Agri University Turns Cocoa Waste into Healthy Cookies and Drinks

Kerala University Turns Cocoa Waste into Healthy Cookies and Drinks

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has come up with an innovative way to turn cocoa waste into healthy and eco-friendly food products. In line with the global trend of upcycling food waste, KAU has created cocoa husk cookies and a ready-to-serve (RTS) drink made from cocoa pulp.

Making Use of Cocoa Waste

When chocolate is made, a lot of cocoa husk and pulp is usually thrown away. This waste can harm the environment and farming areas. To solve this, KAU has developed high-fibre cookies using cocoa husk flour. They did not add any extra cocoa powder. The husk was carefully treated to remove things that are not good for health, like high acidity and bitter compounds, making it safe and tasty to eat.

Dr. Minimol J.S., Professor and Head of the Cocoa Research Centre at KAU, led this effort. Also Read | Why Kerala farmers abandoning rubber in favour of rambutan and dragon fruit?

Healthy and Local-Friendly Cookies

The cocoa husk cookies are rich in fibre, making them a good option for people with diabetes and the elderly. They help with digestion and are a healthier choice compared to regular wheat-based snacks.

The cookies come in two types: one made with oats, and another with rice flakes (called aval in Kerala). While oats are popular in health snacks, using rice flakes makes the cookies more local and culturally relevant.

Cocoa Pulp Drink

Cocoa pulp, which is usually thrown away during chocolate fermentation, can cause bad smells and fungal growth if left unused. This can spoil the chocolate. To prevent this, KAU has turned the pulp into a tasty and healthy RTS drink. This new product not only reduces waste but also brings a refreshing and nutritious drink to the market.

Available for Public and Startups

Both the cookies and the drink are now available at the Cocoa Research Centre in KAU. The university is also preparing to share the technology with entrepreneurs and startups so that more people can benefit from these eco-friendly products.