Calling all chocoholics! Discover why there’s way more to antioxidant-rich unsweetened cocoa powder than candy with these kitchen hacks.

Dry Rub

Add the earthy, deep flavor of cocoa to dry rubs and marinades for beef, lamb and pork. As an added bonus, the dipping sauce in this recipe is also flavored with cocoa.

Recipe: Cocoa-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Chocolate Tomato Sauce

No-Sugar-Added Chocolate Milkshake

Love chocolate shakes but not a fan of all the fat and calories? Blend a frozen banana with milk and cocoa powder for a guiltless treat.

DIY Hot Cocoa Mix

Forgo store-bought packets filled with processed ingredients; try our recipes for better-for-you hot cocoa.

Recipe: Healthier Hot Chocolate

2-for-1 Cake and Frosting

Need vanilla and chocolate cupcakes in a pinch? Add cocoa to boxed vanilla cake mix and homemade frosting; you’ll get two flavors for the price of one.

Recipe: Black-and-White Cupcakes

Cozy Coffee Drinks

Coffee and chocolate is a magical combination. Scratch the itch for a high-calorie coffee drink by simply sprinkling cocoa powder over frothy milk in a cappuccino, or whisk a tablespoon of cocoa powder into coffee and top with steamed milk for a low-cal mocha latte.

Recipes: Chocolatey Christmas Café au Lait and Toasted Almond Mochas

Nonstick Treats

Unsweetened cocoa is a classic ingredient in homemade confections, plus just a light dusting of it prevents snack mix and truffles from sticking.

Recipes: Homemade Truffles and Chocolate Kids’ Mix

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.