Natara’s Cocoa Extender: A Natural Solution to the Cocoa Crisis

Cocoa has always been at the heart of indulgent food experiences — but sourcing it is becoming increasingly difficult. Today, prices have surged to record highs, and manufacturers are feeling the pressure to deliver the same rich, chocolatey taste consumers love, all while keeping costs under control. But the challenge doesn’t end there. Today’s shoppers also expect cleaner labels, less sugar and ingredients they can recognize and trust.

In the face of these growing demands, Natara is offering a smarter way forward. Our Cocoa Extender is a 100% natural ingredient that captures the depth and roasted flavour of cocoa, all while helping reduce reliance on traditional cocoa powder. It’s a practical, future-facing solution that supports cost-efficiency and formulation flexibility without compromising on taste or consumer expectations.

What the Cocoa Price Surge Means For Manufacturers

Cocoa prices are skyrocketing due to multiple global factors. Climate change has significantly disrupted cocoa-growing regions, leading to lower yields and supply shortages. At the same time, supply chain disruptions — from political instability to increased transportation costs — have further compounded the issue. Meanwhile, a growing appetite for chocolate in emerging markets and new product innovations across confectionery, bakery and functional foods continues to increase demand.

With costs sometimes exceeding $10,000 per metric ton, manufacturers are under immense pressure to maintain product quality while keeping prices competitive. But how can brands continue to deliver high-quality chocolate products without pricing themselves out of the market? The answer lies in smart ingredient solutions that optimize cocoa usage without sacrificing taste.

Evolving Consumer Trends: Indulgence Meets Wellness

Adding to the complexity, consumer expectations are evolving rapidly. Today’s chocolate lovers still crave indulgence, but not at any cost. They’re looking for multi-textured experiences that combine crispness, smoothness, and crunch in a single bite. Health-conscious shoppers are also seeking out products that are lower in sugar, plant-based, and made with clean-label ingredients. And across the board, there’s a clear preference for authenticity and premium quality — rich, deep cocoa flavours made from natural sources.

For manufacturers, this creates a challenging balancing act — meeting elevated consumer expectations while navigating steep ingredient costs and supply uncertainty. It’s a dynamic that calls for smarter solutions and more flexible approaches to chocolate formulation.

Introducing Natara’s Cocoa Extender: A Game-Changer for Chocolate Innovation

Natara’s all-natural Cocoa Extender is specifically designed to help brands create indulgent, high-quality chocolate products while optimizing costs. Through extensive formulation trials, Natara’s Cocoa Extender has demonstrated its ability to significantly reduce cocoa powder usage while maintaining flavour integrity. In tests involving chocolate-flavoured protein bars, the extender successfully replaced 40% of the cocoa extract, leading to a 20% cost reduction — all while preserving the chocolate’s rich taste and mouthfeel.

In addition to cost efficiency, the Cocoa Extender provides flexibility, allowing manufacturers to fine-tune recipes based on their specific needs. Whether optimizing texture, deepening roasted notes, or adjusting sweetness levels, this ingredient offers a scalable solution to meet changing market demands.

Rich, Roasted Cocoa Flavour
Maintains the deep, full-bodied taste of chocolate with subtle bitterness and mild astringency.

Cost-Effective
Reduces cocoa usage by up to 40%, cutting ingredient costs by as much as 20%.

Versatile Applications
Ideal for chocolate-flavoured protein bars, bakery items, confections and beyond.

Clean Label & Natural
100% natural, EU and US-Natural certified and suitable for vegan formulations.

Pairing Possibilities: The Full Cocoa Product Family

For brands seeking even more cost-effective cocoa solutions, Natara offers a complementary range of ingredients that work seamlessly alongside the Cocoa Extender. Together, these solutions allow for greater control over ingredient costs while maintaining the indulgence and authenticity that consumers expect.

Roasted Carob Powder
A naturally sweet alternative that replaces up to 30% of cocoa with 15-20% savings.

Learn more in our compendium

St. John’s Bread Extract
Enhances chocolatey and caramellic notes while providing up to 10% savings.

Learn more in our compendium

Embrace the Future of Chocolate Innovation

The chocolate industry is at a turning point. As cocoa prices continue to fluctuate, brands must adopt smarter, more sustainable approaches to formulation. But, Natara’s Cocoa Extender is more than just a cost-saving measure — it’s an opportunity to innovate, create and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

By integrating our natural Cocoa Extender solution into your chocolate products, you can reduce costs without compromising on taste, enhance flavour while aligning with clean-label trends, and maintain the premium quality that consumers crave. Ready to explore the possibilities? Get in touch with our team at sales@natara-global.com to learn more about how Natara’s Cocoa Extender and our full cocoa ingredient portfolio can transform your products.