Dawadawa/Iru is used as a seasoning to enhance the flavor of cooked dishes. The black cakes or spheres can easily be separated into pieces and tossed into soups or stews for added umami flavor. It pairs well with meats such as lamb, beef, and poultr, cinnamon, rosemary, nutmeg, and cloves.
 
In West Africa, Dawadawa is traditionally used to flavor okra soup, palm nut soup, bitter-leaf soup, melon soup, and alefu soup. It is also used in fakoye, and jollof.
 
Dawadawa/Iru are a good source of calcium, fats, and protein, and also contain some vitamin C, phosphorus, and potassium.