Exploring the Quality Parameters of Commercial Cocoa Powder Samples: A Prospective Study

Cocoa powder is widely consumed, and its compositional integrity and labeling accuracy are increasingly relevant for consumers and regulatory authorities. This study aimed to characterize the proximate composition, fatty acid profiles, physicochemical properties (moisture, pH, and CIELAB color parameters), and mineral and trace element content of 14 commercial cocoa powders marketed in Spain, assessing compositional variability and label-declared information under the applicable European regulatory framework. Significant variability was observed among products, particularly in fat content, total carbohydrate content, physicochemical attributes, and elemental composition. A rule-based integrity classification system was applied to categorize samples as Full Product Integrity (FPI), Label Integrity Compromised (LIC), or Regulatory Integrity Compromised (RIC) on the basis of analytical evidence and regulatory benchmarks. Most products were classified as LIC due to discrepancies between declared and measured nutritional values or incomplete origin declaration, whereas two products were identified as RIC due to potential exceedance of the maximum permissible level for cadmium established under Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (0.30 mg/kg) based on semiquantitative elemental screening. Lead concentrations remained within the regulatory limit (0.30 mg/kg) across all samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used as an exploratory multivariate tool to visualize compositional variability and identify processing-related patterns, including alkalization and fat removal intensity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study presents an analytical strategy for assessing the compositional integrity of commercial cocoa powders. By combining laboratory verification with evaluation of labeling practices and regulatory considerations, the proposed classification system differentiates labeling inconsistencies from potential safety concerns. The approach may support manufacturers in improving transparency and compliance and assist control authorities in guiding monitoring efforts.