physical/chemical modification process food alkalization process Treated with a solution of alkali (primarily potassium or sodium carbonate). In cacao, alkalization neutralizes acids and leads to changes in flavor and color. In fats and oils, treatment with alkali leads to saponification of free fatty acids; soap and alkali are then removed. alkalinized dutch processed http://www.langual.org/langual_thesaurus.asp?termid=H0206