Cacao powder is made by cold-pressing cacao beans and removing the fat (cacao butter). What's left is a powder full of beneficial compounds like flavanols, theobromine, and magnesium.
Cacao powder is different from cocoa powder in that it's less processed and contains more of the original nutritional compounds from the whole cacao bean. While cocoa powder is used for baking, cacao powder is better for health.
Cacao powder has become popular due to its health benefits. It's an antioxidant powerhouse that may improve heart and brain health, blood flow, inflammation, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Cacao also contains stimulants to boost energy and mood.
With many cacao powder options available, it can be tricky to know which one to buy. This buying guide covers what to look for when purchasing cacao powder. We'll explore how cacao powder is made, its uses, and factors like quality, taste and cost.
Berrilys Cacao Powder
Berrilys Cacao Powder is a premium quality, 100% pure and natural cacao powder. It is made from the finest certified organic cacao beans grown in volcanic soil in Turkey. This organic cacao powder has a rich chocolate flavor that is perfect for making chocolate desserts, drinks, and more.
Unlike other types of cacao, Berrilys Cacao Powder is never heated above 118°F to preserve its nutrients and true chocolate taste. It contains higher amounts of healthy oils than other cacao powders, increasing its decadent smoothness.
Key Features:
- USDA Certified Organic
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
- No added sugars or preservatives
What We Like:
- Rich chocolate taste
- Smooth texture
- Sustainably sourced
- Provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
Sunfood Superfoods Cacao Powder
Sunfood Superfoods Cacao Powder is made from the finest certified organic Arriba Nacional cacao beans. This elite heirloom cacao variety comprises less than 1% of global cacao production. The rare Arriba Nacional cacao trees can only grow in intact rainforest environments, which helps incentivize rainforest conservation.
This raw cacao powder is sun-dried and processed at low temperatures to preserve nutrients. It has a robust, rich chocolate flavor that adds superfood nutrition to smoothies, hot chocolate, desserts, and more. Sunfood's cacao powder contains one of the highest antioxidant levels of any food.
Key Features:
- USDA Organic
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
What We Like:
- Provides antioxidants
- Boosts mood and energy
- Ethically and sustainably sourced
- Intensely rich chocolate flavor
NOW Foods Cacao Powder
NOW Foods Organic Raw Cacao Powder is sourced from heirloom cacao beans grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil in Peru. The beans are slowly sun-dried instead of roasted to retain all their valuable nutrients and intense chocolate flavor. This cacao powder contains naturally occurring polyphenols and flavonols, making it a true superfood.
NOW Foods partners with Peruvian farmers in a fair trade program that promotes sustainability and strong community ties. Their organic cacao powder offers the nutritional benefits and rich taste of dark chocolate without any added sugar or unhealthy ingredients.
Key Features:
- USDA Organic
- Non-GMO
- Raw
- Fair trade
What We Like:
- High in antioxidants
- Pure, intense chocolate flavor
- Ethically and sustainably sourced
- Versatile for recipes
Addictive Wellness Cacao Powder
Addictive Wellness Raw Cacao Powder is made from rare heirloom Arriba Nacional cacao beans grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil in Ecuador. This premium organic cacao variety comprises less than 1% of global production. The beans are sun-dried and processed at low temperatures to preserve nutrients and chocolate flavor. Small batch processing ensures this cacao powder is free of mold and mycotoxins.
Addictive Wellness uses the same elite cacao trees for their chocolate bars and powder. As soon as you open the bag, you'll recognize the rich chocolate aroma. The cacao has a robust, smooth flavor that shines in desserts, smoothies, and hot chocolate.
Key Features:
- USDA Organic
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Tested for mycotoxins
What We Like:
- Pure, intense chocolate flavor
- Provides antioxidants
- Sustainably and ethically sourced
- Versatile usage
Z Natural Foods Cacao Powder
Z Natural Foods Organic Extra Rich Cacao Powder is made from heirloom trinitario cacao beans and contains one of the highest antioxidant levels of any food. This cacao powder from Switzerland has 20-22% fat content, giving it an incredibly smooth, rich chocolate flavor.
Z Natural Foods' cacao powder is USDA organic, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher. It has over 300 identifiable nutrients and is traditionally known as a natural energizer and mood enhancer. This versatile superfood can be used to make healthy desserts, smoothies, chocolate milk, and more.
Key Features:
- USDA Organic
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Kosher
What We Like:
- Provides antioxidants
- Naturally energizing
- Rich, smooth chocolate flavor
- Ethically sourced from small farms
Terrasoul Superfoods Cacao Powder
Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Cacao Powder is made from certified organic cacao beans grown in environmentally sustainable conditions. This cacao powder is raw, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. It has an intensely rich chocolate flavor that can be used to make healthy chocolate treats, smoothies, hot cocoa, and chocolate desserts.
