Cocoa Butter Substitute (CBS)

Cocoa Butter Substitute (CBS)

Cocoa Butter Substitute (CBS) is a premium, lauric-based fat derived primarily from palm kernel oil, crafted as a functional alternative to cocoa butter for confectionery and bakery applications. It presents a white to off-white, solid consistency at ambient temperature and is prized for its sharp melting profile, which delivers a clean, rapid melt in the mouth, and its exceptional oxidative stability, which extends product shelf life.

CBS is widely used in chocolate compounds, coatings, filling fats, and moulded confections, often without the need for tempering, making it a cost-effective and versatile choice for manufacturers seeking consistent performance and neutral flavour.

Cocoa Butter Substitute is produced through a multi-stage process beginning with the fractionation of refined palm kernel oil to isolate the higher-melting stearin fraction. This palm kernel stearin then undergoes controlled hydrogenation to saturate residual double bonds, raising its melting point and enhancing stability. The hydrogenated fat is subsequently refined through bleaching and deodorization to remove impurities, colour, and odours. The resultant product is a multifaceted, trans-fat-free fat with a slip melting point typically between 33°C and 35°C, delivering reliable functionality across diverse confectionery and food manufacturing processes.

Cocoa Butter Substitute (CBS) Specification

ParameterSpecification
Product NameCocoa Butter Substitute (CBS)
Common NamesLauric CBS, Cocoa Butter Substitute 33-36, i-soc CBS 35, Cocofat 32/34
INCI NameHydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
CAS No.68990-82-9 / 84540-04-5
HS Code1516.20
AppearanceCream coloured to white solid fat
Odour & TasteBland, free from off-flavours and off-odours
OriginPalm Kernel Oil (Fully Refined & Hydrogenated)
Processing TypeLauric-based, Non-Tempered, Trans-Fat Free

Quality Parameters

 
 
ParameterMethod / ReferenceSpecification
Slip Melting Point (SMP)AOCS Cc 3-2533.5 – 35.5°C (CBS 35 grade); 32 – 36°C (general range)
Iodine Value (Wijs)AOCS Cd 1d-921.0 max
Free Fatty Acid (as Lauric)AOCS Ca 5a-400.1% max
Peroxide ValueAOCS Cd 8b-900.5 meq/kg max
Moisture & ImpuritiesAOCS Ca 2c-250.1% max
Colour (Lovibond 5.25″ cell)AOCS Cc 13b-452.5 Red max
Shelf Life—18 – 24 months 

Solid Fat Content (SFC) Profile (Typical)

 
 
Temperature (°C)Solids Content (%)Method
10°C96 minAOCS Cd 16-81
20°C95 minAOCS Cd 16-81
25°C87 minAOCS Cd 16-81
30°C45 minAOCS Cd 16-81
35°C5 maxAOCS Cd 16-81
40°CNilAOCS Cd 16-81

Fatty Acid Composition (Typical)

 
 
Fatty AcidCarbon ChainSpecification (%)
Lauric AcidC12:044 – 54
Myristic AcidC14:015 – 18
Palmitic AcidC16:07 – 10
Stearic AcidC18:01 – 3
Oleic AcidC18:110 – 15
Linoleic AcidC18:21 – 3

 

Applications in Chocolate Compounds & Coatings

CBS is a key ingredient in compound chocolate and coatings for biscuits, wafers, and ice cream bars. Unlike cocoa butter, it requires no tempering, simplifying production. It provides a smooth, glossy finish and a clean, sharp melt in the mouth, while its excellent oxidative stability extends shelf life and prevents bloom.

Applications in Bakery Fillings & Creams

In bakery applications, CBS is used in cream fillings, biscuit fillings, and cake layers. Its semi-solid consistency provides structure and prevents oil separation, ensuring a smooth, uniform texture. It delivers a neutral flavour that allows other ingredients to shine, and its stability maintains product quality over time.

Applications in Ice Cream Coatings & Frozen Desserts

CBS is widely used in chocolate coatings for ice cream bars, cones, and frozen desserts. Its sharp melting point ensures a clean, rapid melt at body temperature, while its excellent gloss and snap enhance visual appeal. It also resists cracking and provides a moisture barrier, helping to maintain the quality of frozen products.

Applications in Candy & Confectionery Centres

CBS is employed in candy centres, nougats, caramels, and toffees. It acts as a mould release agent, preventing sticking during processing and contributing to shape retention. Its neutral taste allows intended flavours to dominate, and its stability ensures a long shelf life in confectionery products.

Packaging

Packaging TypeTypical Size / Capacity20ft Container Loading (Net Weight)
Cartons20 kg / carton1,125 cartons ≈ 22.5 MT
Cartons25 kg / carton900 cartons ≈ 22.5 MT
Food-grade Bags25 kg / bag≈ 22 MT (800 bags)

Certification

CertificationIssuing Body / Standard
MSPOMSPO 2.0 (MS2530:2022)
HalalJAKIM
KosherRecognized agencies (e.g., STAR-K)
ISO 9001International Organization for Standardization
ISO 14001International Organization for Standardization
GMPGood Manufacturing Practices