Cocoa mass, or cocoa liquor, is finely ground cocoa beans with a harmonious acidity and rich flavour. It serves as the basis for chocolate and many other cocoa products. Naurits supplies cocoa mass made from cocoa beans of West African origin.
Cocoa mass is obtained from roasted cocoa beans cleaned of their shell. The beans are ground until the natural cocoa butter they contain, making up about half of their weight, gives the mass a smooth, flowing texture. On cooling, the mass sets into a solid dark block. It contains all the components of cocoa beans in their natural proportions.
In trade this product is also called cocoa liquor – a name that surprises newcomers: the product contains no alcohol, and the word “liquor” only indicates its liquid state when heated. Cocoa mass is used to make chocolate. It can also be pressed, separating the cocoa butter from the cocoa cake, which is then ground into powder.
The quality of cocoa mass – its flavour, colour and fineness – depends on the quality of the beans, as well as on correct roasting and grinding. We supply cocoa mass from West African beans with a rich, balanced chocolate flavour. Each lot is accompanied by the documentation needed for quality control.
SpecificationEach order of cocoa mass is confirmed against a pre-agreed specification. It states the particle size, on which the texture of the finished product and its behaviour in processing depend. The natural cocoa butter content is agreed as a range for each lot. Flavour is assessed by acidity, bitterness and aroma. Samples are provided on request. Colour depends on the original beans and the roasting and is stated in the commercial offer. Where necessary, we provide microbiological test results and analyses for compliance with EU limits for contaminants together with the accompanying documents.
Flavour is judged by tasting, so the most reliable way to know whether cocoa mass suits your recipe is to try it. We are ready to provide a sample before you order the main lot.
UsesCocoa mass is used to make dark and milk chocolate and couverture. For this it is mixed with sugar and cocoa butter, and for milk chocolate milk powder is added. The share of cocoa mass affects the cocoa content of the finished product and largely determines its flavour. Cocoa mass is also used in pralines, fillings, pastes and glazes. It gives them a rich chocolate flavour that cannot be achieved with cocoa powder alone. In addition, cocoa mass is suitable for baking, ice cream and desserts that need a natural chocolate flavour.
Industrial processors also use cocoa mass to produce cocoa butter and cocoa powder: the butter is first pressed out, and the remaining cake is ground into powder.
Since cocoa mass is sensitive to heat, when organising delivery we take into account the season, the route and the time the cargo spends in port. Most of the journey is by sea in containers, and the final stage is delivery by rail or road.
StorageCocoa mass should be stored in a cool, dry place away from foreign odours and sources of heat. As the temperature rises it softens, and frequent temperature fluctuations can lead to fat bloom – a greyish film on the surface. The bloom is harmless but unattractive. Correct storage conditions help avoid it. Before use, cocoa mass should be heated gradually and evenly, avoiding overheating.
When planning shipments we take temperature conditions and storage times into account so that the product arrives in proper condition.
PackingCocoa mass is usually supplied in blocks or pieces of 25 kg in food-grade cardboard cartons fitted with an inner liner. This packing protects the product from foreign odours and heat. The cartons are placed on pallets and wrapped in stretch film for secure fixing during sea and road transport. When loading standard 20- or 40-foot containers, the weight limit is usually reached before the volume limit. A cool temperature is maintained during transport and storage to avoid fat bloom. The type of packing and delivery terms are agreed individually for each order.
DeliveryWe offer delivery on EXW Tallinn, FOB, CIF or DAP terms, depending on your needs. The accompanying documents, including the certificate of origin and the lot analysis, are provided before the cargo arrives.
Tell us the order volume and destination and we will prepare a delivery offer.