The Glory of Cocoa
It’s easy to assume cocoa powder has only one role and one flavour profile. But in reality, cocoa is as versatile and complex as any other staple ingredient in the kitchen. Beyond being the foundation of chocolate, the right cocoa can transform a recipe, acting as a clean-label caramel colour replacer, adding savoury depth, or delivering rich flavour to both sweet and savoury applications.
Cocoa’s value lies in both its flavour and its colour palette. Each shade tells a story and brings a different function to the plate.
PV4: Savoury Depth and Culinary Adventure
When it comes to savoury innovation, PV4 is your go-to. It adds complexity to rubs, marinades, sauces and stews, intensifying flavours in everything from BBQ to Bolognese. As consumers embrace more adventurous pairings, cocoa is breaking free from the sweet aisle and finding a place in savoury dishes where it adds unexpected richness and balance.
PV6R: Intensity and Indulgence
PV6R cocoa powder is known for its deep, dark reddish hue and intense aroma. A little goes a long way, with just a small addition delivering the bold chocolate flavour that elevates baked goods, desserts and beverages. The rich colour also enhances visual appeal, signalling indulgence and premium quality in every application.
PV7: A Natural Caramel Colour Replacer
For applications where rich dark colour is just as important as taste, PV7 cocoa powder shines bright. With its unsweetened character, PV7 is an excellent clean-label alternative to dark colours. It enhances the appearance and richness of sauces, gravies, and stews, while bringing cocoa depth without overwhelming sweetness.
So Why Does Cocoa Choice Matter?
Selecting the right cocoa is more than a matter of flavour. It shapes the look, feel and perception of finished products and dishes. The right choice can be the difference between good and exceptional. From indulgent desserts to bold savoury creations, cocoa is not just an ingredient, it’s a creative, versatile tool for innovation.
To find out more about the cocoa powders we currently have in stock, make sure to contact your Account Manager, or email us at info@nftc.com.au.