Are you asking yourself “does cocoa powder go bad?” Your cocoa powder has been in the pantry for so long that you don’t even remember its existence. Then one day you want to drink hot cocoa, you take them out and wonder if you can use it anymore.
Let’s explore the answer by diving into this article! You’ll receive all the information about the cocoa powder shelf life, the ways to store it, how to know if it is bad and some more delicious recipes calling for it! Scroll down for more!
So, Can Cocoa Powder Go Bad?
Cocoa powder is a common ingredient in baking that is made of roasted cocoa beans. It is the powder form of cocoa solids that still consists of a small amount of cocoa butter in the making process.
Here in this post, I will only mention and discuss unsweetened cocoa powder that is used in baking, not the cocoa mix including sugar powder and milk solids that is usually made into a hot cocoa drink.
There are two main varieties of unsweetened cocoa powder, which are natural and Dutch-process cocoa powder. The natural one is the untreated powder with bitter and acidic taste, Dutch-process one is treated with alkaline solution to wash away the acidity.(1)
Both of these cocoa powder varieties do not really get spoiled. However, they do gradually lose the original taste and potency over time. As long as your cocoa powder is stored properly in good conditions and in a clean container, it rarely goes bad or moldy.
Although it can last for a very long time, the cocoa powder does have a printed best-by date that you should know about. Continue to read the next section to find out!
Learn how to differentiate between natural and Dutch-process cocoa powder! Watch this video below:
The Pretty Long Shelf Life Of Cocoa Powder
Like some other baking ingredients in powder form, cocoa powder can stay in the original taste and texture for a quite long time.
| Types Cocoa Powder | In The Pantry (At Room Temperature) |
| Unopened cocoa powder | Best by + 2 – 3 years |
| Opened cocoa powder | 1 – 2 years |
Unopened Cocoa Powder
When you store the whole can or tin of cocoa powder properly, they may last beyond the printed expiration day for up to 2 years, or sometimes 3 years. After this time, your cocoa powder quality will quickly decrease and cannot hold the best flavor anymore.
Opened Cocoa Powder
Once the cocoa powder tin is opened, it can last for 1 to 2 years based mostly on the storage conditions. If it is improperly stored, it will soon get spoiled and develop molds quickly within a year. So be careful with the opened cocoa powder!
Best Methods And Tips To Store Cocoa Powder
You have heard a lot about “storing cocoa powder properly” to maintain the quality of cocoa powder for a long time, but how to do so? Here are some of my recommendations for long-term storage!
Notice Where To Put Cocoa Powder
It is fine to just store your cocoa powder in the pantry, but make sure that the place is dry, cool, and as dark as possible. Any heat or moisture will cause the powder to get spoiled quickly, so it’s important to notice the place you decide to store it.
Store It In Proper Temperature
Cocoa powder can simply be stored at room temperature (40 – 62°F), but if you are living in warm to hot climates or tropical countries, it’s not a good idea to leave the cocoa outside of the fridge for a long time.
However, if you put the cocoa powder in the fridge, keep an eye on it regularly since the fridge contains a humid environment that can make your powder get bad faster without your noticing. Also, make sure that the container is closed carefully to prevent moisture.
Always Seal It Tightly
Any container of cocoa powder should be sealed tightly after using to prevent the moisture or oxygen invade from the external environment. As I mentioned, moisture is the biggest enemy of cocoa powder, which can make its quality degrade quicker than you thought.
You should not store cocoa powder in the freezer, but if you must do that, pay attention to the sealing! It’s important that the container is 100% airtight when you store it in the freezer, so seal it carefully. If you do it right, freezing will not affect the taste or texture of it.
Also, make sure that the container (glass jar, airtight plastic bags, etc) holding cocoa powder is clean, dry before you put it inside. The most ideal way is to store it in the packaging that it comes from when you purchase it from the supermarket.
By following these tips, you can maximize the shelf life of both unopened and opened cocoa powder and reduce the chance of it developing molds and getting spoiled before the expiration day. You won’t be disappointed, so try it!
Specific Signs Telling That Your Cocoa Powder Goes Bad
If you have noticed that your unsweetened cocoa powder has been left for too long in the cabinet, and you suspect that it is spoiled, then it’s time to take it out and do some tests to see whether you can use your old cocoa powder or not.
