Comparing The Health Benefits Of Cacao Versus Cocoa Powder

Cacao and cocoa are terms sometimes used interchangeably. In most instances, cacao is used when referring to cacao beans, and cocoa is used to describe the powder made from ground cacao beans. Cacao beans are actually seeds taken from pod-like fruits. They are used to make chocolate products like cocoa. Cocoa powder is produced by grinding the cacao seeds after most of their fat content is removed. This fat is used to make cocoa butter. Cacao seeds also have to be dried, roasted, and fermented before they can be ground into cocoa powder. The word cacao is typically used by chocolatiers and makers of cacao bean products when the seeds are raw or if they have little or no processing. Cocoa powder is much sweeter than cacao, and it’s better for baking. Cacao contains more antioxidants and nutrients because it doesn’t require processing like cocoa powder does.