Cacao and Cocoa: What is the Difference?

Cacao vs Cocoa: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever made hot chocolate, you know cocoa powder is essential to that classic chocolaty taste. But lately, cacao powder has been making waves as a healthier alternative to traditional cocoa. So what’s really the difference between cacao vs cocoa? The answer lies in how the beans are processed.

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What is Cacao?

Both cocoa and cacao powders start with the same bean from the Theobroma cacao tree, native to Central and South America. These trees produce large pods filled with sweet pulp and cacao beans — the starting point for our beloved chocolate.

Once harvested, the beans are ready to be transformed into either cacao or cocoa powder.

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How They’re Processed: Cacao vs Cocoa

• Cacao powder is made from fermented beans that are dried and cold-pressed. This preserves much of the natural flavor, antioxidants, and nutrients found in raw cacao.

• Cocoa powder is made from fermented beans that are then roasted at high temperatures, which gives them a sweeter, more mellow chocolate flavor but also reduces some of the antioxidants.

Bottom line: cacao = cold-pressed & nutrient-rich, cocoa = roasted & smoother in flavor.

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5 Reasons We Love Cacao Powder

1. Cacao is a natural stress reliever.
It’s high in magnesium and valeric acid — nutrients that help relax the nervous system and reduce stress. (No wonder chocolate feels like a hug in a mug!)

2. Cacao energizes without the crash.
Thanks to its theobromine content, cacao provides a smooth, coffee-like boost without the jitters. Learn more about theobromine here.

3. Cacao supports gut health.
With about 3.6g of fiber per two tablespoons, cacao promotes a healthy digestive system and nourishes your gut microbiome.

4. Cacao helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Cacao is rich in flavonoids — plant compounds shown to support heart health and reduce blood pressure.

5. Cacao curbs sugar cravings.
Magnesium and serotonin-boosting compounds help stabilize insulin levels and reduce snack-time temptations.

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How to Enjoy Cacao Powder

Historically, the Maya and other Mesoamerican civilizations drank cacao as a sacred beverage, believing it to be the “food of the gods.” Today, cacao is a versatile superfood you can add to smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, or your morning drink.

At Daybreak Cacao, we love including raw cacao in our Morning Mix, which blends functional mushrooms and superfoods for a healthy, energizing start to the day. Unlike sugar-packed hot chocolate, a mug of cacao delivers lasting energy and rich, earthy flavor.

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Key Takeaway: Cacao vs Cocoa

Both cacao and cocoa have their place, but cacao powder retains more nutrients thanks to its minimal processing. If you’re looking to upgrade your hot chocolate or baking recipes with a healthier option, cacao is the way to go.