Cacao is a magical ingredient that holds a special place in both the health and culinary worlds. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a health enthusiast, or someone simply looking to explore more plant-based foods, cacao is an ingredient that offers versatility, depth, and a multitude of benefits. But cacao isn’t just one product: it comes in many forms, each offering unique textures, flavors, and uses. In this blog post, we’ll dive into three of the finest forms of cacao from NaturaleBio: cacao powder, cacao nibs, and cacao beans. We’ll explore the differences between these three textures and explain the many benefits of each. Plus, we’ve included three fun and easy cacao recipes created by our amazing community so you can incorporate each one into your daily routine.

Cacao powder 

Cacao powder is the most refined form of cacao. After the cacao beans are harvested, they’re fermented and dried, then roasted before being processed into a powder. The beans are first crushed into nibs, then ground into a thick paste, which is pressed to separate the cocoa butter. What remains is the pure, dry cacao powder we use in baking, smoothies, and more.

NaturaleBio cacao powder is made from 100% organic, pure cacao beans. Our cacao powder is minimally processed, preserving all the cacao antioxidants and rich flavors that make cacao so special. Unlike many mass-produced powders, our cacao powder is only partially defatted, keeping its rich taste intact while ensuring it dissolves easily into liquids.

Why Cacao Powder is a powerhouse?

• Cacao powder is loaded with antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.

• Cacao contains compounds like theobromine and serotonin precursors, which promote a happy mood and energy levels without the jitters of caffeine.

• Our cacao powder is a great source of magnesium, which is essential for heart health, muscle function, and energy production.
  
  

Cacao Nibs

Cacao nibs are small, crunchy pieces of cacao beans, raw and minimally processed to retain their natural goodness. Unlike chocolate chips, cacao nibs don’t melt but rather provide a crunchy, slightly bitter bite that pairs perfectly with sweet dishes or smoothies.

NaturaleBio cacao nibs are raw and unprocessed, made from 100% organic cacao beans. Our nibs are ground from pure cacao beans, preserving all the natural nutrients and earthy flavor that make them a unique superfood. Unlike chocolate chips, cacao nibs are crunchy and retain their shape when added to recipes, making them an ideal addition to many dishes.

Why Cacao Nibs Are the Perfect Crunch:

• Cacao nibs are a great source of fiber, promoting gut health and satiety.
  

• Rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and iron, our cacao nibs pack a powerful punch of nutrients.
  

• The nibs provide a natural, sustainable energy boost without the sugar crash that often accompanies chocolate.
  
  

Cacao Beans

Cacao beans are the whole, unprocessed form of cacao, and they’re typically used to make all the other forms of cacao we know and love. These beans undergo fermentation and drying, which develop their complex flavors. Some varieties of cacao, such as Forastero or Criollo, offer slightly different flavor profiles based on their origin.

At NaturaleBio, our cacao beans are 100% organic and hand-processed to preserve their natural qualities. While they can sometimes vary in appearance and texture due to their organic nature, rest assured that every batch meets our rigorous quality standards. The beans retain all their natural antioxidants and minerals, making them a nutrient powerhouse.

Why cacao beans are the real deal:

• Cacao beans are packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and minerals like magnesium and iron.
  

• When you eat cacao beans, you’re consuming the most natural, pure, and raw form of cacao, with all its potent nutrients and flavors intact.
  

• Regular consumption of raw cacao has been linked to better heart health, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  
  

Choose your texture, choose your benefits

From the fine, versatile cacao powder to the crunchy cacao nibs and the raw power of cacao beans, each form offers its unique textures, flavors, and health benefits of cacao. Whether you're adding cacao powder to your smoothies, sprinkling cacao nibs on your granola, or snacking on raw cacao beans, you’re fueling your body with a nutrient-packed superfood.

So, what are you waiting for? Explore the different textures of cacao and discover new ways to incorporate this incredible superfood into your daily routine.

We believe in providing the highest-quality, organic cacao products for all your health and culinary needs. Our cacao is unrefined, raw, and free from any additives—just as nature intended. So, why not explore the different textures of cacao today and discover your favorite way to enjoy this incredible superfood?

After all these delicious benefits, let’s make something delicious!

Now that you know all about the amazing benefits of cacao, why not add these nutritional powerhouses to your meals in a delicious way? Below, we’ve crafted some easy recipes that incorporate this magical ingredient, making it simple for you to enjoy its full benefits while satisfying your taste buds. 

Healthy & 100% Organic Cocoa Chocolates

What you’ll need:

• Cacao powder
  

• Coconut oil
  

• Turmeric & matcha powder
  

• Honey
  
  

Instructions:

1. In a pan, combine the cacao powder, coconut oil, and honey. Heat over low heat until it melts and forms a smooth, velvety liquid.
   

2. Prepare small molds (ice cube trays or silicone molds work perfectly). Add a pinch of matcha or turmeric powder to the base of each mold.
   

3. Carefully pour the melted chocolate mixture into the molds, covering the powders.
   

4. Place the molds in the fridge and let the chocolates cool and set for at least 1 hour.
   

5. Once set, pop them out of the molds, and most importantly, ENJOY! 

For visual learners, check out the video recipe on our Instagram by clicking here!

Cacao Balls 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
  

• ½ cup nut butter (your choice of almond, peanut, etc.)
  

• ½ cup cacao powder
  

• 10 dates (or more for extra sweetness!)
  

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  

• ½ tsp salt
  
  

Instructions:

1. Place all the ingredients into a food processor and blend until well combined.
   

2. Once the mixture is smooth, use your hands or spoons to form small balls from the batter.
   

3. Arrange the balls on a parchment paper-lined tray or plate.
   

4. Pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set.
   

5. Enjoy your delicious, nutritious cacao balls!

Want to see it in action? Head to our Instagram for the full video recipe! Click here

Cacao-Coffee Latte 

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp organic cacao powder
  

• 1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup brewed coffee)
  

• ½ cup hot water
  

• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  

• Ice cubes (optional)
  

• Sweetener of choice (optional)
  
  

Instructions:

1. Mix the cacao powder with hot water in a small bowl until smooth. Add the espresso (or brewed coffee) and stir well.
   

2. Heat the milk of your choice until warm, then pour into the cacao coffee mixture and stir.
   

3. For a cold version, pour over ice cubes and stir.
   

4. Add sweetener if desired and enjoy your delicious cacao-coffee latte!
   
   

Curious to watch how it's done? Find the video recipe on our Instagram!