Terrasoul Superfoods oversees its entire supply chain to ensure product quality and fair working conditions. The cacao beans are never roasted above 118°F to preserve nutrients. This cacao powder provides antioxidants, minerals, and natural energy-boosting compounds like theobromine.
Key Features:
- USDA Organic
- Raw
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
What We Like:
- Rich chocolate flavor
- Retains nutrients
- Ethically and sustainably sourced
- Provides antioxidants and minerals
NOW Foods Cacao Powder
NOW Foods Organic Raw Cacao Powder is made from heirloom Peruvian cacao beans grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil. The beans are sun-dried instead of roasted to retain nutrients and intense chocolate taste. This cacao powder naturally contains antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonols.
NOW Foods partners with farmers through fair trade programs promoting sustainability and community well-being. Their organic cacao powder has an unadulterated chocolate flavor that can be used in smoothies, desserts, hot chocolate, and more.
Key Features:
- USDA Organic
- Raw
- Fair trade
- Non-GMO
What We Like:
- Pure chocolate flavor
- High in antioxidants
- Sustainably and ethically sourced
- Retains nutrients from sun-drying
Sunfood Superfoods Cacao Powder
Sunfood Superfoods Organic Cacao Powder is made from rare heirloom Arriba Nacional cacao beans comprising less than 1% of global production. This cacao variety grows in intact rainforest, helping support conservation efforts.
Sunfood's cacao powder is minimally processed at low temperatures to preserve nutrients and rich chocolate flavor. It contains high levels of antioxidants and natural compounds for energy and mood enhancement. This versatile superfood adds nutrition to smoothies, hot chocolate, baked goods, and more.
Key Features:
- USDA Organic
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
What We Like:
- Rare heirloom cacao variety
- Rich chocolate taste
- Provides antioxidants
- Sustainably and ethically sourced
Addictive Wellness Cacao Powder
Addictive Wellness Raw Cacao Powder is made from rare organic heirloom Arriba Nacional cacao beans grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil in Ecuador. This elite cacao variety comprises less than 1% of global production. The beans are sun-dried and minimally processed to preserve nutrients and robust chocolate flavor.
Small batch processing ensures this cacao powder is free of mold and mycotoxins. Addictive Wellness uses the same premium cacao trees for their powder and chocolate bars. This versatile cacao adds antioxidant nutrition to smoothies, desserts, hot chocolate, and more.
Key Features:
- USDA Organic
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Tested for mycotoxins
What We Like:
- Rare heirloom cacao beans
- Intense chocolate flavor
- Provides antioxidants
- Sustainably and ethically sourced
Volupta Cacao Powder
Volupta Organic & Fair Trade Cacao Powder is made from organic cacao beans sourced through fair trade co-ops. This cacao powder is roasted and processed in the Netherlands and France to create an unsweetened superfood with delicious dark chocolate flavor.
Volupta's cacao powder retains the fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants found naturally in cacao beans. It can be swapped 1:1 for cocoa powder in any recipe and has a rich yet lighter chocolate taste. This organic cacao powder is perfect for healthy smoothies, hot chocolate, and chocolate desserts.
Key Features:
- USDA Organic
- Vegan
- Fair trade
What We Like:
- Retains cacao's natural nutrients
- Smooth, rich chocolate flavor
- Ethically and sustainably sourced
- Versatile for recipes
Buying Guide for Cacao Powder
When buying cacao powder, here are the key things to consider:
Type of Cacao
There are three main varieties of cacao beans used to make cacao powder:
- Criollo - The rarest and most expensive type of cacao. It has a complex flavor with notes of fruit and nuts. Criollo cacao has the highest concentrations of flavonoids.
- Forastero - The most widely grown type of cacao. Forastero is hardier and has a stronger chocolate flavor than Criollo. It contains moderate levels of flavonoids.
- Trinitario - A hybrid of Criollo and Forastero. Trinitario strikes a balance between flavor and disease resistance. Its flavonoid content is between Criollo and Forastero.
Criollo cacao powder will provide more health benefits, but it is pricier. Forastero is generally more affordable and has better availability.
Processing Method
There are two main processing methods for making cacao powder:
- Unprocessed - Made by cold-pressing raw cacao beans to remove fat and then grinding them into a powder. Unprocessed cacao has the most antioxidants and nutrients.
- Processed - Involves roasting the cacao beans before pressing and grinding. May be processed with alkali (Dutch process). Roasted cacao has more developed chocolate flavor but fewer antioxidants.
