Cocoa butter is a highly priced versatile commodity whose demand continues to grow. The global cocoa butter market value is anticipated to reach a value of USD 4.31 billion, with a projected CAGR of 6.90% by the year 2029. Germany, Belgium, and USA are amongst the largest consumers of cocoa butter, while Indonesia is one of the largest supplier.
Cocoa butter market is influenced by factors such as the growing demand for cocoa butter in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as its use in confectionery and bakery products. The market is also impacted by the global presence of key companies, production capacities, and the nature of cocoa butter, including its organic and conventional forms.
- Cocoa Butter vs Cacao Butter
- What is cocoa butter made of?
- How is cocoa butter made?
- Is cocoa butter the same as butter?
- Why is cocoa butter so expensive?
- Can you eat 100% cocoa butter?
- Does cocoa butter expire?
- Why use cocoa butter on skin?
- Is cocoa butter better than shea?
- Does cacao butter clog pores?
- What is CBS cocoa butter substitute?
Cocoa Butter vs Cacao Butter
Cocoa butter and cacao butter both originate from the cacao bean, the fruit of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao). These fats find wide application in both the food and cosmetic industries, thanks to their unique physical and chemical attributes.
Cacao butter and cocoa butter are the same product but are processed differently. Cacao butter is generally raw, while cocoa butter is processed at a high temperature, making it not raw. The names are not regulated, so a company can make non-raw cocoa butter and call it cacao butter.
Cocoa butter is a type of vegetable fat made from cocoa beans, found in chocolate and beauty products. It is naturally emollient and frequently used in soaps, lotions, and creams. Cacao butter, despite the name, contains no butter or dairy and is a naturally occurring plant-based fat derived from the cocoa bean. It is solid at room temperature and has a low melting point. Both cacao butter and cocoa butter are used for their skin benefits and in cooking and baking.
Cocoa butter is essentially the natural fat found in cacao beans, serving as the primary constituent in various chocolate confections. Notably, it boasts a relatively narrow melting point range, typically spanning from 27°C to 33°C, solidifying at room temperature. What sets cocoa butter apart are its distinctive flavor, aroma, and the delightful mouthfeel it imparts. An interesting facet of cocoa butter is its high content of saturated fat and monounsaturated oleic acid.
What is cocoa butter made of?
Cocoa butter is mostly made up of fats that come from cacao beans, which are the seeds inside cacao pods. These fats are special because they make cocoa butter solid at room temperature but melt when it gets a little warmer, like in your mouth.
If you are wondering about the type of fats in cocoa butter formula, they are mainly:
- Saturated Fats
These are the ones that give cocoa butter its solid form. Think of them as the building blocks of cocoa butter. The two big players here are stearic acid and palmitic acid.
2. Monounsaturated Fats
These are the good guys that give cocoa butter that creamy texture. Oleic acid, which is also found in olive oil, is one of them.
3. Polyunsaturated Fats
Just a small amount of these in cocoa butter, like linoleic acid.
Fatty Acid Composition of Cocoa Butter
- Palmitic acid (C16:0): 25-26%
- Oleic acid (C18:1): 34.5-35%
- Stearic acid (C18:0): 34.5-35%
- Linoleic acid (C18:2): 3-3.2%
- Palmitoleic acid (C16:1): 0.3%
- Arachidic acid (C20:0): 1.0%
- Other fatty acids: 0.5-2%
Depending on where the cacao beans come from and how they’re processed, the exact mix of these fats can vary a bit. But these fats are the stars of the show in cocoa butter, making it perfect for chocolate and skincare products.
How is cocoa butter made?
1. Harvesting and Fermentation
It all starts with cacao beans, which are the seeds found inside cacao pods. These pods grow on cacao trees. When they’re ripe, the pods are harvested.
Inside the pods, the cacao beans are surrounded by a sweet pulp. This pulp is removed, leaving behind the beans.
Now, the beans are placed in shallow containers or baskets for a few days to ferment. This fermentation process is important for developing the beans’ flavor and aroma.
2. Drying
After fermenting, the beans need to dry out. They’re spread out in the sun to reduce moisture levels. This drying step prevents the beans from spoiling.
3. Roasting
Once dried, it’s time to roast the beans. This is where the magic of chocolate flavour begins.
The beans are roasted in large ovens at temperatures ranging from 250°F to 320°F (121°C to 160°C). The exact temperature and time vary depending on the beans and the desired flavor.
During roasting, the beans change color, and their aroma develops. The roasting time, which can be 15 to 45 minutes, is adjusted to create the desired flavor.
4. Cracking and Winnowing
After roasting, the beans are cracked open, and their outer shells are separated from the inner nibs. These nibs contain both cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
5. Grinding
Those cacao nibs are ground into a paste known as chocolate liquor (don’t worry, it’s not alcoholic!). This paste contains both cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
6. Pressing
Now, it’s time to separate the cocoa butter from the cocoa solids. This is done through hydraulic pressing. The cacao butter is pressed out, leaving behind cacao cake, which is later used to make cocoa powder.
7. Refining and Deodorizing
Sometimes, the cocoa butter goes through additional refining and deodorizing steps to remove any impurities and unwanted odors. This gives us pure cocoa butter.
8. Cooling and Solidifying
The refined cocoa butter cools and solidifies. It’s solid at room temperature but melts easily. This is what gives chocolate its smooth and creamy texture.
9. Packaging
Finally, the cocoa butter is shaped or packaged for distribution. It’s sent off to chocolate makers and various industries that use it in their products.
Is cocoa butter the same as butter?
Despite the use of the word “butter” in its name, cocoa butter is vegan and contains no dairy products. It is pale yellow and is sold in solid form, needing to be melted before cooking.
