Want to sneak in some extra nutrition while indulging your chocolate cravings?
Enter cacao powder - the deep, rich, and slightly bitter cousin of cocoa powder that brings more than just flavor to the table.
Why Cacao?
Cacao powder is packed with polyphenols, natural compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that increasing dietary polyphenols may provide numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, reduced risk of heart disease and cancer, enhanced brain function and better gut health. (Also, cacao or chocolate anything = happiness. Am I right?)
Easy Ways to Add Cacao
Supercharge your smoothie
A tablespoon of cacao powder turns your morning blend into a velvety, chocolatey dream. Try it with banana, almond or peanut powder, your favorite protein powder, milk, and a splash of vanilla for an energy-boosting and nutritious treat.Mix into yogurt or your oats
Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust based on your palate and the other ingredients in your yogurt or oats. Fruits, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and even a dash of salt are enhancers to the added cacao.
Make your granola a little extra cacao-y
Toss cacao powder into your homemade granola mix before baking. It adds a subtle, dark chocolate vibe without the added sugar of chocolate chips. Bonus: The heat does not completely wipe out its polyphenols, so you still get the perks.Stir it into your morning (or midday) cuppa ritual
Mix cacao powder into warm milk (or a milk alternative) with a touch of cinnamon (and option sugar-free sweetener of choice) for a cozy, antioxidant-rich hot chocolate. This is one of my faves when I need a change up from plain ol’ water.Make a chocolate sauce to dip your fruit
I mean… helloooo chocolate-covered strawberries! A neighbor friend brought these as a “fruity dessert” recently and it was truly delightful, tasty, and fun.
Get savory
A pinch of cacao in chili or mole sauce adds unexpected depth. Think of it as your secret ingredient for richer, more complex flavors.
Cacao isn’t just about the taste. It’s a functional food with many benefits worth savoring. So go ahead: stir it, sprinkle it, and bake it into your routine!
A recent homemade granola going into the oven, mixed with cacao powder
Let me know the ways you incorporate cacao into your meals and snacks!
-Dina