Why Choose Cacao Over Cocoa?

When you're craving something sweet, choosing between cacao and cocoa might be difficult. They both come from the Theobroma cacao tree, but their flavours, nutritional profiles, and processing methods are very different. Keep reading to find out why pure cacao powder is better for your health, energy, mood and the planet than cocoa!

"When we heal the Earth, we heal ourselves."
- David Orr

Main Themes:

Understand the different ways cacao beans are processed to produce high-quality cacao powder or sweeter confectionary items
Whether you’re a lover of the intense, authentic taste of cacao or the comforting, familiar flavour of cocoa, knowing their stories enriches your experience, allowing you to choose mindfully!
Incorporating cacao into your life will open up a world of flavour, joy, and nourishment. Read on to discover our list of delicious ways to add Sacred Taste Cacao into your daily life!

1. Understanding the Difference

Cacao and cocoa originate from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, a plant native to the deep tropical regions of the Amazon rainforest, which now grows across the world. However, the journey from bean to bar is complex, leading to vast variation in quality, flavour, nutritional profile and environmental impact. Learn more about the difference your choice makes in our article 'Cacao or Cocoa? And Why It Matters.'

**2. Nutritious and Delicious**

Pure Ceremonial Grade Cacao, whether paste or powder, retains its nutrients because its processing is non-invasive. Unroasted beans - yes, no high heat involved - are simply cold-pressed and ground into a paste or powder form. This method keeps the living enzymes intact and only removes the fat, known as cacao butter. The result is an ancient, raw superfood positively loaded with nutrients, offering a rich and bitter chocolate flavour.

Cocoa, by contrast, undergoes a transformation. The beans are roasted at high temperatures, a process that alters their molecular structure, reducing the nutritional value. High-processed sugars and fats are then added. This method gives cocoa its signature sweetness, which is what finds its way into our hot chocolates, brownies, and cakes.

The difference in processing leads to a significant nutritional divergence between cacao and cocoa. Cacao preserves its high levels of antioxidants, minerals, and other beneficial compounds, making it a superfood. It’s a powerhouse of flavonoids, magnesium, and other nutrients that play a crucial role in supporting our health. Whether you’re a lover of the intense, authentic taste of cacao or the comforting, familiar flavour of cocoa, knowing their stories enriches your experience, allowing you to choose mindfully between them!

3. Delicious Ways to Try Cacao

Making the switch to a healthier alternative can be hard, which is why we've created a list of delicious ways to incorporate Sacred Taste Cacao into your daily meals!

Cacao latte: This is our favourite way to enjoy cacao, as a tasty beverage! Simply stir your favourite Sacred Taste Cacao flavour until smooth and creamy and enjoy as a morning ritual or afternoon pick-me-up! Watch our video tutorial on how to prepare it here.

Try baking! You can substitute cocoa powder for cacao powder in any baking recipe. You may want to add a little extra sweetener such as honey or maple syrup, if you're still adjusting to the slightly more bitter flavour. The result is a healthier way to enjoy chocolate! Check out our Sacred Recipes for inspiration.
Moments of mindfulness: Another reason we love cacao is because it's rich in meaning. Create sacred pauses in your day to enjoy cacao and appreciate the world around you. Because it boosts our brain and heart health, cacao is a wonderful complement to movement, meditation and practices such as mindful journalling.

Incorporating cacao into your life will open up a world of flavour, joy, and nourishment. Whether it’s a morning latte or a decadent baked treat cacao enriches us from the inside out.

4. Conclusion: Taste the Difference

The choice between cacao and cocoa is about more than taste, but we know that once you've tried our delicious range of flavours you will never look back! Unlike processed cocoa, raw cacao preserves high levels of magnesium, known to support heart health and promote relaxation, while flavonoids strengthen your immune system and fight inflammation. Essentially cacao powder is a nutrient powerhouse packed with antioxidants, minerals, and compounds that can uplift your mood, energy, and wellness. So, next time you reach for something sweet, remember the difference and discover how this mindful choice can support both your health and a healthier planet!

TRY SACRED TASTE CACAO TODAY!

Author: Laura Roberts
Last edit: 28 October 2024