How to Choose the Best Cacao Product for You

The seeds from the fruit of the Theobroma Cacao tree – also known as cacao (the source of all chocolate), offer a variety of products, each with unique qualities, uses, and benefits.

It can feel overwhelming when deciding which kind of cacao is best for you. This guide outlines the most common types of cacao products and provides tips to help you choose the best option based on your needs and intentions, whether it be for cacao ceremonies, or as a nutritional ingredient.

Cacao Powder

Cacao powder is one of the most widely available forms of cacao on the market. It is created through a process called “pressing,” in which cacao paste is subjected to pressure and often heat. This process separates the cacao butter (the fatty component) from the cacao solids, leaving a fine powder that is used in cooking and chocolatey drinks. When it is cold-pressed (also known as “raw”), it is usually called cacao powder. When it is heat-pressed, it is usually known as cocoa powder.

While cacao powder retains its signature chocolatey flavour, the pressing, particularly the heat-pressing, removes many fat-soluble nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as anandamide, theobromine, and phenylethylamine. These compounds are responsible for cacao’s mood-enhancing and energising effects. Without these active elements, cacao powder offers fewer health and well-being benefits associated with the less-processed forms of cacao.

That said, cacao powder has many merits. It still retains good levels of antioxidants, fibre and minerals, such as magnesium. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to add chocolatey flavours to smoothies, baked goods, or desserts without adding significant fat content. Without the cacao butter, it is also much more water-soluble. Cacao powder can be great for those prioritising convenience and flavour over nutrient density.

Cacao Nibs and Cacao Beans

Cacao nibs are essentially the middle ground between raw cacao beans (removed from the fruit and fermented) and processed cacao products. These small, crunchy pieces are made from cacao beans that have been fermented, lightly toasted and crushed into pieces that look like the nib of an old-fashioned fountain pen. Cacao nibs retain much of the bean’s natural goodness, including fibre, antioxidants, and some active compounds.

However, the quality of cacao nibs can vary significantly depending on the source and the type of cacao bean used. They may lack the consistency and nutrient density found in ceremonial-grade cacao, but they are still a versatile and nutritious option.

Cacao nibs are popular in health-conscious recipes, adding a crunchy texture and rich flavour to muesli, smoothie bowls, and raw desserts. They are also a great addition to a snacking nut/seed mix, having a nutty, earthy taste. They can be bitter on their own, but in a mix, they can add great flavour and nutrition, including being a great energy booster.

Their minimally processed nature makes them a step up from cacao powder in terms of nutrient retention, and they can be a good choice for those seeking a balance between flavour and health benefits.

Ceremonial Grade Cacao Paste

Ceremonial-grade cacao paste represents the pinnacle of cacao purity and potency. This product is made by grinding the fermented cacao beans into a paste, which is then set into bricks or slabs.

Unlike cacao powder, the paste retains the cacao butter, preserving the full spectrum of nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds.

What is “Ceremonial Grade Cacao”?

The term “ceremonial grade” carries specific criteria. To earn this designation, the cacao must:

Be farmed using organic practices.
Be derived from Criollo beans, a native cacao variety from Mesoamerican regions.
Be sourced from fair-trade suppliers.
Come from traditional cacao-growing areas, such as Peru, Guatemala, or Mexico.

Ceremonial-grade cacao is the least processed option, making it the most nutrient-dense and energetically potent choice. It is prized for its ability to enhance mood, focus, and overall well-being. This is ideal for those looking to incorporate cacao into a daily ritual or use it for its traditional ceremonial or spiritual purposes.

We only choose the highest quality ceremonial grade cacao for our cacao ceremonies.