Why Use Finishing Salts?
As chefs, we’re always seeking layers of flavour — complexity, contrast, balance.
Finishing salts do this in a single pinch.
They add:
Texture — a crunch or gentle dissolve that awakens the palate
Flavour — from pure sea-mineral notes to smoky, spicy, cocoa-laden intrigue
Visual appeal — think shimmering flakes, flecks of cocoa nib, bold black salts or citrus sparkles
Most importantly, they create a multi-sensory experience — taste, touch, sight — drawing your guest’s attention right to that first bite.
The World of Finishing Salts
There are some classics every chef should know:
Fleur de Sel — the “flower of salt”, hand-harvested, subtle, moist, perfect for fine finishing
Maldon Salt — clean, crisp pyramids of flavour; my go-to in many kitchens
Himalayan Pink Salt — rosy, mineral-rich, great visual impact
Smoked Sea Salt — earthy, intense, brilliant with cocoa and BBQ
Black Lava Salt — Hawaiian salt with activated charcoal — dramatic on dark chocolate desserts or seared meat
Why Cocoa Works So Beautifully in Finishing Salts
Cocoa is a spice. An ancient one.
It offers:
Earthiness
Bitterness and depth
Natural aroma
A beautiful bridge between sweet and savoury
When paired with finishing salts, cocoa brings a layer of complexity and story to every bite.
It plays beautifully with meat, fish, vegetables — and elevates chocolate desserts beyond expectation.
Crafting Your Own Cocoa Finishing Salts
Here’s where it gets fun.
My Tips:
Use flake salts — Maldon or fleur de sel — for texture and visual flair
Lightly crush cocoa nibs — you want aroma and bite, not powder
Dry your flavourings if using herbs, citrus, or flowers — avoid clumping
Store in glass jars — salt corrodes metal over time
And always: add just before serving — let the salt and cocoa sing at the very last moment.
My Cocoa Finishing Salt Range
(Chocolate Safari® Cocoa & Flame Collection)
These are salts I regularly use in Cocoa Safari® menus, events, and private tastings.
They also make beautiful giftable retail jars — perfect additions to your Cocoa & Flame merchandise line.
Cocoa-Chilli Salt
Brilliant with: grilled meats, duck, roast sweet potatoes, chocolate desserts
Ingredients:
2 tbsp flaky sea salt
1 tbsp cocoa powder
½ tsp chilli flakes
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Cocoa & Citrus Salt
Brilliant with: seafood, grilled fish, scallops, roast carrots, chocolate
Ingredients:
2 tbsp flaky sea salt
1 tbsp cocoa nibs, crushed
1 tbsp dried orange or lemon zest
Cocoa & Espresso Salt
Brilliant with: venison, beef, lamb, steak, chocolate tarts
Ingredients:
2 tbsp flaky sea salt
1 tsp finely ground espresso
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp cocoa nibs, crushed
Cocoa & Vanilla Salt
Brilliant with: caramel desserts, roast pears, ice cream, salted chocolate
Ingredients:
2 tbsp flaky sea salt
1 tbsp cocoa powder
Seeds of ½ vanilla pod or ½ tsp vanilla powder
1 tbsp cocoa nibs, crushed
Cocoa & Smoked Salt
Brilliant with: pork ribs, brisket, BBQ chicken, smoked chocolate dishes
Ingredients:
2 tbsp sea salt flakes smoked with cocoa wood
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp cocoa nibs, crushed
Cocoa & Honey Salt
Brilliant with: goat cheese, roast carrots, dark chocolate truffles
Ingredients:
2 tbsp flaky sea salt
1 tbsp cocoa nibs, crushed
1 tbsp Honey powder or freeze-dried honey granules
½ tsp cocoa powder
Cocoa & Lavender Salt
Brilliant with: lamb, roast chicken, white chocolate desserts, cheese boards
Ingredients:
2 tbsp flaky sea salt
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp dried culinary lavender
1 tbsp cocoa nibs, crushed
Let Cocoa Salt Surprise You
Desserts: Sprinkle cocoa-chilli salt or cocoa-vanilla salt on chocolate mousse, ice cream, or brownies
Cocktails: Rim glasses with cocoa-citrus or cocoa-smoked salt — gorgeous with margaritas, Old Fashioneds
BBQ: Finish cocoa-rubbed meats with cocoa-honey or cocoa-smoked salt
Vegetables: Add cocoa-lavender or cocoa-citrus salt to grilled aubergine or carrots
Che
ese boards: Cocoa & honey salt on goat cheese is a showstopper
The Ultimate Finishing Touch
In every kitchen, we chase that moment of surprise and delight — when the diner takes a bite and pauses, smiling.
Finishing salts — especially those infused with cocoa — help create that magic.
They bring:
Contrast
Aroma
Texture
Visual beauty
Story — the deep connection of cocoa to savoury and sweet cooking
So next time you fire up the grill, plate a dessert, or compose a tasting menu — reach for a jar of Cocoa Finishing Salt.
A small pinch can bring a whole world of flavour to life.
Craft Your Own Signature Cocoa Salt
Here’s one I use again and again:
Cocoa Finishing Salt
Ingredients:
80 g Maldon or fleur de sel
20 g roasted cocoa nibs
Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper
Method:
Lightly crush the cocoa nibs in a mortar and pestle.
Combine with the salt and any additional flavourings.
Taste and adjust to preference.
Store in glass jars and use with joy.
Chef’s Tip:
Try a pinch on buttered toast, roast sweet potatoes, or grilled steak — cocoa and salt are old friends in the kitchen.