On the other hand, butter is a dairy product made from animal fat, typically from cow’s milk or butterfat. It is a solid, spreadable substance that is commonly used in cooking and baking for its flavor and texture.
In summary, cocoa butter is not the same as butter. Cocoa butter is a plant-based fat derived from cocoa beans, while butter is an animal-based product made from animal fat.
Why is cocoa butter so expensive?
Cocoa butter is relatively expensive due to several factors:
- Production Process: The production process of cocoa butter is labor-intensive, involving the extraction of fat from cocoa beans. This process contributes to its relatively high cost.
- High Demand: Cocoa butter is widely used in the cosmetic and food industries due to its high oxidative stability, natural emollient properties, and the presence of antioxidants and vitamin E. The high demand for these properties contributes to its cost.
- Limited Supply: The limited supply of high-quality cocoa beans can also impact the price of cocoa butter, as it is derived from these beans.
Can you eat 100% cocoa butter?
Absolutely, you can totally munch on 100% cocoa butter! It’s entirely safe to eat. Now, straight-up cocoa butter might not be the tastiest thing on its own—it’s got this rich, fatty texture and a hint of cocoa flavor. But here’s the magic: when you mix it with cocoa powder and some other goodies, bam! You’ve got the makings of a delicious chocolate bar.
Now, cocoa butter is a bit on the fatty side, kind of like coconut oil. In fact, about 57% to 64% of its fat content is the saturated kind. There’s palmitic, stearic, lauric, and myristic acids, plus a dash of oleic acid in there. And hey, it’s not just about the fats—it’s got a smidge of vitamin E and K to keep things interesting.
Does cocoa butter expire?
Cocoa butter is known for its high oxidative stability, which is attributed to its natural antioxidants and vitamin E content. This stability allows cocoa butter to remain food-safe for an extended period when stored properly.
While cocoa butter does not have a specific expiration date, it can go rancid if exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures for an extended period. To ensure the freshness and quality of cocoa butter, it is recommended to store it in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation and rancidification.
In summary, cocoa butter is stable and does not have an expiration date, but it can go rancid if exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures for an extended period. To maintain its quality, it should be stored in a cool, dark place.
Why use cocoa butter on skin?
Cocoa butter works wonders for your skin, offering a range of benefits that contribute to its overall health and appearance:
- Deep Moisturization: Packed with fatty acids, cocoa butter deeply hydrates the skin, making it a top-notch ingredient in body moisturizers.
- Skin Health Booster: Renowned for its ability to ward off premature skin aging, cocoa butter keeps the skin moisturized and helps prevent various inflammatory conditions. You’ll find it commonly used in moisturizers, soaps, and body creams.
- Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Goodness: Cocoa butter contains polyphenols and other bioactive compounds, delivering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that work wonders for your skin.
- Skin Protection: Acting as a reliable skin protectant, cocoa butter is fantastic for chapped skin and lips. It forms a protective barrier over the skin, locking in moisture and ensuring your skin stays nourished.
- Enhancing Skin Appearance: Many swear by cocoa butter to smooth out scars, wrinkles, and other skin marks. It’s also believed to boost skin elasticity and improve the overall appearance of wrinkles.
Incorporating cocoa butter into your skincare routine can be a deliciously effective way to nurture your skin and promote a radiant, healthy glow.
Is cocoa butter better than shea?
Both cocoa butter and shea butter are good for the skin and contain fatty acids that help to moisturize and nourish the skin. However, each butter has unique properties that make them better suited for different skin types and concerns.
Cocoa butter is firmer in texture and has a distinct chocolate smell. It is rich in saturated fats, including oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid, which can help to moisturize the skin and replenish its lipids. Cocoa butter is believed to be a pore-clogging ingredient, so it may not be suitable for acne-prone skin.
Shea butter, on the other hand, is softer in texture and has a nutty aroma. It is rich in vitamins A and E, which provide increased antioxidant benefits and help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. Shea butter is a deeply moisturizing ingredient that is suitable for dry skin, and it is known to improve stretch marks and other skin blemishes.
Does cacao butter clog pores?
There is a mixed opinions on whether cocoa butter clogs pores. Some sources suggest that cocoa butter can clog pores due to its high amounts of oleic and palmitic acids, which can congest skin and cause breakouts. Other sources suggest that cocoa butter is non-comedogenic and does not clog pores.
Overall, the potential for cocoa butter to clog pores may depend on the individual’s skin type and sensitivity. People with acne-prone skin may want to avoid using cocoa butter on their face or use it sparingly to avoid clogging pores. It is always recommended to patch test a new skincare product before using it on the face to avoid any adverse reactions.
What is CBS cocoa butter substitute?
Cocoa butter substitute (CBS) is a vegetable fat that is used as a replacement for cocoa butter in various applications, including chocolate production. CBS is obtained from natural sources such as palm kernel oil, palm olein, mango seed fat, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, cotton oil, peanut oil, and coconut oil.
Why replace cocoa butter with CBS? Cocoa Butter Substitute is an economical alternative to cocoa butter and has physical properties similar to cocoa butter. The price of CBS can be a third of that of cocoa butter. It is used in the manufacture of chocolate products and can produce high-quality chocolate. CBS can be packed in polyethylene-lined cartons of 20kg or 25kg net, or in drums of 180 kg or 190kg net.
The melting point of cocoa butter substitute (CBS) typically falls within the range of 32 °C to 34 °C, making it suitable for chocolate production. Its ability to crystallize in the β’ form contributes to optimal melting and hardness properties in chocolate products. The use of large amounts of CBS has been found to increase the melting point of chocolate due to its semi-solid characteristics at room temperature.