Cacao powder substitutes
Cacao powder substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cocoa powder
Same amount as the cacao powder
Processed chocolate powder with similar flavor.
The best substitutes for cacao powder are cocoa powder, chocolate chips, or other chocolate products like chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cacao powder | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cocoa powderbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Chocolate chipsbaking | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Chocolate shavingsbaking | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Chocolate syrupbeverages | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Chocolate extractbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Chocolate milk powderbeverages | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Cocoa powder
similar taste and texture
Processed chocolate powder with similar flavor.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, cooking
Similar flavor, similar texture.
Chocolate chips
different taste and texture
Small chocolate pieces with similar flavor.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, cooking
More sweet, similar flavor.
Chocolate shavings
different taste and texture
Grated chocolate with similar flavor.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, cooking
More sweet, similar flavor.
Chocolate syrup
similar taste, different texture
Liquid chocolate with similar flavor.
- Best for
- beverages, desserts, cooking, toppings
More liquid, similar flavor.
Chocolate extract
similar taste, different texture
Concentrated chocolate flavoring.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, cooking
More concentrated, different intensity.
Chocolate milk powder
different taste, similar texture
Sweetened chocolate powder with similar flavor.
- Best for
- beverages, desserts, cooking, toppings
More sweet, similar flavor.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use cocoa powder instead of cacao powder?
Yes, cocoa powder is a good substitute for cacao powder. It has similar flavor and can be used in most recipes that call for cacao powder.
What's the difference between cacao powder and cocoa powder?
Cacao powder is raw and unprocessed, while cocoa powder is processed and may have added ingredients. Cacao powder has a more intense, bitter flavor.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of cacao powder?
Yes, chocolate chips can work as a substitute, though they may be sweeter. They have similar flavor and can be used in most recipes.
Why is cacao powder so popular in healthy baking?
Cacao powder is popular in healthy baking because it's raw, unprocessed, and has intense chocolate flavor without added sugar or processing.
Tips for substituting cacao powder
6 tips- Cacao powder adds intense chocolate flavor to dishes
- Cacao powder can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Cacao powder pairs well with fruits, nuts, and spices
- Cacao powder works well in baking and desserts
- Cacao powder can be used to make hot chocolate and smoothies
- Store cacao powder in an airtight container