Answers to the questions we are asked most often about CocoaExplained and about chocolate. If your question is not here, please contact us.
What is CocoaExplained?
CocoaExplained is an independent information site about chocolate. We publish guides that explain how chocolate is made, what the labels mean, and how to taste, buy and bake with it.
Who writes the guides?
Every guide is written by Jessu Rignesh Nadar. The About page explains who is behind the site and why it was started.
Where does the information come from?
Each guide is researched from reliable sources such as food standards, encyclopaedias and industry organisations. The sources are linked at the end of every article so you can check them yourself.
Do you use AI tools?
Yes. We use AI tools to help with research and first drafts. A person then checks every guide against its sources and edits it before it is published. You can read the details on the editorial policy page.
How often are the guides updated?
We update a guide when new or better information becomes available, and each guide shows the date it was last updated.
Is the information on this site medical or nutrition advice?
No. The guides are for general information only. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, please speak to a doctor or a registered dietitian.
Do you sell chocolate or take payment?
No. CocoaExplained is an information site. We do not sell products or ask for payment details.
Will the site show advertising?
We may show advertising from third parties, such as Google AdSense, to help cover the cost of running the site. Advertising is clearly separate from our guides and never decides what we write. See the Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy for how advertising and cookies work.
What does the percentage on a chocolate bar mean?
It shows how much of the bar by weight comes from cacao ingredients: cocoa mass, cocoa butter and cocoa powder. It tells you about intensity and sweetness, not about overall quality. Read more in What Is Chocolate, Exactly?
Is white chocolate real chocolate?
White chocolate is made from cocoa butter, sugar and milk, and many countries have official standards for it. It does not contain the cocoa solids that give dark chocolate its colour and bitterness. See our guide to dark, milk and white chocolate.
What is the difference between cacao and cocoa?
Both words come from the same plant. “Cacao” is often used for the tree, the pod and the raw beans, and “cocoa” for the processed products such as cocoa powder and cocoa butter. In everyday use the two words are often mixed.
What is the white film on old chocolate?
It is called bloom. It is usually fat or sugar that has risen to the surface after the chocolate was stored in warm conditions or went through temperature changes. It is generally harmless but can change the texture.
How can I report a mistake or suggest a topic?
Please email desichakallas0@gmail.com or use the Contact page. We review corrections and update the guide when needed.