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Is it vegan? Ingredients

Is cocoa butter vegan?

Vegan

Quick answer: Yes. Cocoa butter is the fat pressed from cocoa beans; despite the name it contains no dairy and is vegan.

Also called: cacao butter, theobroma oil, Theobroma cacao seed butter

Why it’s vegan

Cocoa butter is the vegetable fat extracted from cocoa beans, as defined in the EU cocoa and chocolate directive. It gives chocolate its melt and is used in skincare. It is unrelated to butter made from milk.

Products that contain cocoa butter may still contain milk ingredients, so check the label of chocolate and sweets.

What to look for on the label

  • cocoa butter, cacao butter
  • Theobroma cacao seed butter (cosmetics)

Where it’s found

  • Chocolate
  • Lip balms and body butters

Frequently asked questions

Is cocoa butter vegan?

Yes. Cocoa butter is the fat pressed from cocoa beans; despite the name it contains no dairy and is vegan.

Sources

  1. Directive 2000/36/EC relating to cocoa and chocolate products — EUR-Lex

Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.

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