chef using finishing saltWhy 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

 finishing salts

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

jar of cocoa finishing_salts

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.

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