Cacao Noel cocoa powder

[B trei]

I have the option to buy some cacao noel cocoa powder at about 7.00/lb (however it's sold in 11lb quantities) I did some light research but I can't seem to come up with any information on this company or a dedicated site. I usually use either valrhona or callebaut cocoa powder. Has anyone here worked with this brand before? How would it compare to the cocoa I usually use? Any info would be greatly appreciated, even about the couverture.

[Sebastian]

$7/lb is extraordinarily high. I know a fair bit about them - the powder is fine, but you can find much more cost effective alternates that are, quite literally, exactly the same.

[B trei]

What would you compare their cocoa powder to, out of curiosity? Do you like their couverture/where would you place that at?

[pringle007]

Ive been using Noel's couverture for about four years now as one of my main chocolates. I've used pretty much all of their varieties. It think its very easy to work with, very well priced, and allows for easy pairing with a variety of ganaches. The only drawback Ive found is their white tends to need a good deal of cocoa butter added to get it thinned to the point that it will allow for molding a thin white shell. That aside, Noel and El Rey make up 85% of what I use. I cant comment on the powder, but $7/lb seems to be inline with most chocolate makers pricing. However, unless you love hot chocolate, $7 is expensive for cocoa given that much cheaper alternatives exist.

[Sebastian]

if you're finding $7/lb to be normal, you're either:

1) in an incredibly remote place

2) battling with terrible currency exchange rates

3) buying really, really, really small quantities

4) paying too much

I'm not going to comment on who's making what product, but you can get literally the exact same thing for 1/2 the cost. I'd urge you to shop around.

[pastrygirl]

is that a retail price? I get Valrhona cocoa powder for $6.89/kg or $3.13/lb from my restaurant's supplier. I have to agree with Sebastian.