It Smells Rancid
A sniff test using your nose is always reliable! If the cocoa powder gives an off or rancid odor, it may have been spoiled and should be discarded immediately!
This rarely happens if your cocoa powder is stored properly. In the process of making cocoa powder, there may remain some cocoa butter in the final product. Therefore, the cocoa powder can develop a rancid smell.
Moreover, if the cocoa powder is stored at medium to high temperature in warm climate conditions, it may get spoiled quicker and eventually have an unpleasant smell.
It Consists Of Molds
If your cocoa powder is stored in a moist environment, there’s a high chance that it becomes wet and develops molds quickly! You should not use the powder when you can inspect any mold on its texture. Also, if some organic growth and wet clumps appear, toss it away now!
The molds in cocoa powder may spread to other remaining parts, so it is not a great idea to just get rid of the molds and continue to use the rest. Throw it all and buy some new cocoa powder from the store!
It Tastes Unusual
Even when you can’t smell or observe any unusual signs of spoilage, you should also taste a little bit of your cocoa powder as the final test. Remember, just put a very small amount like a fingertip of it to your mouth, in case it has already spoiled.
If your cocoa powder doesn’t contain the strong chocolatey and natural bitter taste and just tastes pretty bland, then it must have reduced the flavor content. In this case, the off-taste cocoa powder can’t bring anything to your dish, so consider replacing it with something else.
Delectable Recipes To Begin With Cocoa Powder
Make use of your cocoa powder before it gets spoiled! Don’t know what to do with it? Here are some extremely easy-to-make recipes that call for cocoa powder! They are not only simple but also delicious and worth your try!
Cocoa Brownies
With some components that can be found in almost any kitchen, these brownies are made in one bowl, which is super convenient and quick. Cocoa powder is the main ingredient so you don’t have to melt raw chocolate beforehand.
These soft, smooth, fudgy brownies are so addictive that you can eat them on a binge. They are also a beautiful sweet dessert to serve at parties. Just take a bite and you’ll be blown away!
This is the most fudgy brownie recipe ever with some simple ingredients! Watch this video:
Cocoa Powder Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse is just like sent from heaven! It is so fluffy, soft, and will melt right in your mouth. You can make this recipe in just 5 to 10 minutes. The dominating chocolatey flavor of cocoa powder in this dish will be an excellent treat for chocolate lovers!
Everyone loves mousse, especially chocolate mousse! So why don’t you try this scrumptious recipe for the next dessert?
Cocoa Banana Almond Date Smoothie
A refreshing and healthy smoothie is coming right up! You can always blend some basic fruits, nuts, and cocoa powder to get a nice mixture for your breakfast. The called-for “almond” can be raw nuts or almond milk, both are fine and easy to apply in the smoothie!
Make yourself some smoothies to freshen a new day with this cocoa banana almond date smoothie recipe! I bet that you won’t be disappointed when drinking this wonderful beverage. And it can even benefit your health with the nutrients from all those ingredients!
Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream With Cocoa Powder
Chocolate ice cream for a hot summer day, why not? This homemade recipe is fun to make with your kids! I’m sure that they will absolutely love eating this ice cream!
The sweet, creamy, chocolatey and a bit bitter flavor from cocoa powder makes this ice cream so memorable to taste. You can make a lot of it and store it in the ice-making drawer of your fridge, then take out enough to use whenever you want to serve.
The best 3-ingredient chocolate ice cream recipe has finally showed up! Watch this video to know:
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions that have been collected and briefly answered! Any other questions popped up in your head? Ask me in the comment section!
You Should Test Your Cocoa Powder Now!
Cocoa powder may not spoil really quickly over time, but it does appear some signs of spoilage if it is not stored properly or has been left unopened for too long. You should check your cocoa powder regularly to make sure that it’s still fine.
I’m sure that you have somehow figured out the shelf life of cocoa powder and the correct ways to store it. If you find my words and experiences on cocoa powder helpful for yourself, like and share with your family and friends! Sharing is caring, right?
References
- En.wikipedia.org. 2021. Cocoa solids – Wikipedia. [online] Available at: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoa_solids>.
- Mayo Clinic. 2021. Food poisoning – Symptoms and causes. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20356230>.
