I've been using cocoa powder for many years as a home baker and chef. I often use it in smoothies to help hide some of the more noxious flavors I've got in there. I'm aware that many varieties of cocoa powder have high concentrations of heavy metals, so you need to pick a reputable vendor. I've been working with Yupik for many years and trust their products. I also know that organic cocoa powder can be important given the level of pesticides that are often used in conventional cocoa.

So when I saw this cocoa powder which was a phenomenal price at $26.99 for 2.2 pounds, or one kilogram I picked it up quickly. I've been using it over the last couple of weeks and already plan to order more.

The taste is definitely quite mild. It's not Dutch-processed, which means it has more of its nutrients intact, but it doesn't have quite as robust a flavor as I'd like. I've found myself increasing the volume of cocoa powder I use because the flavor is so mild.

I have not found certifications for ethical farming, or publicly available information about heavy metal/lead content, which is concerning to me.

I purchased this product with my own funds, and my reviews are brutally honest as an autistic person, that's not really optional for me anyway. Some of the links on this website may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission (around 1%) on purchases made through them.

Answer: Yupik Organic Raw Cacao Powder is non-Dutch processed (unalkalized and raw), meaning it retains higher levels of native antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients compared to alkalized cocoa.

Answer: Yupik does not provide publicly available lab testing reports for heavy metal (lead/cadmium) concentrations. This lack of transparency is a notable drawback given industry-wide heavy metal concerns in cocoa products.

Answer: It performs well as a clean, organic superfood ingredient, but its chocolate flavor profile is quite mild. Autistic individuals or home chefs using it to mask harsher supplement flavors in smoothies may need to increase the serving size to achieve a robust cocoa taste.