Unprocessed raw cacao powder is the healthiest option since it retains more natural compounds. Processed cacao powder has richer chocolate taste.
Organic or Conventional
Cacao can be grown organically without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers or conventionally with industrial farming methods.
Organic cacao is preferred for avoiding chemical residues. But organic certification can be expensive, so small farms may grow cacao sustainably without the official organic label.
Additives
Check the label for other ingredients added to cacao powder like sugar, milk powder, soy lecithin, etc.
100% cacao or cacao as the only ingredient is best to avoid additives. But some brands add natural sweeteners like coconut sugar that may be acceptable.
Region
Some regions known for quality cacao beans include:
- Central America - Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua
- South America - Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela
- West Africa - Ghana, Ivory Coast
- Southeast Asia - Indonesia, Philippines
Cacao from Central or South America tends to have the most robust flavor. But great cacao can come from anywhere when grown and produced with care.
Taste
Since cacao powder contains no sugar, the natural taste can be bitter and earthy. Higher quality cacao has richer chocolate flavor notes.
You can blend cacao powder into smoothies, baking recipes, and beverages like hot cocoa. Combining cacao with natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup improves flavor if the bitterness is too strong.
Key Takeaway: When buying cacao powder, look for types made from Criollo or Trinitario cacao, unprocessed raw cacao, organic and sustainably grown, single ingredient, and fair trade.
FAQ
Is cacao powder gluten-free?
Yes, cacao beans are naturally gluten-free. Pure cacao powder without any additives is gluten-free and safe for gluten-intolerant diets. But check labels for gluten containing ingredients if the cacao powder has additives.
Does cacao powder go bad?
Cacao powder can last 1-2 years stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Natural oils in cacao powder can go rancid over time, so refrigerating it can extend shelf life. Signs of spoiled cacao powder include faded color, musty aroma, and loss of flavor.
Is cacao powder acidic?
Cacao powder has an alkalizing effect on the body despite having acidic pH before consumption. The minerals in cacao powder create a more alkaline environment in the body. So cacao can help neutralize acids and prevent acid reflux.
How much cacao powder per day is healthy?
1-2 tablespoons (5-15 grams) of cacao powder per day provides health benefits from the antioxidants and nutrients without being excessive. Consuming more than 30 grams daily may cause side effects like caffeine jitters due to the stimulants. It's best to start with low doses and increase slowly.
Does cacao powder need to be heated?
No, cacao powder does not require heating. In fact, raw cacao powder retains more nutrients when unheated. You can blend cacao powder into smoothies, shakes, yogurt, oatmeal, etc. without heating it. Just avoid extremely hot liquids to preserve the nutrients and flavonoids.
What's the difference between cacao and cocoa powder?
Cacao powder is less processed than cocoa powder for a more natural nutritional composition. Cacao is cold-pressed and unroasted, while cocoa undergoes higher heat and alkalization. Cacao has higher antioxidant levels and richer flavor, while cocoa has a more mellow chocolate taste better for baking.
Conclusion
Cacao powder provides impressive health benefits when chosen wisely. Opt for raw, organic cacao powder made from quality cacao beans. Criollo and Trinitario varieties offer the most nutrients and antioxidants. Unprocessed cacao retains natural compounds better than Dutch-processed. Check the label to avoid unnecessary additives.
Taste and add natural sweeteners to improve the flavor of bitter cacao powder. Smoothies, oatmeal, and hot cocoa are great ways to enjoy cacao powder. Take 1-2 tablespoons daily to improve cardiovascular and cognitive health, blood sugar regulation, mood, and more.
High-quality cacao powder is a nutritious superfood that can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation.
Key Takeaway: Choose raw, organic, unprocessed cacao powder from reputable brands for maximum health benefits. Add to smoothies, oatmeal and other foods for an antioxidant and nutrient boost.
Resources:
- Imlak'esh Organics: This website offers nutrient-rich cacao powder packed with antioxidants, minerals, and feel-good alkaloids. It can be added to smoothies, hot drinks, and various recipes.
- Vera Mexicana: This online store provides organic cacao powder made from a delicious blend of local cacao varieties that have been roasted, giving it a rich flavor and beautiful aroma.
- Erewhon - Addictive Wellness: Order raw cacao powder made from organic heirloom Arriba Nacional cacao beans. It is vegan and gluten-free, making it a healthy choice.
- Erewhon - Navitas Organics: This website offers organic cacao powder made from certified organic cacao beans. It is vegan, gluten-free, and a superfood powder with a rich, chocolatey flavor.
- WebMD: Learn about the health benefits, nutrients, and more of cacao powder. Find out how it can help with everything from reducing inflammation to improving digestion.