Most recently, the price per pound of pure cocoa butter has gone up tremendously. This is due to destroyed cocoa tree crops in Africa, where much of the supply comes from. For those who use cocoa butter in their bath and body products, this could be extremely devastating! Is there an alternative?
Although we do not like to change up our recipes, sometimes it just makes good sense to do this. Kokum butter could be your budget friendly alternative!
Kokum butter, derived from the kokum tree native to India, is a popular substitute for cocoa butter due to its similar properties and affordability. While it may not be an exact match, it offers a viable alternative for many applications.
Key Similarities Between Kokum Butter and Cocoa Butter:
- Texture: Both butters have a hard, brittle texture at room temperature that melts smoothly when heated.
- Color: Kokum butter typically has a pale yellow or off-white color, similar to cocoa butter.
- Emollient Properties: Both butters are excellent moisturizers and have soothing properties for the skin.
- Cocoa-Like Flavor: While not as pronounced as cocoa butter, kokum butter does have a subtle chocolatey flavor that can be beneficial in certain applications, such as lip balms.
Potential Differences to Consider:
- Melting Point: Kokum butter may have a slightly lower melting point than cocoa butter, which could affect its performance in certain products, especially those exposed to warmer temperatures.
- Hardness: Kokum butter can sometimes be slightly softer than cocoa butter, which could impact its texture in products like lotions or creams.
Applications for Kokum Butter:
- Skincare: Lotions, creams, lip balms, and body butters
- Haircare: Hair conditioners and masks
- Chocolate Substitutes: For baking or confectionery
- Candles: As a wax base for candles
Should you consider using kokum butter as a substitute for cocoa butter, we highly recommend you to experiment with different formulations to achieve your desired results.