Cocoa Powder Shortage 2025: Why Cocoa Is So Expensive & How Bakers Can Adapt
If you’ve noticed cocoa powder costing far more — or disappearing from supermarket shelves — you’re not alone. The global cocoa powder shortage is hitting home bakers, artisan chocolatiers, and small baking businesses worldwide.
👉 In this post, you’ll learn:
✅ Why cocoa prices have surged to record highs
✅ What’s behind the cocoa powder shortage (climate, disease, demand)
✅ How it’s affecting UK & US supermarkets and chocolate brands
✅ Delicious baking ideas without cocoa — perfect for spring & summer
✅ Smart ways to adapt your baking during this shortage
Want to take your desserts to the next level without relying on cocoa? Explore Faye Palmqvist’s Online Pâtisserie School — a 12-month journey through French pastry techniques like tarts, mousse cakes, biscuits, and more.
Cocoa beans and cocoa powder
Cocoa Prices Surge to Record Highs
In 2023, cocoa beans were trading at $2,200–$3,000/metric ton. By late 2024, prices skyrocketed beyond $10,000/ton — an unprecedented spike. Even today, in 2025, prices remain high at $6,000–$8,000/ton.
In the UK, cocoa climbed from £1,900/tonne in early 2023 to nearly £9,000/tonne in early 2025 — more than a 4x increase.
👉 This surge is forcing up cocoa powder prices and leading to supply shortages in stores.
Why Is There a Cocoa Powder Shortage?
1️⃣ Poor West African Harvests (Climate Change Impacts)
70% of global cocoa comes from West Africa — especially Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
Extreme weather patterns (heavy rains, droughts, heatwaves) have slashed crop yields.
2024 saw the harshest dry Harmattan winds in 6 years, devastating cocoa production.
2️⃣ Cocoa Plant Diseases
The cocoa swollen shoot virus is crippling trees across West African plantations.
Many farms are cutting down and replanting infected trees, reducing output.
Aging plantations and limited farmer resources are compounding the crisis.
3️⃣ Rising Global Demand
Demand for chocolate is growing — not just in the UK/US but also in China, India, and emerging markets.
More people want chocolate... while supply is falling.
Even compound chocolate makers are using more cocoa powder to offset expensive cocoa butter, further boosting demand.
How the Cocoa Powder Shortage Affects Supermarkets & Brands
UK & US consumers are seeing price hikes and shrinkflation in chocolate products:
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Cadbury and Hershey have announced price increases.
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Chocolate bars are shrinking while prices rise.
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Some cocoa-based products are disappearing or harder to find.
👉 Cocoa powder itself is harder to find in stores:
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US: shortages of Hershey’s cocoa reported
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UK: supermarket own-brand cocoa & big brands like Cadbury Bournville often sold out
Brands are rationing stock and adjusting recipes to cope with soaring cocoa costs.
Baking Without Cocoa Powder: Delicious Ideas & Alternatives
Good news: This is the perfect time to explore chocolate-free bakes that are seasonal, vibrant, and irresistible.
Almond & Berry Mini Loaf Cakes
Ground almonds + fresh berries = moist, flavour-packed mini cakes.
👉 Pair with a citrus glaze for zing.
→ Explore my Almond & Lemon Mini Loaf Cake recipe
→ You may also enjoy my Perfecting Mini Loaf Cakes Guide
Vanilla-Cardamom & Spice Cakes
Warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg shine in cocoa-free cakes.
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Vanilla-cardamom pound cake
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Spice-rich carrot cake
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Chai-spiced cakes
→ Learn to master frostings for these bakes with my Ultimate Guide to Cake Fillings & Frostings - just $25!
→ Related: Your Guide to the Best Butter for Perfect Buttercream
Seasonal Fruit Tarts
Fresh fruit takes centre stage:
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Strawberry or mixed berry tarts
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Peach or apricot tarts
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Zesty lemon tarts
Learn these techniques in the Online Pâtisserie Course — includes seasonal fruit desserts and sweet pastry
Elegant strawberry tart with vanilla bean crème pâtissière in a pâte sucrée shell, topped with fresh strawberries and edible flowers
Pavlovas with Fresh Fruit
Airy, gluten-free, and cocoa-free:
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Mini or large pavlovas with seasonal fruit
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Ideal for summer celebrations
→ Try my Peach & Brown Butter Pavlova
A lemon and mint individual pavlova.
Nutty Cakes & Cookies
Nuts offer rich flavour and texture:
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Espresso walnut cake
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Almond-orange cake
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Baklava or nut brittle
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Nutty cookies: almond biscotti, pecan sandies
Perfect to showcase in a seasonal afternoon tea — taught in Month 12 of the Pâtisserie School.
Turning a Challenge Into an Opportunity
Yes, the cocoa powder shortage is frustrating. But it’s also an opportunity to:
✅ Broaden your baking range
✅ Explore fruit, nut, and spice desserts
✅ Offer seasonal bakes your customers will love
Want to master mousse cakes, tarts, and fruit-forward desserts? Join the Online Pâtisserie School — a full year of learning from a Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef.
Still craving a chocolate showstopper?
→ Try my Dubai Chocolate Mini Loaf Cake recipe — Only $9 and ideal as a high-value dessert when cocoa powder is scarce.
Related Blog Posts
Build Better Bakes — With or Without Cocoa Whether you’re adapting to shortages or simply want to expand your repertoire, this is the time to learn new skills and rediscover ingredients that shine on their own.
→ Explore the Online Pâtisserie Course and start building your baking confidence today.
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