Find my drinkHomemade hot chocolateThick European drinking chocolateMexican hot chocolateSee all: Hot chocolateChocolate milkshakeFrozen hot chocolateMochaSee all: Cold & coffeeBest hot chocolate mixesBest cocoa powderAll reviewsSee all: Cocoa & mixesCalorie calculatorParty calculatorChocolate drink finderSee all: ToolsGuides

Dutch-process vs natural cocoa

By Chocolate Drink Recipes editors · Updated · How we test

Both are unsweetened cocoa powder. The difference is acidity: Dutch-process cocoa is treated with an alkali, making it darker, smoother and less bitter; natural cocoa is lighter and sharper.

How they compare

Natural cocoa Dutch-process cocoa
Color Light reddish-brown Dark brown to nearly black
Flavor Bright, fruity, a bit sharp Mellow, smooth, “Oreo-like”
Acidity Acidic Neutral
Best for Recipes using baking soda Hot chocolate, ice cream, frosting

For hot chocolate

Either works. Dutch-process gives the smooth, dark cup most people love; natural tastes more intense and fruity. Many cooks like a mix.

Can you swap them?

In drinks, yes, freely. In baking, swapping can affect rise, because natural cocoa reacts with baking soda.

See our picks for the best cocoa powder for hot chocolate.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hershey’s cocoa natural or Dutch?

The standard Hershey’s cocoa is natural; Hershey’s Special Dark is a blend that includes Dutch-process cocoa.

Questions from readers

Got a question about Dutch-process vs natural cocoa? Ask it here. We answer the useful ones on this page.

Ask a question

We can’t reply privately. Useful questions get answered here on the page.

Keep reading

Hot chocolate vs hot cocoaHot cocoa is made from cocoa powder; hot chocolate is made from melted chocolate. Here’s how they d…The best milk for hot chocolateWhole, 2%, skim, oat, soy, almond or coconut: how each milk changes hot chocolate’s creaminess, fla…Does hot chocolate have caffeine?Hot chocolate has about 5-25 mg caffeine per cup: far less than coffee. See caffeine in cocoa, dark…How to set up a hot chocolate barEverything for a hot chocolate bar: how much to make, keeping it warm, the best toppings and stir-i…How to froth milk without a frotherFour easy ways to froth milk for mochas and hot chocolate without an espresso machine: jar, French …