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Research Library

Peer-reviewed studies and scientific literature on cacao mucilage properties, benefits, and applications

How to Access Full Papers

Most papers listed here are available through PubMed, ScienceDirect, or institutional access. DOI links are provided for direct access to abstracts and full papers when available.

For copies of specific studies or additional research assistance, contact research@kucacao.com

Nutritional Composition & Analysis

Rodríguez-Castro, E., et al. (2024). Cocoa mucilage as a novel ingredient: Composition and functional properties. Foods, 13(11), 1615.

Guirlanda, C.P., et al. (2021). Cocoa honey: An underutilized resource with unrealized potential. Future Foods, 4, 100051.

Leite, P.B., et al. (2019). Cocoa's residual honey: Physicochemical characterization. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 56(2), 656-664.

Minerals & Electrolyte Profile

Soares, T.F., et al. (2022). Cocoa by-products: Characterization of bioactive compounds and beneficial health effects. Applied Sciences, 12(3), 1311.

Leite, P.B., et al. (2019). Nutritional composition and mineral content of cocoa mucilage. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 56(2), 656-664.

Antioxidant Properties

Yuliana, N., et al. (2023). Antioxidant activity evolution in kombucha from cocoa pulp during fermentation. Applied Food Research, 3(2), 100280.

Soares, T.F., et al. (2022). Phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in cocoa by-products. Applied Sciences, 12(3), 1311.

Sugar Profile & Organic Acids

Nunes, C.S., et al. (2020). Potential applicability of cocoa pulp: Sugars, organic acids, and processing applications. Foods, 9(9), 1200.

Rocha, I.F.O., et al. (2025). Cocoa honey composition and microbial susceptibility. Food Research International, 195, 114967.

Functional Ingredients & Pectin

Mounya, S., et al. (2024). Ultrasound-assisted recovery of pectin from cocoa pod husk mucilage. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 104, 106861.

Probiotic & Fermentation Applications

dos Santos Filho, A.L., et al. (2019). Development and shelf life of probiotic cocoa juice with Lactobacillus casei. LWT, 99, 371-377.

López-Palestino, C.U., et al. (2025). Lactic acid bacteria from cocoa ecosystems: Probiotic traits and potential. Fermentation, 11(2), 95.

Puerari, C., et al. (2012). New cocoa pulp-based kefir beverages: Microbiological and sensory evaluation. Food Research International, 48(2), 634-640.

Processing Effects on Nutrients

dos Santos Filho, A.L., et al. (2019). Viability of probiotics across cocoa juice shelf-life: Processing and stability insights. LWT, 99, 371-377.

Yuliana, N., et al. (2023). Effect of fermentation time on antioxidant activity in cocoa pulp kombucha. Applied Food Research, 3(2), 100280.

Sustainability & Valorization

Soares, T.F., et al. (2022). Valorization of cocoa by-products: Circular economy applications. Applied Sciences, 12(3), 1311.

Guirlanda, C.P., et al. (2021). Cocoa honey as underutilized stream for food innovation. Future Foods, 4, 100051.

de Oliveira, R.G., et al. (2024). Technical-scientific perspectives on cocoa honey beverages. Journal of Bioenergy and Food Science, 11(1), 399-412.

Genotype Variability & Terroir

Rodríguez-Castro, E., et al. (2024). Variability in cocoa mucilage composition across cultivars. Foods, 13(11), 1615.

Rocha, I.F.O., et al. (2025). Compositional differences in cocoa honey from different origins. Food Research International, 195, 114967.

Safety & Shelf-Life

Rocha, I.F.O., et al. (2025). Microbial stability and safety considerations for cocoa honey. Food Research International, 195, 114967.

Chong, A.Q., et al. (2023). Safety aspects of fermented cocoa beverages: A comprehensive review. Foods, 12(10), 2066.

Accessing Full Papers

Most research papers are available through the following databases:

Open Access

  • • PubMed Central (PMC)
  • • MDPI Open Access Journals
  • • DOAJ Directory

Subscription Databases

  • • ScienceDirect
  • • Wiley Online Library
  • • SpringerLink

For copies of specific studies, contact research@kucacao.com

Contributing Research

We continuously update our research library as new studies emerge. If you have relevant studies to suggest, conduct cacao mucilage research, or need help accessing specific papers, please contact our research team.

Research Disclaimer: This library represents a selection of relevant studies. Cacao mucilage research is ongoing and evolving. Always consult original sources and qualified professionals for complete information and medical advice.