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    Home » Wellness Tips » Healthy Living Tips

    How To Use Raw Cacao Powder

    Modified: Mar 7, 2025 · Published: Jan 22, 2018 by Shelby Stover · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    Pinterest image: red and white cup with cacao powder hot chocolate in it and cinnamon sticks on the side
    Pinterest image: red and white cup with cacao powder hot chocolate in it and cinnamon sticks on the side
    Two images, a hot chocolate recipe and a chocolate ball with text below them.
    Chocolate bliss balls with caramel on them and text at the top of the image.

    The best way to curb a chocolate craving and boost your health, learn how to use raw cacao powder in your recipes! Unlike cocoa powder, raw cacao is a superfood in its own right as it's so nutritionally dense. Learn why you'll love it as well as how to work it into your diet and enjoy more chocolate!

    Cacao beans, squares of dark chocolate and cacao powder all in bowls and around them.

    As a Certified Nutrition Coach, we have a lot of staples in this house (bone broth powder, collagen, algae tabs) and one of the biggest is easily raw cacao powder.

    As a chocolate lover, cacao powder has become my go-to source to make everything chocolate. Though cocoa powder does work too, the way that they are processed is very different, and thus, their tastes and nutritional benefits are different.

    What Is Raw Cacao Powder

    Cacao beans are the purest form of chocolate that comes from the cacao plant (and then cacao beans). These beans are then fermented and roasted before being milled into cacao powder.

    This allows the cacao powder to retain so many of its nutritional benefits, living enzymes, and awesome, health-boosting properties.

    What Do Raw Cacao Beans Taste Like?

    Since cacao beans are chocolate in their purest form, it's pretty bitter. Even dark chocolate lovers like myself will want a sweeter flavor (I'm a sucker for 85% dark chocolate). This is where cocoa powder differs greatly.

    This means that when learning how to use cacao, you also need to figure out how to sweeten cacao to your liking.

    There are lots of different ways to do this (honey, maple syrup, coconut syrup, sugar, etc) it all depends on what flavor you're going for, how you're using cacao, and what your typical palate is used to.

    Most pure chocolate bars are a combination of cacao butter and butter. This is what makes chocolate creamy and delicious. but not sweet. Learning to play around in the kitchen can make it so creating your own chocolate is utterly simple.

    Fact: cocoa butter and cacao butter are the same things. Just referred to differently!

    Benefits Of Raw Cacao Powder

    As I mentioned, the benefits of cacao are plentiful. This chocolate powder is underused. When it is used, we load it with so many processed additives that it nixes the healthy benefits.

    However, here are a few fun eye-openers for you:

    • Super high in antioxidants: raw cacao has 40 times the antioxidant count than blueberries
    • One of the highest sources of plant-based iron. Since iron is a key component in our metabolism (it helps carry out certain enzymatic reactions) we really do need it
    • More calcium than cow milk: we definitely need calcium however we don't need cow's milk to get it. There are plenty of non-dairy sources that provide adequate amounts.
    • Contains a high amount of magnesium. I am a magnesium fanatic and actually use a magnesium powder from perfect Supplements because it's just that (learn more about the benefits of magnesium important.

    Cacao Vs Cocoa Powder For Baking

    So, if cacao is so amazing. What is cocoa powder? You can grab cocoa powder pretty cheap from Costco (yes, we do still use cocoa powder sometimes and it's one of my husband's favorite Costco buys).

    Cocoa powder is made from cacao beans being processed at a higher heat temperature.

    This doesn't seem like a big deal but the result is cocoa powder that has:

    • a sweeter taste
    • less live enzymes
    • reduced nutritional properties

    Thsi means that while cocoa powder and cacao powder can be interhcnaged evenly in baking, cocoa powder will have a sweeter taste. Coacao powder will require more sugar to balance out the bitterness.

    Really, cocoa powder is just a more processed form of cacao.

    One thing to note is that you can also use Dutch cocoa powder to bake with. Don't mistake this for cacao. Dutch cocoa powder is still cocoa powder. The difference is that it has been washed to reduce its acidity level.

    Pinterest image: red and white cup with cacao powder hot chocolate in it and cinnamon sticks on the side with text about ways to use cacao powder

    Is Cacao Powder Vegan?

    Yes! Cacao powder has not been processed with any filler ingredients and is totally raw. This means that it is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, and vegan.

    In fact, it's a great way to enjoy chocolate without any of the additional dairy! Learn more about dairy-free diet swaps.

    Where To Buy Cacao

    There are a lot of quality brands out there when it comes to ways to use cacao.

    My personal favorites are below. The reason that I opt for these particular bags of cacao is simply that I trust the brand.

    All three brands are very well known in the health community, their processing methods are high quality and I often use other products from them.

    However, at the end of the day, it's definitely your call!

    • Organic Traditions Cacao powder
    • Navitas Cacao Powder

    Frequently Asked Questions About Cacao And Cocoa Powder

    Which is better: cacao or cocoa powder?

    Nutritionally, cacao is better as it is the least processed of the two. However, cocoa powder will naturally be sweeter making it easier for some people to bake with.

    How do you use cacao beans?

    The powder can be mixed into baked goods, smoothies, overnight oats, and the like. It can also be used in no-bake desserts and to make homemade chocolate. However, it is naturally bitter tasting so there's often some trial and error to determine the best way to sweeten it.

    What are cacao nibs?

    Cacao nibs taste similar to raw cacao powder. Really, cacao nibs are just crushed pieces of the bean. Cacao nibs don't truly replace chocolate chips though as they're not sweet at all but they're a nice bit of crunch in smoothies and baked goods so long as there is additional sweetener.

