Cacao vs. Cocoa - What’s the Difference?
If you love chocolate, you’ve probably seen the words cacao and cocoa thrown around. They sound pretty similar, right? But there’s actually a BIG difference between the two. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to digest.
Flavor and Processing
Cacao is basically chocolate in its purest form. It comes straight from the beans of the Theobroma cacao tree with minimal processing. This means cacao has a strong, bold flavor that can be a bit bitter and earthy. Think of it as the raw, intense version of chocolate.
Cocoa, on the other hand, gets roasted at high temperatures, which smooths out the flavor, making it milder and a bit sweeter. If you prefer a richer, more mellow taste, cocoa is your guy.
Health Benefits
When it comes to health benefits, cacao is a bit of a showoff. Because it’s less processed, it keeps more of its good stuff like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It’s packed with magnesium, iron, and flavonoids that are great for your heart, reduce inflammation, and can even provide a mood boost.
Cocoa still has health benefits too, just not as many as cacao since some nutrients are lost during the roasting process. But it’s still a good source of antioxidants.
Acidity
Another thing to consider is acidity. Cacao, being raw, is naturally more acidic. This gives it a sharp, tangy kick.
Cocoa is often treated to reduce its acidity, which makes it smoother and easier on the palate. This is called Dutch processing, and it’s why cocoa tastes less sharp compared to cacao.
Cost
Now let’s talk $$ money $$
Cacao is usually pricier than cocoa. The minimal processing and higher nutritional value make cacao more of a premium product.
Cocoa, being more processed and widely available, tends to be cheaper.
So there you have it! Whether you’re a fan of the intense, raw flavor of cacao or the smoother, milder taste of cocoa, knowing the differences can help you choose what’s best for your preferences and health.
Psst! Our Superfood Brownie Mix contains 100% Organic Cacao - check it out :o)