The invention relates to a method of separating cocoa mass into cocoa butter and cocoa cake by means of a press (1) comprising one or more pressing elements (6) in turn comprising a pot (7) having a cavity (8) for receiving cocoa mass to be pressed, a squeezer (9) located at least partially in the cavity (8), and at least one filter (11) disposed in front of the squeezer (9) and/or on the side of the cavity (8) opposite the squeezer (9), which method comprises the steps of filling the cavity or cavities (8) with cocoa mass, exerting pressure on the pressing element(s) (6) thus pressing cocoa butter through the filter(s) (11), releasing pressure from the pressing element(s) (6), and opening the pot(s) (7) to remove the cocoa cake(s) from the cavity or cavities (8). Prior to releasing the pressure from the pressing element(s) (6), cocoa butter is purged from at least the space(s) (13) behind the filter(s) (11).

The invention relates to a method of producing dark cocoa powder comprising the steps of separating cocoa butter from cocoa solids and mixing an alkalizing agent with the cocoa solids, wherein the cocoa solids contain equal to or less than 7 wt % fat, the alkalizing agent is added in an amount of equal to or less than 7 wt %, and the cocoa solids are alkalized to an L-value of equal to or less than 9.

Dark, red and dark, brown natural cocoa products are disclosed. The cocoa products may be cocoa liquor or cocoa powder. Processes for producing the dark, red and dark, brown natural cocoa products are also disclosed.

Natural, dark brown cocoa products are disclosed. Processes for producing such natural, dark brown cocoa products are also disclosed, as well as foods including such cocoa products.

The invention relates to a method of separating cocoa mass into cocoa butter and cocoa cake by means of a press (1) comprising one or more pressing elements (6) in turn comprising a pot (7) having a cavity (8) for receiving cocoa mass to be pressed, a squeezer (9) located at least partially in the cavity (8), and at least one filter (11) disposed in front of the squeezer (9) and/or on the side of the cavity (8) opposite the squeezer (9), which method comprises the steps of filling the cavity or cavities (8) with cocoa mass, exerting pressure on the pressing element(s) (6) thus pressing cocoa butter through the filter(s) (11), releasing pressure from the pressing element(s) (6), and opening the pot(s) (7) to remove the cocoa cake(s) from the cavity or cavities (8). Prior to releasing the pressure from the pressing element(s) (6), cocoa butter is purged from at least the space(s) (13) behind the filter(s) (11).

The present disclosure relates to an extracted cocoa material that has less bitter flavor and a sweeter flavor compared to an equivalent non-extracted cocoa material. The present disclosure also relates to a use of the extracted cocoa material to prepare a sugar-reduced or sugar-free food or beverage product. A method of preparing an extracted cocoa material is also described herein.