    Easy Ways To Use Cacao

    Now that I've sold you on using it, you're probably wondering the best ways to use it! Truthfully, you can make just about anything chocolate flavor, it's more learning to play around with intensity.

    Keep in mind that cacao is potent. So more often than not, you don't need a lot of it. One tablespoon goes a long way!

    Fun fact: did you know you can GROW your own chocolate tree? I want to try this so badly. I'd be in heaven 🙂

    Below are cacao recipes you'll fall in love with.

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie
    Indulge and re-fuel with this creamy peanut butter cup smoothie! High in protein and made with only a handful of ingredients this smoothie is the perfect pick me up.
    Check out this recipe
    Chocolate peanut butter cup smoothie in mason jar topped with peanut butter bomb in it and red straws in it.
    Salted Chocolate Protein Powder Mug Cake
    Check out this recipe
    Chocolate protein pwoder mug cake topped with peanut butter and coconut whippe cream in a white mug on a blue linen.
    Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls With Dates (No-Bake Bliss Balls)
    Check out this recipe
    Featured image with text: chocolate coconut energy bits in a glass bowl with three energy balls beside the bowl and coconut around it
    Creamy Chunky Monkey Protein Shake With Caramel
    A gluten-free, vegan, classic smoothie recipe. This chunky monkey smoothie is creamy, thick, and makes a tasty post-workout fuel source.
    Check out this recipe
    Chunky monkey protein shake with caramel drizzled on top and chopped almonds on the shake and around it.
    Chocolate Bliss Balls With Dates [Paleo]
    Check out this recipe
    Chocolate balls with dairy-free caramel sauce piped onto them.
    Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Without Banana (whole30 approved)
    Check out this recipe
    hand holding a mason jar with a cherry smoothie topped with cherries, coconut whip and purple straws.
    Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding Recipe
    Check out this recipe
    Featured image with text: dairy-free chocolate pudding in a white ramekin with coconut whip cream on top and a spoon pulling out of the pudding
    Slow Cooker Paleo Hot Chocolate
    Check out this recipe
    White cup with paleo hot chocolate, candy canes, and marshmallows in it.
    Sticky Chocolate Protein Pudding Recipe
    Check out this recipe
    White ramekin on blue checkered linen with chocolate protein pudding and coconut cream in it and a spoon scooping some out with chocolate chips and collagen behind it
    Homemade Caramel Magic Shell For Ice Cream
    Check out this recipe
    Caramel magic shell being drizzled onto dairy-free ice cream in a peach bowl with chocolate chips behind it.
    Chocolate Protein Balls Without Peanut Butter [Dairy Free]
    Check out this recipe
    Chocolate protein balls drizzled with almond butter on parchment paper on a wooden cutting board with chocolate chips.
    High Protein Edible Brownie Batter
    Check out this recipe
    An apple slice being dipped into high protein edible brownie batter topped with chocolate chips in a white ramekin with more pretzels and apple slices around it.
    Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
    Check out this recipe
    Three chocolate almond butter cups stacked with more butter cups in red and green silicone muffin cups behind them and chocolate chips around them
    Dairy Free Keto Chocolate Fudge
    Check out this recipe
    Two fingers holding a piece of keto chocolate fudge up close with a bit out of it.
    Vegan Mug Brownie (Gluten-Free)
    Check out this recipe
    Chocolate brownie with chocolate chips in a white ramekin with coconut whip cream on top and a spoon in it.

    Using Cacao Powder In Skincare Products

    Because this powder has so many nutritional benefits, it's also great on your skin (learn more about the perks of cacao powder on the skin). one of the ways to use cacao powder I love most is making everything deliciously chocolate. use it for:

    • chocolate coffee scrubs
    • chocolate lip balm
    • Grapefruit body butter
    • hot chocolate lotion bars

    Skincare products are also one of the best ways to use cocoa butter as it gives lotions a creamier texture.

     

    More Every Day Healthy Living Tips

    • Beef tallow boiling in a slow cooker.
      How To Use Beef Tallow
    • Multiple high protein foods like steak, salmon, shrimp, and edamame in a wooden cutting board.
      Food Staples For A High Protein Diet [With Grocery list]
    • Top 4 Ways to Add Protein to Oatmeal
    • Smoothie in a jar with a straw and bananas, oats, and nuts around it.
      How To Eat 100 Grams of Protein A Day

    Comments

    1. Farrah says

      January 22, 2018 at 1:23 pm

      I have a bag of cacao powder I got not too long ago but haven't had a chance to use yet--can't wait to try these ideas out! :] I may be starting with the hot chocolate! 😛

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 22, 2018 at 9:08 pm

        Haha hot chocolate is definitely a win! I use it in my new chocolate chunky monkey smoothie too 😉 Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Joleisa says

      January 22, 2018 at 3:20 pm

      I must admit that ive not heard of that powder before. Have to do some research. It sounds healthie though so i wanna check it out. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 22, 2018 at 9:08 pm

        definitely look into it.. everyone loves chocolate!

        Reply
    3. Amanda says

      January 22, 2018 at 3:30 pm

      I've never used this so it was really helpful reading about all the ways to start using cacao powder! Thank you so much for sharing! Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 22, 2018 at 9:09 pm

        Glad I could help Amanda.. it makes everything so yummy!

        Reply
    4. Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete says

      January 23, 2018 at 12:16 am

      Some awesome tips and info, lady! Thank you!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 23, 2018 at 2:09 am

        No problem- it's one of my favorites!

        Reply
    5. Parth Rathod says

      January 24, 2018 at 4:43 pm

      It is yes tasty and is good for health
      thank you for sharing

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 24, 2018 at 9:51 pm

        My favorite kind of treat!

        Reply

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    I'm Shelby, a Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years helping women feel more comfortable in their skin though home strength training and healthy food- no diets, no shortcuts

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