Have you ever used the word "cacao" instead of "cocoa"? No, this isn't a case of espresso and expresso. Cacao is not the same as cocoa - it refers to the unprocessed and raw form of cacao beans, which are used to make the cocoa powder in your favorite hot chocolate mix.
Keep reading, and we'll tell you what you need to know about Theobroma cacao, also known as "food of the gods".
Key Takeaways
- Cacao is the raw and unrefined form of cacao beans. Cacao pods can be made into cacao nibs, cacao butter, and more.
- Cocoa is the roasted form of cacao - that's what we use in our hot cocoa blends!
- Cacao has a variety of health benefits and is rich in iron, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants. Cacao can even benefit your mind and mood, especially when it's fashioned into a hot beverage.
See Related: What’s the Difference Between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa?
What Is Cacao?
Cacao, cocoa - what's the difference? First, let's go over what cacao is all about.
Cacao refers to cacao beans, which are taken from the Theobroma cacao tree. Cacao trees typically grow in the tropical regions of Africa, Central America, and South America, including countries like the Dominican Republic, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guatemala.
Many of us know that cacao begets cocoa, and cocoa begets chocolate - you know, the rich and delicious goodness that enthralls both children and adults alike.
So, how do you go from a bean to chocolate?
When the cacao beans are harvested from the cacao tree, the pods are opened, the seeds within are reserved, and the empty pods are discarded. These seeds are then fermented, and the cacao beans lose their purple hue and become a shade of brown.
Cacao pods contain a fruity pulp that is sweet and juicy, while the beans are more bitter and intense. However, the beans hold all the nutrients!
Our Definition of Cocoa Vs. Cacao
So, you know what cacao is, but what about cocoa? Are they the same? Different?
Simply put, cacao and cocoa are not the same thing. But people often use these words interchangeably, which can get confusing.
As we stated, cacao refers to the raw and unrefined form of cacao beans. When raw cacao beans are processed and roasted, they become cocoa beans!
These beans can then be used to make cocoa powder, chocolate bars, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, hot chocolate... you name it!
Cacao Nibs, Cacao Paste, Cacao Butter... Oh My!
If you've heard of cacao beans, odds are you've heard of cacao nibs.
Cacao nibs are basically chopped-up cacao beans - almost like little bits of chocolate, but without the added sugar (of course, you can add in your own sweetener, such as raw honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar).
Cacao nibs are just one of the many things that cacao beans can be made into. You can turn cacao beans into cacao powder, cacao paste, cacao butter, or chocolate. Who knew that a bean could become so much?
So, Where Does That Leave Chocolate?
It's time to go over how we turn a bitter cacao bean into a sweet chocolate bar.
The cacao we start with doesn't contain any sugar. In fact, it's rather bitter and intense.
But when you bite into a creamy chocolate bar or take a sip of your evening hot chocolate, it's soothing and delicious. This is because sweeteners, such as sugar or stevia, are added in the production process.
The Power of Cacao Powder
You know that cacao and cocoa are delicious treats for your taste buds.
But did you know that your entire body, not just your tongue, can benefit from this nutritious ingredient?
That's right - cacao is known for its assortment of nutritional benefits. It can even help your mental health, as it's a good source of alkaloids. Alkaloids are natural compounds that can help you calm down and de-stress.
So, let's break down the health benefits of cacao.
Fiber: Cacao is a great source of fiber, which can help maintain your digestive health.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants can reduce inflammation and damage in the body, and there are lots of them in cacao! In fact, cacao has around 40 times more antioxidants than blueberries.
Magnesium: Cacao is high in magnesium. Magnesium deficiencies are associated with cardiovascular or inflammatory diseases, so it's essential to maintain your intake of this mineral. Our Mindful Morning Cocoa Mix contains magnesium and ashwagandha to help you stay calm and relaxed.
Flavonoids: Cacao, cocoa, and chocolate all have very high levels of flavonoids. Flavonoids are bioactive compounds that support the body by regulating the digestion of carbohydrates.
On top of all of that, cacao even has more calcium than cow's milk and contains serotonin and anandamide, which can give you a mood boost. Plus, it can provide a sustained level of energy, rather than the quick bursts you get from coffee.
The Bottom Line
From raw cacao powder to a dark chocolate bar, there are many ways to indulge in this mood-boosting and mouth-watering bean.
Regardless of your methodology, be sure to take this moment to savor and unwind. Our mixes of hot cocoa and hot chocolate, made with organic cacao, are designed to promote mindfulness and encourage tranquility, helping you shed the stress of the day-to-day.
Keep Reading: Does Hot Chocolate Help You Sleep?
People Also Ask
Are cacao and cocoa the same?
The spellings might be very similar, but no, cacao and cocoa are not the same. Cacao refers to the raw, unprocessed form of the cacao bean, while cocoa refers to the roasted and processed form of these beans.
What does cacao do for your body?
There are many health benefits associated with cacao beans.
Cacao powder is packed with flavonoids that can help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and prevent blood clots. Cacao powder is also rich in antioxidants that are known to have an assortment of health benefits on their own.
Is cacao just dark chocolate?
No, not really! Cacao is the unprocessed form of the cacao bean, while dark chocolate usually contains cacao alongside other ingredients.
Does cacao contain caffeine?
Studies show that cacao contains 0.22% caffeine. Cacao does contain a slight amount of caffeine, but it is significantly lower than coffee or energy drinks.
So, if you're looking for a healthier alternative to your morning cup o' joe, then you're best off with this blend of hot cocoa, made with magnesium to encourage focus, mindfulness, and purpose.
--
Mindful Nutrition is a veteran-owned company with a passion for health and mental wellness. We use natural ingredients to support both body and mind, including melatonin, GABA, ashwagandha, and L-Theanine. Our hot cocoa blends are vegan, non-GMO, and plant-based, designed to promote relaxation, calmness, and better sleep. We utilize third-party testing on all products to ensure purity, quality, and safety. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
