CLAIM & DENOMINATION

Q: What is the difference between cacao and cocoa powder? Are cocoa powder and cacao powder the same?

A: There is no global definition of cacao and cocoa – it is not regulated by any food authorities. They are often used as synonyms and the difference between the two are based on subjective perceptions. To celebrate the 100% pure and more premium perception of this product unknown by Chefs, the expression “cacao powder” is used in all the Cacao Barry documents.

Q: What is the difference between cacao powder and chocolate powder?

Chocolate powder is often mistaken for cacao powder. The difference between cacao powder and chocolate powder lies in the composition. Chocolate powder or powdered chocolate is a mixture of cacao powder and sugars. Sometimes other ingredients are added such as milk powder. EU directive 2000/36 mentions that the mixture must contain “not less than 32% cacao powder”.

Q: What is the difference between alkalised cacao powder (or “Dutched” powder) and natural cacao powder?

A: Natural cacao powders are non-alkalized powders. The slight natural acidity of the cocoa beans is maintained in the final powdered product. This cacao powder category enables the usage of “natural” claims. Alkalised or “Dutched” powders are treated with an alkaline solution such as potassium carbonate for 90% of our Cacao Barry cacao powders. When mixing the cocoa nibs with alkaline agents during the “Dutching” or “Alkalization'' process, the pH of the nibs increases, which reduces the natural acidity of the cocoa. The alkalization process also darkens the colour (reddish-brown hues), enhances the flavours (stronger cocoa notes) and has an impact on the dispersibility and wettability of the final alkalised cacao powder.

Q: Are the Cacao Barry cacao powders sustainable?

A: Yes, the whole collection is made from sustainably sourced cacao beans. Learn more on the Cocoa Horizons Foundation here.

Q: Can we consider the Cacao Barry cacao powders sugar free?

A: Yes, they are 100% pure cacao. No sugar added.

Q: Can we consider the Cacao Barry cacao powders gluten free?

A: Yes, they are 100% gluten free.

Q: Are these cacao powders GMO free?

A:  Yes, the Cacao Barry cacao powders are GMO free.

Q: Are the Cacao Barry cacao powders Kosher Pareve?

A:  Yes, the Cacao Barry cacao powders are Kosher Pareve certified. Contact your account manager to get the technical sheet.

Q:  Are the Cacao Barry cacao powders Halal?

A:  Yes, the Cacao Barry cacao powders are Halal certified (except Légère 1%). Contact your account manager to get the technical sheet.

Q: Are the Cacao Barry cacao powders dairy free? Are these cacao powders suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets? Can we claim the Cacao Barry cacao powders vegan?

A:  Our products are lactose free. They are made without the addition of dairy. However they are not dairy free certified. The "dairy free" claim implies that all our suppliers are also "dairy free". Today it is not the case even if our cacao powder plant located in Louviers is dairy free. We can issue DF certification if needed.

Q: Are the Cacao Barry cacao powders healthy?

A:  The Cacao Barry pure cacao powders are a source of proteins, vitamins (B2, Calcium), and minerals (copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus). To claim any specific allegation, you must recalculate systematically the final nutritional values of your end product.

Q: Alkali regulation - What to declare on packaging?

A:  There are different declaration requirements depending on the level of alkalization and the way the powder is sold in your country as per below (EU regulation):

< 7 % Alkali content:

  • labeling for cacao powder sold in BtoB: cocoa powder, acidity regulator: Exxx
  • labeling for cacao powder as an ingredient in a consumer product BtoC: cocoa powder
  • labeling for cacao powder sold as BtoC product (cocoa powder sold as such to consumer): cocoa powder, acidity regulator: Exxx

Q: Are the bags of the new collection of Cacao Barry cacao powders recyclable & resealable?

A:  Yes, all the bags of the Cacao Barry cacao powders are recyclable and resealable with a zip closing, designed consciously to be more practical while reducing waste. More information here.