Cacao vs Cocoa
Today we share an article from our friends Naed Nutrition to help explain the differences
Today we share an article from our friends at Naed Nutrition to help explain the differences between Cacao and Cocoa. Did you think they were all the same? Well, not quite and here is why…
| Cacao | Cocoa | |
| What is? | Cacao is a raw superfood that comes from cacao beans. It is the purest form | Cocoa is cacao, roasted |
| What nutrients is it high in? |
|
Less of each nutrient when compared to cacao particularly fibre and healthy fats |
| Pros |
|
Slightly less health benefit due to heating procedure |
| Cons | Bitter and rich in flavour | Mostly teamed with high sugar, milk fats, hydrogenated oils and artificial flavourings in products |
| Most common forms |
|
Powder |
Which one do I pick?
The rawest form of the food is the best option. When making your own hot chocolates, smoothies, protein balls or dessert the raw cacao (organic if you can) is your best option in terms of health, longevity and a fat loss. Majority of cheap cocoa powders are going to be teamed with sugars. When choosing an item pre made, your cacao is always going to be better – just be sure to check what it is teamed with (hydrogenated oils / sugars etc.)
Keen to know more? Here’s another detailed article on the subject of cacao vs cocoa
If you just need a healthy chocolate fix – try our delicious Protein Balls recipe.
