The Best Cocoa Powder, According to Ina

updated May 24, 2019
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(Image credit: The Kitchn)

When Ina Garten suggests a specific ingredient, you listen. Because she is the best and she knows what she’s talking about. (Seriously, have you ever made her outrageous brownies?) One of the many things we heart about Ina is that, when appropriate, she’ll share her go-to brand for a certain ingredient. (For example, we know she loves Maldon sea salt flakes!) And she’s been singing the praises of this one cocoa powder almost since we’ve been watching her on TV.

(Image credit: Williams-Sonoma)

Ina’s favorite cocoa powder is a dark and rich cocoa powder from Italy: Pernigotti Cocoa, which is made by a company that’s been around since 1860. She loves this stuff so much, any time one of her recipes calls for cocoa powder, she always includes a little note like, “1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Pernigotti.” Hint, hint!

Buy it: Pernigotti Cocoa, $23 for 12 ounces at Williams Sonoma

Before you balk at the price, know this: Ina isn’t the only one who’s obsessed with Pernigotti Cocoa. There are only 11 reviews for it on the Williams Sonoma site, but every single one is glowing. “Smooth, mellow, yet rich and full-flavored, this cocoa has it all,” says one commenter. “Over the years I have tried many brands, but this product from Italy is the finest I have ever used. It has been my go to brand for over twenty years now, and I use it for everything from baking and candy making to hot chocolate.”

Some of Ina’s Recipes with Pernigotti Cocoa

Do you like this cocoa powder as much as Ina does?