- Yogurt is versatile, nutritious and pairs well with plenty of ingredients—including cocoa powder.
- Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants and a source of fiber without any sugar, helping to add flavor and nutrition to your yogurt.
- Along with cocoa powder, try adding extra fruit or seeds for even more nutrition.
Yogurt is a classic for a reason—it tastes great and is packed with nutrition. “Yogurt is a gem in the nutrition world—it’s accessible, often affordable and incredibly versatile,” explains Jenna Werner, RD. “Plus, it has protein, calcium and probiotics and is a great base to add a ton of other nutrition to.”
Regularly enjoying yogurt is linked with numerous health benefits including better blood sugar regulation, healthier cholesterol levels, stronger bones and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.,
If you’re looking for a simple way to level up your daily yogurt, there’s one surprising addition to try: cocoa powder. That’s right—you can add a touch of chocolate to your yogurt. Beyond its rich, decadent flavor, cocoa powder offers real nutritional benefits. We spoke with dietitians to give you the scoop on cocoa powder and why it’s a standout ingredient to add to yogurt.
Why You Should Add Cocoa Powder to Yogurt
It Contains Fiber
“Cocoa powder provides 2 grams of dietary fiber in 1 tablespoon without many calories or carbohydrates,” explains Lisa Andrews, M.Ed., RD, LD. Fiber supports gut health and regularity and helps to maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Since most adults fall short of their daily fiber goals—25 grams for females and 34 grams for males—adding a spoonful of cocoa powder to your yogurt can help you meet your goals.
To boost your yogurt’s fiber even further, try mixing in extra fruit or seeds like flaxseed, hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds. Combined with yogurt and cocoa powder, these additions provide even more fiber and enhance flavor.
Another great option is cacao nibs, which is the unprocessed form of cocoa powder and packs in even more fiber.
It’s Low in Sugar
Cocoa powder is a great way to enjoy chocolate flavor without added sugars or calories, says Patricia Kolesa, M.S., RDN. “What is especially helpful is that those who typically crave chocolate can simultaneously enjoy the chocolate flavor and protein combination, leaving them fuller and more satisfied.”
It’s Packed with Flavonols
Cocoa powder is also rich in flavanols, plant compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. “Unsweetened cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants, particularly flavanols, which support heart health and may help reduce inflammation,” says Werner.,
But the benefits of these plant compounds go beyond that. “Research suggests that the flavanols in cocoa powder may help reduce the risk of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” explains Andrews.
When shopping for cocoa powder, look for nonalkalized or natural varieties. “Alkalinization is a processing method that makes the cocoa powder less acidic,” explains Kolesa. “[It] may reduce the amount of flavanols in the cocoa powder,” she adds.
It Contains Theobromine
One tablespoon of cocoa powder delivers roughly 110 milligrams of theobromine, a mild stimulant with potential benefits for mood, focus and inflammation, says Lauren Harris-Pincus, M.S., RDN.
Theobromine may also support heart and brain health, immune function and metabolism, though more research is needed.
It Keeps Yogurt Fun
Eating the same breakfast or snack every day can get monotonous, and cocoa powder offers a simple way to mix things up. “Cocoa powder easily turns yogurt into a more dessert-type vibe, adding chocolate flavor with no added sugar,” explains Werner. “It adds so much flavor effortlessly and makes plain yogurt so much more fun, plus it pairs so well with berries, bananas, granola and more,” she adds.
Other Great Pairings
Not into cocoa powder or want to add more to the mix? Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, yogurt pairs well with a wide variety of ingredients.
- Almonds: Stir in chopped almonds for a crunchy texture and a boost of fiber, vitamin E and antioxidants.
- Chopped Dates: Chopped dates add natural sweetness and fiber.
- Dark Chocolate and Orange Zest: Replace pudding or custard with strained (Greek-style) yogurt for an elevated and flavorful dessert.
- Seeds: Sprinkle chia seeds, hemp seeds or ground flaxseed on yogurt for fiber, plant-based protein and healthy fats.
- Dried Edamame : Werner recommends mixing yogurt with dried and crunchy edamame for more protein and fiber.
- Olive Oil and Sea Salt: Drizzle olive oil over plain yogurt and top with a sprinkle of sea salt to create a Mediterranean-inspired dip rich in healthy fats.
- Ranch Seasoning: Make a savory dip by mixing strained (Greek-style) yogurt with ranch seasoning.
Our Expert Take
Yogurt and berries are a classic combination—but it can get a bit boring after a while. To mix things up, try stirring a spoonful of cocoa powder into your yogurt for a rich chocolate flavor without added sugar. Plus, it provides fiber and antioxidants to support overall health. Other tasty additions include nuts, seeds or other fruits to keep your yogurt both delicious and satisfying. Instead of waiting until your next baking sesh, try adding cocoa powder to yogurt—it’s the combo you’ve been missing this whole time.
