What is the difference between Cacao Powder vs Cocoa Powder?

There are several key differences between cacao powder vs cocoa powder. Here are the differences between the two: 

Processing Method 

Cacao powder is processed differently than cocoa powder. They are typically made from raw cacao beans and are cold-pressed to remove fat, also known as cacao butter. Through this processing method, the nutrients of cacao are preserved, making it a superfood. Since cacao powder doesn’t undergo any form of roasting, it’s known as ‘raw cacao’. 

Cocoa powder is also made from cacao beans, but are roasted at high temperatures, between 120 and 150 degrees. Thus, some of the nutrients are destroyed during the roasting process. After the cacao beans are roasted, they undergo fermentation, dried and ground into cocoa powder. 

Flavour 

Cacao powder has a bitter, intense taste as they are raw and go through minimal processing. The overall taste is earthy and bold. 

For cocoa powder, the cacao beans are roasted at high temperatures, the flavour of cocoa powder will be significantly different and has a slightly sweeter taste. This is because roasting removes the bitterness of cacao beans, offering a smooth and mellow flavour.

Nutritional Profile 

As mentioned earlier, during the processing method, cacao powder contains more nutrients than cocoa powder as it doesn’t undergo roasting. Thus, cacao powder is rich in antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, iron and fibre. 

Although cocoa powder is processed through roasting and loses some nutrients along the way, it is still nutritious and offers numerous health benefits. For instance, it is rich in iron and fiber, making it a great addition to one’s daily diet. 

Usage Content

Cacao powder is usually used to create a deep, bold chocolate taste such as in raw chocolate beverages, desserts or smoothies. Cocoa powder, on the other hand, offers a sweeter taste and is used for typical baked goods recipes such as cakes, brownies and cupcakes. 

Are Cacao Nibs The Same As Cacao Powder?

Don’t confuse cacao nibs with cacao powder. While cacao nibs are also made from dried cacao beans, they didn’t undergo the process of pressing out fats and ground into powder. Instead, they are small and chopped up crunchy pieces of whole cacao beans that are used on their own as toppings or snacks.

Explore Our Collections Of Cacao Powder

If you wish to start incorporating cacao powder into your daily diet, consider going for our Organic Raw Cacao Powder made from organic unroasted cacao beans. We also have the Organic Raw Cacao Bliss Gift Set containing cacao powder, cacao nibs and sweet cacao nibs, perfect for someone who wish to get the best of everything cacao.