If you’ve ever wondered where cocoa powder really comes from, the answer is as fascinating as it is complex. It all begins with the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao), whose beans are as diverse as the regions they grow in. From delicate, floral varieties to robust, earthy ones, each type of cocoa has its own story — and its own role in the food industry.
At Idilia Foods, we work daily with cocoa from many origins, and in this article we’d like to guide you through the main types of cocoa, how they differ, and what they are most often used for.
The traditional classification
Although modern science reveals much greater diversity, the cocoa world has long spoken of three main families: Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario. Think of them as the “big three” that shaped the global cocoa trade.
1. Criollo Cocoa
Criollo cocoa is easily recognized by its light-coloured beans and its soft, refined flavour, often carrying delicate floral or fruity notes with very low bitterness. Despite its exceptional quality, Criollo is rare, accounting for less than 5% of global production, and it is highly sensitive to disease, which makes cultivation challenging.
Because of its unique aroma and gentle flavour profile, Criollo is primarily used in premium cocoa powders for drinks and desserts, in artisanal and gourmet preparations where aroma is paramount, and in carefully crafted blends that require an extra touch of complexity and elegance.
2. Forastero Cocoa
Forastero cocoa is characterized by its darker beans, robust and earthy flavour, and higher bitterness, with plants that are exceptionally hardy and productive. It plays a central role in the global cocoa industry, representing over 80% of worldwide production, particularly in West Africa.
Thanks to its strength and consistency, Forastero is widely used in bulk cocoa powders for bakery, dairy products, and everyday beverages. It is also commonly processed into alkalized cocoa powders to ensure a uniform taste and deep colour, making it the most important ingredient for most large-scale industrial applications.
3. Trinitario Cocoa
Trinitario cocoa is a natural hybrid of Criollo and Forastero, offering a unique balance of refined flavour and resilience. Its flavour profiles are highly variable, ranging from fruity and spicy notes to more robust and deep tones, depending on the specific lineage and growing conditions.
Because of its versatile and distinctive characteristics, Trinitario is often used in fine-flavour cocoa powders recognized by the International Cocoa Organization, in specialty beverages and high-quality food applications, and in carefully crafted blends where manufacturers seek both body and aromatic complexity.
Beyond the “Big Three”
Genetic research shows cocoa is even richer than the traditional classification suggests. A landmark study (Motamayor et al., 2008) identified 10 genetic clusters: Amelonado, Contamana, Criollo, Curaray, Guiana, Iquitos, Marañón, Nacional, Nanay, and Purús.
- Nacional (Ecuador): Famous for its floral “Arriba” aroma, often used in premium powders.
- Amelonado (West Africa): Reliable, high-yielding, perfect for bulk powders.
- Marañón & Iquitos (Peru): Known for their fine flavour potential, used increasingly in specialty markets.
- Guiana & Purús (Amazon basin): Rare commercially, but important for breeding disease-resistant hybrids.
From bean to powder: how differences show up
Once harvested, cocoa beans go through fermentation, drying, roasting, and milling before becoming cocoa powder. The variety and origin determine whether the result is a delicate powder for gourmet drinks or a robust powder for everyday use. That’s why cocoa isn’t just one ingredient — it’s a whole palette of flavours and functions.
Cocoa is as diverse as the regions where it grows. Some types are treasured for their fine aromas, others valued for their strength and consistency, and many are blended to achieve just the right balance. At Idilia Foods, we see cocoa not just as a raw material, but as a global journey of flavour and functionality — one that allows us to innovate and deliver quality products for every kind of consumer.