Cocoa Powder

Customer Rating:
Summary: Bad smell and taste
Comment: Valhrona cocoa is proof a higher price does not always indicate a better product. This does not even smell like cocoa and has a very odd taste. It tastes like it's been smoked or has spices in it, very green tasting. It absolutely ruined icing I made for eclairs. It faired a bit better in cookies, but still has a funky aftertaste. I checked it out on the Cooks Illustrated website and it is not recommended (if you are unfamiliar, Cooks Illustrated is the "Consumer Reports" of the cooking world). I wish I would have checked it out before I bought it.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Is everybody suffering from mass hypnosis?
Comment: This doesn't taste like cocoa at all. It tastes like some of kind of dried powdered vegetable. Expensive and overrated. I was warned by a review someplace else--Cook's Illustrated, I think--but didn't think something that bore the vaunted name of Valrhona could be that bad. I was wrong. Ghirardelli cocoa is way better--nice strong chocolate flavor.

Customer Rating:
Summary: The best there is
Comment: There is cocoa powder, and there is cocoa powder, and then there is Valrhona Cocoa Powder. I don't know that it's possible to find a cocoa this rich and, well, chocolaty. For baking, this is about as good as it gets. Chocolate cake will take on a nice dark brown coloring as well as a deep, rich taste. Likewise, I used some in a chocolate frosting recipe and it came out perfectly. This powder is created in the "Dutch" process to lower acidity. Be sure to check your recipe to see which type you need as it can make a difference in how the finished product turns out. I can't say that there is any real weakness with this product. You should understand, however, that it's a very rich chocolate and if you want a milder taste this may not fit your needs. If you're a true chocolate lover and want the best of the best, though, here it is.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Replacement #3?
Comment: Not quite. Am trying to find a replacement to Hershey's Dutch processed cocoa, which they "improved" and made worse. Made devils food cake. This brand did not produce a deep rich color and taste was average. Also made chocolate ice cream, color and texure were good but taste wasn't what I was looking for. It did not leave any after taste though. Will not buy again.

Customer Rating:
Summary: 3 Yums!
Comment: I purchased this cocoa for making hot chocolate (since I am having problems finding Schokinag cocoa, another "dutch processed" cocoa that was previously my favorite). I was very pleased to find that Valrhona's cocoa has an even richer (and slightly more roasted) flavor than my former favorite! I use a smaller quantity of Valrhona cocoa than I did of Schokinag cocoa to make my cocoa (with milk and honey).