Quick answer: Flavonoids are a large family of plant compounds. Flavanols (with an "a") are one group inside that family, and they're the compounds cocoa is known for. Flavonols (with an "o") are a different group, found mostly in foods like onions, kale and apples. All cocoa flavanols are flavonoids, but not all flavonoids are flavanols.
The simple way to picture it
Think of flavonoids as "fruit." Flavanols are like "apples": one specific kind. Flavonols are like "oranges": also fruit, but a different kind.
| Term | What it is | Key examples | Common sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavonoids | The whole family of compounds | Includes flavanols, flavonols, anthocyanins and more | Fruits, vegetables, tea, cocoa, wine |
| Flavanols (flavan-3-ols) | A group within flavonoids | Epicatechin, catechin, procyanidins | Cocoa, tea, apples, grapes, berries |
| Flavonols | A different group within flavonoids | Quercetin, kaempferol, rutin | Onions, kale, apples, buckwheat |
What are cocoa flavanols?
Cocoa flavanols are the flavanols naturally found in the cocoa bean, mainly epicatechin, catechin and chains of them called procyanidins. Epicatechin is the one most linked to cocoa's research on blood vessel function and healthy blood flow. Full overview: What Is High Flavanol Cocoa?
So what's the difference between "cocoa flavanols" and "cocoa flavonoids"?
People often use them interchangeably, and in everyday speech that's mostly fine, since cocoa's flavonoids are mostly flavanols. But on a label the difference matters:
- "Cocoa flavanols: 600 mg" tells you the amount of the specific compounds studied in cocoa research.
- A broad "total polyphenols" figure may include many other compounds. It can sound bigger, but it isn't the same thing as cocoa flavanols.
When comparing products, compare cocoa flavanols to cocoa flavanols. More on this in Which Cocoa Powder Has the Most Flavanols?
Is it "flavanol" or "flavonol"?
For cocoa, the correct term is flavanol (with an "a"). "Flavonol" is a common misspelling, and it's also the name of a different compound group. If you've been searching "cocoa flavonol," you were almost certainly looking for cocoa flavanols.
Which foods have flavanols?
- Cocoa and cacao, the richest common source when not alkalized
- Tea, especially green tea
- Apples, grapes, berries
The catch with cocoa is processing. Dutch-processed cocoa can lose most of its flavanols. See Does Cocoa Powder Have Flavanols?
How Goorello labels it
Goorello High Flavanols Cocoa Powder lists 600 mg of cocoa flavanols per serving on its own line, separate from any other flavonoids in the formula, so you always know your actual cocoa flavanol dose.
FAQ
What do flavanols do?
Cocoa flavanols are best studied for supporting healthy blood vessel function and normal blood flow. The evidence, including its limits, is here: Does High Flavanol Cocoa Really Work?
Are flavanols good for you?
Flavanols are a normal part of a diet rich in plant foods and are generally well tolerated. If you take medication or have a health condition, check with your doctor before starting any supplement.
Are flavanols the same as antioxidants?
Flavanols have antioxidant activity in the lab, but their main studied effects in people relate to blood vessel signaling, not just "antioxidant" action.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
