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A Beginner’s Guide to Cacao Powder
By: Admin On: 10 February 2025
A great healthy chocolate alternative! Raw cacao powder is a must-have ingredient for any cupboard. We cover all the basics, so you can get the most from this natural superfood.
Raw cacao powder is a must-have ingredient for any cupboard. Whether you want to boost the nutritional value of your meals or add a touch of indulgent chocolate flavour, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to use.
From enhancing your morning smoothie to creating homemade treats, cacao opens up endless possibilities. And with its natural health benefits, it provides more than just a chocolate hit.
In this article, we cover all the cacao powder basics, so you can make informed choices about enjoying this natural superfood.
What is Cacao Powder?
Cacao powder is made from raw cacao beans (the seeds of the cacao tree) which are processed at low temperatures to preserve their nutrients.
Unlike cocoa powder, which is roasted, cacao powder retains more of the natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It has a rich, slightly bitter chocolate flavour, making it a popular choice for both sweet and savoury recipes.
Packed with nutrients and free from artificial additives, cacao is celebrated as a superfood for its potential health benefits and incredible versatility.
How is Cacao Powder Made?
Cacao powder is made through a careful process that focuses on preserving the natural nutrients of the cacao beans.
First, the raw cacao beans are harvested from the pods of the cacao tree and then fermented to develop their flavour. After fermentation, the beans are dried and gently processed at low temperatures to ensure they retain their nutritional content. Once dried, the beans are cracked and separated into nibs, which are then cold-pressed to remove the cacao butter. What remains is a nutrient-rich powder that is finely ground into the cacao powder we use.
This low-heat process helps preserve the natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that make cacao powder a sought-after superfood.
Why is Cacao Powder Good For You?
Cacao is packed with nutrients that can contribute to overall health and well-being.
It's an excellent source of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body and support cellular health. Rich in magnesium, cacao powder plays a vital role in muscle function, energy production, and maintaining a healthy heart. Additionally, it contains iron, which is essential for oxygen transport in the blood, and potassium, which supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure.
Cacao also contains natural compounds like theobromine and flavonoids, which are known to promote mood enhancement and brain health.
How Much Cacao Powder a Day for Health Benefits?
The recommended amount of cacao powder to consume daily for health benefits typically ranges between 1 to 2 tablespoons.
This amount provides a good balance of essential nutrients and natural compounds like flavonoids without overloading your diet with excess calories or caffeine. Keep in mind that moderation is key—while cacao offers numerous health benefits, consuming too much can lead to unwanted effects, such as increased sugar intake if paired with sweeteners.
Opt for unsweetened, raw, or minimally processed cocoa products to maximize the health benefits and ensure you’re enjoying it as part of a balanced diet.
How to Use Cacao Powder
Cacao powder is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of delicious ways.
Add cacao powder to smoothies for a chocolatey boost that pairs well with fruits like bananas or berries. You can also stir it into oatmeal or yogurt, giving your breakfast a rich, chocolatey flavour along with added nutrients.
Although cacao powder can be used in baking in place of cocoa, it is best used raw (or at low temperatures) to retain nutrients.
Whisking cacao powder into warm milk or a plant-based alternative is a great way to indulge chocolate cravings. You can add a touch of natural sweetener if you wish, but it is also great unsweetened.
Finally, you can sprinkle a little cacao powder into your coffee to create a mocha-style drink or blend it into energy balls with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a quick, nutrient-packed snack.
With a little creative thinking, there are endless ways to use cacao powder to create healthy alternatives to chocolate.
Tips for Balancing Flavour When Using Cacao Powder
Cacao powder has a naturally bold and slightly bitter flavour, so balancing it out can really enhance your recipes. Here are some tips to get the most out of its unique taste.
Pair it with natural sweeteners
Ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or mashed bananas can complement cacao powder’s bitterness while adding a touch of natural sweetness.
Use creamy ingredients
Blending cacao powder with items like almond butter, coconut cream, or avocados can help mellow the bitterness and create a smoother, richer flavour profile.
Add a pinch of salt
A small amount of salt can bring out the cacao’s natural flavour and subtly tone down any overwhelming bitterness.
Combine with spices
Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder add complexity and balance to cacao-based dishes.
Try adding a whole vanilla pod to your stored cocoa powder, to add a hint of sweetness.
Pair with fruits
Sweet fruits like ripe berries, oranges, or even dates pair wonderfully with cacao powder and help create a naturally well-rounded flavour.
With these tips, you can create delicious cacao-based treats that highlight its unique flavour without letting the bitterness overpower the dish.
Buying and Storing Cacao Powder
When it comes to buying and storing cacao powder, a little knowledge goes a long way in ensuring you get the best quality and retain its rich flavour for longer.
Where Can I Buy Cacao Powder?
You can find cacao powder at most grocery stores, typically in the baking aisle or health food section. It’s also widely available at speciality health food stores and organic markets.
If you prefer shopping online, numerous retailers and brands offer cacao powder on websites like Amazon, Thrive Market, and other health-oriented platforms. When purchasing, look for cacao powder labelled as “raw” or “minimally processed” to ensure you’re getting a product with maximum nutrients and pure flavour.
Organic and fair-trade options are also worth considering for high-quality, ethically sourced cacao.
Our cacao powder is raw and organic, and available to buy online with bulk buy savings.
How to Store Raw Cacao Powder
To keep your raw cacao fresh and flavorful, it’s important to store it properly.
Always keep your cacao powder in an airtight container to protect it from moisture and contaminants. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat, as exposure to these elements can degrade its quality and taste over time (the pantry or a kitchen cabinet works perfectly for this purpose). Also, make sure the lid is securely closed after each use to prevent clumps from forming due to humidity.
Proper storage will help maintain the powder’s rich flavour and nutritional benefits for months.
A Final Word
As we have seen raw cacao is a versatile and nutritious addition to any pantry. Used unsweetened, especially when mellowed by dairy or other creamy ingredients, it provides the ideal sugar-free chocolatey hit.
By choosing high-quality raw organic cacao and storing it correctly, you can ensure that it remains fresh and packed with nutrients. Why not explore the possibilities and enjoy incorporating this superfood into your daily routine? It’s a small change that can make a big difference!
Keen to learn more about why some foods earn superfood status? Read our in-depth article 'What Are Superfoods?'
Take a look at our cacao products, or explore our larger range of superfood smoothie ingredients.