Baking Better Chocolate: Kristina Lavallee’s Picks in Chowhound’s Best Cocoa Powder Guide

If there’s one secret ingredient that turns homemade chocolate cakes, brownies, and cookies into something extraordinary, it’s the right cocoa powder — and the experts agree.

Our own Kristina Lavallee, founder and head baker at The Cake Girl®, was recently featured in Chowhound: 6 Baker‑Recommended Cocoa Powder Brands You Should Be Buying, where she shared her go-to pick for everyday baking.

As a bakery owner and recipe developer who works with chocolate daily, Kristina knows that not all cocoa powders are created equal. In the article, she highlights the importance of consistency, accessibility, and balanced flavor — qualities every home baker can appreciate.

🍫 Kristina’s Cocoa Powder Recommendation

Hershey’s Natural Cocoa Powder“My go-to is Hershey’s natural cocoa powder,” Kristina tells Chowhound. “It’s incredibly consistent, easy to find, and something I’ve used for years both at home and in the bakery.”

She emphasizes that this classic pantry staple delivers a rich but balanced chocolate flavor that enhances everything from fudgy brownies to homemade hot cocoa — without overpowering your dessert. Its wide availability and affordable price make it a favorite for both novice bakers and experienced dessert makers.

🍪 What Other Experts Are Saying

While Kristina shares her trusted everyday pick, the Chowhound guide features several other excellent cocoa powders recommended by baking pros, including:

• Guittard Cocoa Rouge — Rich, smooth flavor ideal for brownies and cakes.

• Valrhona — A premium choice with deep chocolate complexity.

• NuNaturals Organic Cocoa Powder — Smooth and easy-sifting for versatile use.

• deZaan Cocoa Powder — High-end variety with nuanced flavor profiles.

These pro tips help bakers understand how different types of cocoa – natural versus Dutch-processed – can impact texture, flavor, and recipe chemistry, especially when it comes to leavening and moisture.

🍰 Why Cocoa Powder Matters

Choosing the right cocoa powder isn’t just about flavor — it’s about texture, color, and chemistry. Natural cocoa powder, like Hershey’s, interacts with baking soda to give baked goods lift and acidity balance, while Dutch-processed powders offer deeper color and a more mellow flavor profile when paired with baking powder.

By keeping a few reliable cocoa brands stocked, you’ll set yourself up for success across a wide range of chocolatey creations — from tender sheet cakes to gooey brownies and everything in between.