Food
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Organic Cocoa Butter?

Rachael Cullins
Rachael Cullins

Cocoa butter is a fat derived from the cocoa bean and is used for various purposes, including the production of lotion and chocolate. Organic cocoa butter is generally not refined before use, leaving raw sediment, which must be removed, on the fat. It is not enhanced with any artificial colors or scents. Cocoa beans are generally grown in tropical regions.

The Broma process is used to extract cocoa butter from the bean. The process involves hanging ground cocoa beans and collecting the cocoa butter that drips off. The remains of the cocoa beans can then be ground into cocoa powder, which is often used to make chocolate or baked goods. Cocoa butter can also be extracted using a pressing process.

Organic cocoa butter may help with stretch marks.
Organic cocoa butter may help with stretch marks.

Users of organic cocoa butter believe that by not adding any chemicals to the natural cocoa butter, more of its desirable properties are maintained, including its natural, chocolate-like scent. Raw cocoa butter is also not heated above a certain temperature, with the goal of keeping the product as close to natural as possible. It is either drained using the Broma process or pressed out using only cold-pressing methods. Organic cocoa butter is suitable for vegans, who eat no animal products whatsoever, and is gluten-free.

Organic cocoa butter can be used to make all-natural beauty products.
Organic cocoa butter can be used to make all-natural beauty products.

Organic cocoa butter is believed to have many desirable properties and is used in a great variety of ways. When used as a lotion, it can heal dry or chapped skin and is useful for preventing and reducing stretch marks in pregnant women. Some use it to make all-natural beauty products, such as soaps and bath products. Cocoa butter’s softening effects on the skin make it a natural anti-aging material. For those searching for organic makeup, cocoa butter is used as a thickener for lipstick.

Organic cocoa butter comes from the cacao bean.
Organic cocoa butter comes from the cacao bean.

Many companies sell organic cocoa butter. Some contain natural sediments that must be sifted from the product before use. There are companies that perform lab testing on the cocoa butter to ensure that no outside chemicals are present in the product. After draining or pressing, the cocoa butter is often shaped into a brick before sale. Organic cocoa butter is typically long-lasting, with a shelf life of at least several months. It should be stored in a cool, dry place for the best preservation.

The cocoa bean is found in tropical climates. It is often grown in countries such as the Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Indonesia. These countries’ warm climates make it possible to harvest the beans year-round.

Discussion Comments

literally45

I use organic, pure cocoa butter in baking sometimes. Cocoa butter is usually used to make chocolate. But not many people know that it can also be used in baking, in place of regular butter.

I just made cookies with organic cocoa butter and they turned out great. They taste like chocolate but there is no chocolate in the recipe!

donasmrs

@fBoyle-- Organic cocoa butter is butter made from cocoa beans that are organically grown. Raw cocoa butter refers to unrefined cocoa butter. Most organic cocoa butter is raw and raw cocoa butter is often organic. But I'm sure that there are exceptions in both cases.

If you want to buy organic cocoa butter, make sure that it says "certified organic" on the label. Organic cocoa butter is usually sold in blocks. You can break off as much as you want and melt it in a double boiler. When it's melted, it can be mixed with other oils to make salves and lotions.

fBoyle

Is there a difference between cocoa butter that's organic and cocoa butter that's raw?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Organic cocoa butter may help with stretch marks.
      By: Leo Lintang
      Organic cocoa butter may help with stretch marks.
    • Organic cocoa butter can be used to make all-natural beauty products.
      By: seen
      Organic cocoa butter can be used to make all-natural beauty products.
    • Organic cocoa butter comes from the cacao bean.
      By: svl861
      Organic cocoa butter comes from the cacao bean.
    • Making cocoa butter involves collecting the fat that drips off of cocoa beans.
      By: Jiri Hera
      Making cocoa butter involves collecting the fat that drips off of cocoa beans.