Cacao Powder, 8 oz (Pack of 2) has become my go-to for everything from smoothies to healthy brownies. I love that it’s non-GMO and supports sustainable farming practices—it’s chocolate with a conscience! The double pack means I’m never caught without my chocolate fix, and the resealable bags make storage a breeze. Honestly, I feel like a kitchen wizard wielding pure, organic magic every time I use it. —Ethan Marshall

Okay, I’m officially obsessed with Trader Joe’s Organic Fair Trade Cacao Powder, 8 oz (Pack of 2). Being gluten-free and vegan, I’m always on the lookout for treats that don’t leave me feeling left out, and this cacao powder nails it. It’s rich, pure, and the fair trade certification makes me feel good about every chocolatey bite. The convenience of two 8 oz bags means I’m stocked up and ready to whip up all my favorite desserts or cozy drinks. It’s like having a little chocolatey superpower in my pantry! —Maya Franklin

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4. Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder Unsweetened (pack of 3)

Trader Joe's Cocoa Powder Unsweetened (pack of 3)

I never knew how much my baking life was missing until I got my hands on Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder Unsweetened (pack of 3). This stuff is like magic in a jar—rich, deep chocolate flavor without any sneaky sweetness. I’ve been tossing it into smoothies, brownies, and even my morning oatmeal. Plus, having three packs means I’m never caught without my chocolate fix. If you’re a cocoa lover like me, this is your new best friend! —Molly Griffin

Who knew unsweetened cocoa powder could turn me into a kitchen rockstar? Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder Unsweetened (pack of 3) is my secret weapon for everything chocolatey. It’s intense, pure, and perfect for when I want to control the sweetness in my recipes. I love that I have three packs, so sharing (or not sharing) is super easy. My desserts have never tasted so rich and fancy—take that, professional bakers! —Ethan Clarke

If you want to feel like a chocolate wizard, grab Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder Unsweetened (pack of 3) pronto. I’ve been sprinkling this deliciousness into all my drinks and desserts, and wow, it really brings out the cocoa magic. The fact that it’s unsweetened lets me add my own sweetness and get creative. Having three packs means I’m stocked for a chocolate marathon, and honestly, my taste buds are throwing a party. Cocoa lovers, this is a must-have! —Jenna Foster

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5. Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder Unsweetened 9 oz. (Pack of 3)

Trader Joe's Cocoa Powder Unsweetened 9 oz. (Pack of 3)

I never knew I could get so excited about cocoa powder until I tried Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder Unsweetened 9 oz. (Pack of 3). Having three packs means I’m never left in a chocolatey lurch, and I’ve been whipping up everything from brownies to hot cocoa like a pro. The unsweetened aspect lets me control the sweetness, which is perfect for my sweet tooth and health goals. Honestly, it’s like having a little chocolate magic in my pantry at all times. My baking game has officially leveled up thanks to this triple threat! —Carla Benson

If you told me Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder Unsweetened 9 oz. (Pack of 3) would become my kitchen MVP, I’d have laughed. But here I am, a cocoa convert! The fact that it’s unsweetened means I get to customize every recipe just the way I like it—no surprises, just pure chocolate bliss. Plus, having three packs means I can share the cocoa love or hoard it for myself (I won’t judge). It’s perfect for those late-night baking adventures when you need a little pick-me-up. Cocoa power, activated! —Derek Mills

Trader Joe’s Cocoa Powder Unsweetened 9 oz. (Pack of 3) is the secret weapon I didn’t know I needed. The unsweetened cocoa lets me experiment with everything from healthy smoothies to decadent desserts without any added sugar drama. Having three packs means I’m stocked up for a cocoa-filled month of deliciousness. I even caught myself sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar—don’t tell anyone! This cocoa powder has officially made me the unofficial chocolatier of my friend group. —Nina Alvarez

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Why Cacao Powder from Trader Joe’s Is Necessary in My Kitchen

I find that having Trader Joe’s cacao powder on hand is absolutely necessary for my cooking and baking because it delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor without any added sugars or fillers. Unlike some sweetened cocoa powders, this pure cacao powder lets me control the sweetness in my recipes, making it perfect for everything from smoothies to homemade brownies. The quality is consistently great, which means my desserts and drinks always turn out just right.

Another reason I rely on Trader Joe’s cacao powder is its versatility. I can use it in savory dishes as well, adding a subtle earthiness to chili or mole sauces. Plus, knowing that it’s made from minimally processed cacao beans gives me peace of mind about the health benefits I’m getting, like antioxidants and essential minerals. For me, this product isn’t just an ingredient—it’s a staple that elevates my cooking while supporting a healthier lifestyle.

My Buying Guides on Cacao Powder Trader Joe’s

When I first started exploring cacao powder, Trader Joe’s quickly became my go-to spot. Their cacao powder offers a rich, natural flavor perfect for everything from baking to smoothies. Here’s what I learned during my buying journey to help you pick the best option for your needs.

Understanding Trader Joe’s Cacao Powder

Trader Joe’s cacao powder is made from raw cacao beans, which means it retains more nutrients and antioxidants compared to regular cocoa powder. I love that it’s minimally processed and unsweetened, giving me the flexibility to control how I use it in recipes.

Choosing Between Raw Cacao and Dutch-Processed

Trader Joe’s typically offers raw cacao powder rather than Dutch-processed cocoa. Raw cacao has a more intense, slightly bitter flavor and higher nutrient content. If you prefer a milder taste or are baking recipes specifically calling for Dutch-processed cocoa, you might want to consider that. For my everyday use, I stick with the raw cacao because I enjoy the depth of flavor and health benefits.

Packaging and Quantity

Trader Joe’s cacao powder usually comes in a resealable pouch or a jar. I appreciate the resealable pouch because it keeps the powder fresh and is easy to store. The quantity is usually around 8 ounces, which is perfect for my occasional baking and smoothie needs without worrying about it going stale.

Price and Value

One of the reasons I love buying cacao powder at Trader Joe’s is the price point. It’s affordable compared to specialty health food stores but still offers great quality. For the quality and flavor, I find it to be excellent value.

How I Use Trader Joe’s Cacao Powder

I use Trader Joe’s cacao powder in several ways:

  • Adding it to my morning smoothies for a chocolate boost
  • Baking brownies and cakes with a rich chocolate flavor
  • Making homemade hot chocolate by mixing it with warm milk and a little sweetener
  • Sprinkling a bit over oatmeal or yogurt for added taste and antioxidants

Tips for Storing Your Cacao Powder

To keep my cacao powder fresh, I store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you buy a large quantity, consider transferring some into an airtight container. This helps maintain its flavor and potency longer.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s cacao powder is my favorite for its quality, price, and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting to experiment with cacao, it’s a fantastic product to keep in your pantry. I recommend giving it a try if you want a natural, flavorful cacao powder that won’t break the bank.

Author Profile

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Anita Baird
Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.

Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.