Quick answer: Take one serving of high flavanol cocoa once a day, at the same time each day, mixed into something you already have, like coffee, a smoothie, warm milk or oatmeal. Consistency matters more than timing. If you'd rather not mix a powder, capsules give you the same dose.
How much to take
Use the serving size on your product's label. Research has used roughly 200 mg to 500 mg or more of cocoa flavanols per day, and a Goorello serving provides 600 mg. Full breakdown: How Much Cocoa Flavanols Per Day?
When is the best time to take it?
- Morning: the most popular choice. It's easy to pair with coffee or breakfast, so you don't forget.
- Early afternoon: a stimulant-free alternative to a second coffee.
- Evening: fine for most people, but cocoa naturally contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine. If you're sensitive, take it earlier in the day.
The best time is the one you'll stick to. In the large COSMOS trial, results were stronger among people who took their supplement consistently.
How to mix it so it tastes good
Non-alkalized cocoa tastes richer and slightly more bitter than sweetened cocoa mixes. That's the flavanols. A few tips:
- Make a paste first. Stir the powder with a splash of liquid until smooth, then add the rest. No clumps.
- Use a frother or shaker bottle for cold drinks.
- Pair it with something creamy or naturally sweet: milk, oat milk, banana, dates.
- Skip baking soda. Alkaline ingredients can reduce flavanols, so drinks and no-bake foods are better than baked goods.
5 easy daily routines
1. Flavanol coffee (30 seconds)
Stir one scoop into your morning coffee. A mocha without the syrup.
2. High flavanol hot chocolate
Whisk one scoop into warm (not boiling) milk or plant milk. Sweeten lightly with honey or maple if you like. This is the easiest way to make a real high flavanol hot chocolate instead of a sugary mix.
3. Chocolate smoothie
Banana, one scoop, a spoon of nut butter, milk and ice. Blend.
4. Cocoa overnight oats
Stir a scoop into oats and milk at night; eat it cold in the morning.
5. Capsules on busy days
Traveling or short on time? Goorello Capsules give you the same 600 mg in 2 capsules with water.
Common mistakes
- Using regular or Dutch cocoa and expecting the same thing. See why most cocoa has little left.
- Taking it "when you remember." Tie it to a habit you already have.
- Expecting a caffeine-like kick. Flavanols work on blood vessel function, not as a stimulant. See what the research shows.
- Doubling up to "make it work faster." Stick to the label serving.
Who should check with a doctor first?
Talk to your doctor before starting if you're pregnant or nursing, take blood pressure or blood-thinning medication, are sensitive to caffeine, or have a medical condition.
Get started
Goorello High Flavanols Cocoa Powder: 600 mg cocoa flavanols per scoop, non-alkalized, no added sugar or caffeine, 30 servings per jar. Buy 2, get 1 free, with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
FAQ
How do I use high flavanol cocoa powder?
Mix one scoop into a drink or food you already have each day. Coffee, milk, smoothies and oatmeal are the easiest.
Can I take it with coffee?
Yes. It's one of the most popular ways to take it.
Can I bake with it?
You can, but high heat and baking soda can reduce flavanols. For your daily serving, a drink or no-bake food is the better choice.
How do I get more cocoa flavanols in my diet?
Choose non-alkalized cocoa that states its flavanol dose, and take it daily. Tea, apples, grapes and berries add smaller amounts. Start here: What Is High Flavanol Cocoa?
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.
