The new FDA qualified health claim — “Cocoa Flavanols in High Flavanol Cocoa Powder May Reduce Cardiovascular Disease” — defines high flavanol cocoa powder as containing at least 4% naturally conserved cocoa flavanols. Standard cocoa powder generally contains only 1% to 1.5%.
But good news, FlavaFans! FlavaMix Performance Cocoa Powder contains nearly 8% naturally conserved cocoa flavanols, roughly 2X the FDA minimum flavanol concentration (to make the claim) and 7X the flavanol concentration of a standard cocoa powder.
The FDAs guidance is consistent with clinical studies, as the strongest results on preventing cardiovascular disease have been achieved with consumption of 500 mg to 1,000 mg of cocoa flavanols daily. Achieving this flavanol level with a standard cocoa powder could require consuming up to ten portions per day.
Kudos to the FDA for this important recognition of cocoa flavanol cardiovascular health benefits and the clear articulation of a minimum, naturally conserved flavanol concentration required to make such a claim.