Every now and then, we find forgotten food items in the pantry or in the back of our cupboard. Sadly, some stuff has expired, including a half-open pack of cocoa powder.
Wasting food is not your habit. But, you’re still doubting: Does cocoa powder go bad?
Or, you are in the middle of baking and find out that the cocoa powder has passed the expiration date. It’s dilemmatic being in this situation.
You don’t want to risk your health, but it is such a hassle to make a trip to the store for only a pack of cocoa powder. So, you’re wondering: How can you tell if cocoa powder is bad?
We’ve all been there! Fear not. In this article, we’ve broken down cocoa powder’s shelf life, its storage methods, common signs of cocoa powder going bad, etc. If this is what you are looking for, read on!
How To Store Cocoa Powder
We can find several types of cocoa powder in the store, such as organic, natural, or Dutch-processed. Jump to the FAQs section down below to know the difference.
Regardless of the types, unsweetened cocoa powder requires a cool, dry, and dark place to maintain its shelf life and quality. The ideal storage conditions are similar to other dried goods and baking essentials, such as baking soda, flour, etc.
That being said, your pantry is an excellent place. But, a kitchen cupboard or cabinet does the job too. Leave an unopened package as it is—no preparation needed.
Remember that the main goal of storing cocoa powder is to keep it dry. After opening, transfer the remaining powder to a sealed, airtight container. If the package is not resealable, otherwise, keep it tightly sealed in its original packaging.
Do you need to refrigerate or freeze cocoa powder?
Naturally, cocoa powder is shelf-stable and has a long shelf life. As long as it is kept in a cool and dry place, it should retain its peak quality at least until the best by date.
Unless you live in a very hot climate, refrigeration or freezing is unnecessary. On the contrary, refrigeration increases the risk of spoilage from moisture build-up.
How To Tell If Cocoa Powder Has Gone Bad
Cocoa powder also doesn’t spoil or go off like milk, or fresh produce does. However, it does degrade in quality.
If you’re planning to use old cocoa powder for an important baking project, like for a birthday or party, you’d better think twice. The cocoa powder loses its flavor and texture slowly over time. Don’t let old cocoa powder ruin your party.
As long as the cocoa powder doesn’t smell off or develops molds, feel free to use it. At this point, it remains safe for consumption. It’s your call whether to keep it or toss it out.
How Long Does Cocoa Powder Last?
As with other dried products, cocoa powder also has a long lifespan. As long as the powder is kept away from excess moisture, its longevity is guaranteed. A “best by” or “best before” date from the manufacturer informs when the peak quality retains.
After this date, cocoa powder remains safe for consumption, although a decrease in flavor or texture, subject to proper storage and perfect packaging.
Once opened, cocoa powder tends to pick moisture from the environment, especially with frequent use, or if you forget to seal the container. Hence, it is best to use within a year while still in its best quality. (*)
Cocoa powder
Pantry
Cocoa powder (unopened)
Best by date o+ 1 – 2 years
Cocoa powder (opened)
1 year
This table is a rough estimate. The actual shelf life depends on storage conditions. In many cases, cocoa powder remains fit for consumption beyond these time frames.
FAQs
Can you use expired or old cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder is generally safe to consume after its expiration date, as long as no spoilage signs are observed. The “best by” date is an indication of the best quality. But, the flavor may change a bit, depending on how you store it.
What is the difference between Dutch-processed and natural (regular) cocoa?
Cocoa powder is made by drying and grinding cocoa liquor into a fine powder after cocoa beans are fermented and roasted. At the end of this step, natural or regular cocoa powder is made.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder (also known as European style or alkalized) is cocoa powder treated with an alkaline chemical to reduce acidity. Visually, Dutch-processed cocoa is darker, while natural cocoa powder is lighter since it remains untreated.
In terms of flavor, Dutch-processed cocoa powder is smoother and softer compared to natural cocoa powder, which is slightly acidic.
Can I use cocoa powder instead of the Dutch-processed?
For baking, you can replace Dutch-processed cocoa powder in an equal amount with natural cocoa powder. Add 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda for every three tablespoons of cocoa powder to balance the acidity. This replacement may result in a slightly lighter color than the usual recipe.
Is cacao powder the same as cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder is processed at high heat, whereas cacao powder is processed at low temperatures from fermented unroasted cacao seeds.
Final Thoughts
Cocoa powder is a base for many baked goods and hot chocolate drinks. It is a durable item but still needs proper storage. Cocoa powder doesn’t necessarily go bad or spoiled like fresh produce does, but it loses its potency over time and you might need to find a good substitute for cocoa powder for baking or making beverages.
Store cocoa powder in a cool, dry, dark place, such as your pantry or cupboard. Keeping it in the refrigerator is not recommended due to the risk of moisture build-up.
With old or expired cocoa powder, as long as it doesn’t grow molds or develop an unpleasant smell, it should be safe to use. However, you should anticipate the change in flavor and texture.
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
